Repeated Windows updates - is this a problem?

[BruceUK]

Hi everyone,

I'm running Windows 7 on an HP laptop with automatic Windows updates enabled. But I'm puzzled. For the past few days, each and every computer session has (apparently) done one automatic Windows update when I have powered the computer down.

I'm starting to wonder whether it is attempting to do the same update each time but failing for some reason. No message is given when the update is being done - it just shows the usual "do not switch off..." message while the update is in progress, following by the usual "shutting down" message.

Aside from this, the computer is functioning perfectly normally. So maybe I'm worrying over nothing but I'd like to know for sure. Have Microsoft been issuing a whole stream of Windows updates on a drip-feed basis during the past few days? If not, can anyone suggest why my computer seems to be in some kind of a loop with this update and is there anything I can do to resolve it?

 

[esha]

There have been quite a few updates recently, at least for me (German Windows edition).
But I've set the updates to manual, so I can always check what type of update it is.

 

[Abhishek Ghosh]

It is normal.

Nothing to resolve, after initial few days updates will not get that frequently as you are having now. There are few important updates are running now. You will need 2-4 restarts/during shutdown they will be installed.

My Windows 7 have already completed the schedule, from your username it suggests you live in UK; European server deliver updates 24-48 hours after delivering to India. So, its your time now.

Getting error updates are also normal; the Microsoft server may be was busy and request timed out or you have disconnected internet in the midway of download of an update unintentionally and unknowingly.

Though they show as errors, Windows later utilizes the previously downloaded part (say it could download 30% of an update; then got the server busy/internet connection lost: it will later try to utilize that already downloaded part).

Also, some error comes as a restart is needed for the previous update of the package, but the whole package downloaded as a whole at a time.

Nothing to bother..just keep your antivirus and antimalware up to date and scan frequently as regular work. Allow auto updates

 

[BruceUK]

Thanks for the reassurance guys!

 

[BruceUK]

These updates have been continuing without any break for the past 10 days at least. Today, when I started a new session, I actually got an icon in the system tray alerting me that Windows updates were ready to be installed, so I initiated the update but got a message that it had failed.

On checking the update history log, I've found what I was beginning to suspect - it has been attempting to do the same update each time but it has failed. The update it's trying to do is:

Security update for .NET Framework 4 for x64-based systems (KB2160841)

So can anyone suggest why it would be failing every time, and is there anything I should do to resolve this?

 

[Hopalong X]

Bruce

Try this first. It may not work but we can go from there. Easiest and 80% success or better.
Mike

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91738-windows-update-reset.html?ltr=W

Just found this also.

Try the following steps, please:
1. Go to Program and Features, click it.
2. Scroll down to Microsoft.Net Framework 4 Client Profile, right click it.
3. It will give you a choice of Uninstall/Change, click it.
4. Then, it will give a choice to Repair it, pick Repair it. It will take about 4-10 minutes to repair (with my PC) your experience may vary.
5. When completed, go to your update center, and update it again.
My PC was able to update the Microsoft.Net Framework 4 Client Profile, after performing the steps. Reboot your PC.

http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/vistawu/thread/f1dd866f-85b7-4ae6-bc32-1c488c19742a

I checked the above in the box. Highlight .Net Framework4 Client Profile.
You can click the Uninstall/ Change button at the top and a Wizard opens. Choose Repair and click Next. Follow prompts.

The Net Framework software could have an error not allowing the update and this could fix it.

 

[Hopalong X]

I would also set the Windows Updates as per this picture if it is not set this way already. Set to show what is in yellow circle and click Okay at the bottom right of page.
You pick what to install this way. Also if several updates come out from MS you can install 1-3 at a time instead of a massive download. If one messes up you know which one.

 

[BruceUK]

Hi Hopalong,

Many thanks for your response.

I tried the Repair but it failed with a message "Installation suspended, incomplete".

As a result, it appears to have uninstalled the MS.Net Framework 4 Client profile completely, as it's no longer listed in the list of installed programs.

I don't know much about this item and I'm wondering whether I actually need it. I'm just using the computer as a single user and I don't do any web-based development work or maintain any websites. So do I actually need it?

 

[Hopalong X]

You may need it for some 3rd party programs to install properly. I have a Dual Boot set up with XP also. The bootloader EASY BCD needs it to install. I realize you aren't doing that but just pointing out this may happen with other programs.

Try it and if everything works leave it off. You can reinstall later.
That was the next step if the repair didn't work was to uninstall it and then reinstall the .Net software.
You just got to it early. It evidently was corrupt.



I'll see if I can find Jacee or Corrine one of the MS specialists to give us a better idea on if you really need it.
They have a Microsoft MVP badge by their name.
So check back a bit later.

Mike

 

[Corrine]

Hi, BruceUK.

Hopalong X is correct. There are some applications that depend on .NET Framework:

• Microsoft Security Essentials
• Intuit QuickBooks
• HP Image Zone
• Streamload
• PayPal
• Grouper

See Benefits of the Microsoft .NET Framework

Unfortunately, .NET Framework updates are problematic for many people. This may help if you decide to reinstall .NET Framework: An update for the Microsoft .NET Framework may fail to install when the Microsoft .NET Framework 4 is installed and a restart is pending. If you do not have any dependent applications, you can hide the .NET Framework updates.

 

[Hopalong X]

Thanks for the response Corrine.

Mike

 

[Corrine]

You're welcome. Hopefully, the information will help BruceUK decide if he needs .NET Framework.

 

[SledgeDG]

It hasn't been mentioned yet, I think.
My computer updates the Defender scan strings almost every day
If I don't catch that when it's requested, it updates during shutdown.
If in doubt, check your tray bar, click the update icon and check what actually wants to update and go from there.

-DG

 

[niemiro]

If you can supply the error code, we can have a guess at the cause. Error codes are slightly difficult to predict. However, we cannot even start without the error code. Provide the failure code, and we can try and fix it for you.

Thanks!

 

[BruceUK]

Thanks for all the help guys. For now, I think I'll see how I get on without the .NET Framework. Everything seems to be still working OK so hopefully it won't be a problem for me.

 

[niemiro]

Thanks for all the help guys. For now, I think I'll see how I get on without the .NET Framework. Everything seems to be still working OK so hopefully it won't be a problem for me.

Well, if you are really sure. Otherwise, we can clean up .net and re-install, but try it for a bit.