Recurring issues with automatic updates

[zebedee]

Hi, all

I know there are lots of threads on this, but it seems like everyone's issues are SLIGHTLY different. Sorry for any duplication.

I basically can't install ANY Windows updates. Every time a new update comes out, my computer downloads it, and attempts to install it on shutdown... and it always fails with a 646.

I tried installing them manually, and that didn't help. I tried running the Microsoft FixIt, and that didn't help. I have hidden a lot of them so they'll stop installing, but since I hide ALL of them, I figure I'm probably exposing myself to some nasty security breaches.

So I found this page which describes how to solve the problem by editing the registry. Fine, I'm brave
But there's a problem.
HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders\AppData exists, and has the right value (%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Roaming).
Ditto HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders\AppData.

But HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders\ doesn't contain an AppData key!

Should I "just" make it? Is it as simple as New > Key, and type in the value it's supposed to have? I've edited the registry before, but I've never created new keys.

Is this what's causing my problem?

Thanks!

 

[mickey megabyte]

yep - try adding a new AppData key with new >> key - you won't break it any worse than it is.

you can always remove the key later if it doesn't work...

 

[Flavius]

But HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders\ doesn't contain an AppData key!

Because this string never exist in this key.I checked on my all machines -the same result too.In MS article must to be error.

For me it looks below:


Relate to your problem

Is that problem only with updates for Office or you have problem with updates strickly for Windows 7? This error have many meanings.If you have environments variables correct don't change it.

If it is problem for Updates for Windows 7 you can try

1.From this site How do I reset Windows Update components?

run MS fix It in aggressive mode

2.Try this tool:Repair & Fix Windows Updates with Fix WU Utility | The Windows Club

3.Try install hotfix from Microsoft Download Center (not from Windows Update)

 

[Flavius]

... but then goes on about local_machine...

As I said:in HKLM AppData string don't exist and he asked about HKLM not HKU.For the rest from article I don't have warnings

 

[mickey megabyte]

yeah - that's why i deleted my post, i got a bit confused.

 

[zebedee]

#1 seems to have done the trick. I thought I had tried that before, but it never actually wiped my update history the way it did today. I'm in the clear, for now.

Thanks!