Solved Problems with Windows Updater and VERY limited data allowance

[kcm6735]

Hello. I've got a Dell Vostro 3700 laptop with Windows 7 Pro.
Also running Norton 360.
Have FINALLY gotten the PC settings to where the windows will download. That's where the problem comes in. I have a limited data allowance via cellular. I have(now, had) a surplus this month of about 1.5 gig. That is quickly being eaten up by the Windows Updater. Problem is, out of the 224 Critical updates it says I need, I selected 10 to start with (DE-selected the rest!). These 10 were not very large files. This is what was selected:
1) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.1 on Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 for x64-based Systems (KB2604115) - 23.1MB
2) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.1 on Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 for x64-based Systems (KB2656356) - 4.1MB
3) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.1 on Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 for x64-based Systems (KB2729452) - 13.0MB
4) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.1 on Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 for x64-based Systems (KB2736422) - 331KB
5) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.1 on Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 for x64-based Systems (KB2742599) - 8.0MB
6) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.1 on Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 for x64-based Systems (KB2789645) - 4.5MB
7) 2840631) - 256KB
8) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.1 on Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 for x64-based Systems (KB2861698) - 533KB
9) 2894844) - 4.3MB
10) Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.1 on Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 for x64-based Systems (KB2911501) - 607KB

I was trying to keep tabs on how much filesize difference there was in C://Windows/SoftwareDistribution, and I finally shut things down when there had shown over a 1 gig difference. I entered the folder while it was downloading and saw LOTS of files with the current date and time having been downloaded. Now that I interrupted the update, there is a ReportingEvents.log file that is 699KB.

A while back, this laptop did another strange thing - it did an unauthorized Full System Restore. Unfortunately, I had not backed up the hdd since getting the PC - it had a fresh Windows 7 install when I got it and included MS Word. After the Full System Restore, there was no more evidence of MS Word ever having been on the unit. So, I have since purchased a used MS Word (Office Home & Student 2007).

I just cannot seem to figure this thing out. Have had multiple computers over the past 20 years - never had a problem with any of them. Never visit "bad" websites - and have the following installed to assist me in keeping it that way:
Unchecky
Malewarebytes (free)
Norton 360 (purchased)
Images On/Off add-on for Firefox
ublock

Have the same setup on an HP desktop with Win 7 (not Pro) and have no problems of ANY kind with updates. That PC is secured to the hilt, or as near as I can make it using what I have to work with.

Any (beneficial) help would be GREATLY appreciated!

kcm

 

[rvcjew]

Since you have a data cap this will be annoying but you can google the KB numbers and it will give you those files to download individually from Microsoft. For instance KB2604115 https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2604115

 

[kcm6735]

rvcjew - THANK YOU!!! Hoping right now that the data number doesn't keep climbing from earlier - is now dangerously close to my cap.

Will be trying a few other things that I've read on 7forums, but can't until after midnight tonight.

Question - is it possible to download the individual files using my primary internet PC and then transfer them to the laptop? Or would the files try to install on the other PC?

Thanks again!
kcm

 

[rvcjew]

Yes you can download them like that, it just gives you exe's to run, just make sure you pick the right type of architecture for your pc your gonna install it on (x86, x64 ect).

 

[kcm6735]

rvcjew -Again, thank you. Data time has now reset for another month, so maybe I can finally get "something" working here.

Am relatively new to Win 7, as well as to internet after being without it for abut 15 years. ...Not too sure I missed it, but folks like you have me wanting to keep coming back.

Kudos. Will let you know how everything turns out!

kcm

 

[rvcjew]

Hope it goes well for you. I take it the pc with unlimited bandwidth is in another location?

 

[kcm6735]

UNlimited bandwidth?!?!? ROFL I'm lucky to have cellular internet out here! We live too far out to even have a landline phone installed - unless we wanna shell out several thousand $$$'s. Used to be we had to have an outdoor Yagi antenna, an indoor booster, AND we had to practically stand on our head in a south-facing window just to get a cell signal.....1/2 of the time! Now it's just a little box that sits in the south window and provides voice (via standard cordless phones) and WiFi/LAN connection. We've moved up in the world!!

We're so far out that a top-of-the-line smartphone can't even make/receive text messages most of the time. Nearest neighbor is a mile away as the crow flies, or 5 miles by road. ....And only one cellular carrier in the area.

Unlimited bandwidth??? **snicker, snicker**

kcm

 

[kcm6735]

Was just figuring on using the other PC as it is fully updated and everything is working optimally.

Checked out one of the links like you had recommended. Will be able to download many of these while downloading some YouTube videos at the public library - using the laptop, of course. Otherwise, it's easier to use the desktop in the house. Better screen, better setup for mouse and keyboard.

kcm

 

[rvcjew]

Ah gotcha, my friend lives in a cabin up in the mountains and has the same issue even with neighbors.

 

[kcm6735]

Ok, now for the REALLY weird part! Went to town yesterday. Went into the library and connected the laptop to their Wi-Fi. Started downloading some videos from YouTube. I shut down with "barely" enough time to make it to my doctor appt, only to find that the PC wouldn't shut down. So closed it up and carried it outside, got in the truck, and that's when I found out it was installing 206 updates!! It said not to unplug or turn the unit off. Great! Here I am in the truck and a whisper away from being late for an MRI when this thing has to keep on working. So went in for the appt., just hoping the newer, large-capacity battery I got last year would last long enough. It did.....barely! Fortunately, I also had a power inverter in the truck (but won't work unless truck is running), so plugged it in and let it do its thing on the 50-mile trip home.

Now, the laptop is showing that there are still a few updates to download (mostly larger files) but the bulk seems to have worked out ok.

As for trying to get the files individually, I tried that using one of the library computers. The sample I had tried worked out great - there was a nice, simple list to choose from and I figured they would all be that way. ....Silly me!! As soon as I tried the next link on my list, I couldn't make heads or tails of which one to choose, assuming I could find an option to begin with! Tried the next, then the next....same thing!

So what's the moral of this story? ....Beats the heck out of me!! But I "DO" thank you for your time and effort in trying to help this nearly-hopeless cause.

Now I have a low tire on my other truck. ...Think maybe I should work on the radiator and hope the tire fixes itself?!?!? **ROFL**

kcm