Vista fails to log off, install updates.

[Dave76]

Try this: How do I reset Windows Update components?
The first option: Diagnose by using the automated troubleshooter

Be sure to make a System Restore Point first, in case of problems.

 

[DRPCs]

Did that, it's currently on 'Resolving problems'. I don't know if it's doing anything though, the disk activity light is not lit. I'll leave it like this for a few hours.

 

[DRPCs]

Nothing. Still sitting on 'resolving problems'. Should I try the 'Let me fix it by myself' method?

 

[Dave76]

Try running the auto method again, it might have repaired some files that will need a reboot in order to continue.

If auto doesn't work after three times try the manual method.

 

[DRPCs]

Alright. I rebooted the laptop and am running the Fix it program again. I'll check back with it tomorrow (or tonight if it decides to cooperate).

Edit: program passed, I'll let windows update run for a little bit, see if it fixed it.

Edit2: Didn't update, rebooted, still does not update.

 

[Dave76]

Try using this tutorial: How to Reset Windows Update in Windows 7 and Vista

Option two: To Reset and Re-register Windows Update Components

If that doesn't work post a new thread in our sister forum: Vista Forums - Windows Updates
Include a link to this thread, so they can see what you have done so far.
These guys work with Vista daily, I haven't in years.

 

[DRPCs]

Didn't work, bummer. Thanks for your help anyway. I'll post the problem over at the sister site tomorrow.

These guys work with Vista daily

Oh god, my nerves already hurt.

 

[Dave76]

lol, that's where I started as a member with these forums, moved to Win7 on the betas and then to Windows 8 on the betas.

Vista is a great OS, I still like it, much better than the previous one

 

[DRPCs]

My thread has been sitting there for a day with 250 views, yet no replies. I don't know if I'm impatient or just antsy to get rid of this laptop. I don't want to bump it this soon, but do you know of any gurus in that forum that might be able to help?

 

[gregrocker]

I still have no confidence you followed the exact steps to get a perfect baseline Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7
since you posted back that you had completed it in minutes.

But what has always worked for me when the other fixes for Windows Updates don't work is running a Repair Install so I would try that now using the latest official installer from the tutorial you couldn't possibly have followed. Maybe you'd even start over and do it right this time.

 

[DRPCs]

Mkay, another clean install. I went to Windows Update, clicked update, and it checked for updates for about 30 seconds and closed. I opened Windows Update again, clicked update, and now it says 'Install new Windows Update software'. It's downloaded, now it's stuck at checking for updates again.

 

[gregrocker]

If you deleted all partitions during install then the only thing that can be interfering is bad code in the boot sector. Try reinstalling but first run Diskpart Clean Command
accessing DISKPART At PC Startup.

Where did you get Vista installer? Are you using the latest official installer with SP2 which is available at Vista ISO download ? Wasn't this a Gateway PC that came with Vista, with a readable Product Key on COA sticker? If not what are you using?

 

[DRPCs]

I did the diskpart turorial, now reinstalling.

Where did you get Vista installer? Are you using the latest official installer with SP2 which is available at Vista ISO download ? Wasn't this a Gateway PC that came with Vista, with a readable Product Key on COA sticker? If not what are you using?

Vista CD, I haven't used the install with SP2. Correct about the rest, it's a Gateway M-2624u laptop with e COA sticker on the bottom.

 

[DRPCs]

Reinstalled. Normally what I do now is install the wireless lan driver, and try windows update. Instead of installing the driver, I tried to shut down (ruling out any non-equipped driver), and it still wont shut down.

I don't understand how it's a freshly wiped computer, yet it still acts the same way.

 

[gregrocker]

It's pointing to a Hardware issue unless the drivers delivered by WIndows Updates would resolve it.

I would import any drivers still missing in Device Manager from Gateway Downloads web page.

 

[DRPCs]

...unless the drivers delivered by Windows Updates resolve it. I would do all of my Important and Optional Updates...

That'd be nice, if Windows Update worked.

Missing drivers:
Standard VGA Graphics Adapter (fixed, now ATI Radeon HD 3200 Graphics)
Ethernet Controller (fixed, now Ralink 802.11n Wireless LAN Card)
Ethernet Controller (fixed, now Marvell Yukon 88E8040 PCI-E Fast Ethernet Controller)
Mass Storage Controller (fixed, now 02Micro Integrated MMC/SD controller)

If it were hardware, what would be the next steps to check? I've scanned it with memtest before, and it turned out fine.

 

[gregrocker]

Sorry I was on auto-pilot from typing the Updates reminder a dozen times today. I think I was trying to make the point that it may actually be Windows Updates drivers that could resolve this. But you did good finding those drivers.

Reading back over the thread I don't see that you have you run the HD maker's HD Diagnostic extended CD scan followed by Disk Check?

I'm trying to think what could block Updates and I keep bumping up against the idea that it might be something in your router or network.

But there is a fallback position here and that is that Windows Updates has on its website free email Support which will work with you to resolve issues like this until they are fixed. I haven't used it for a few years but they were as relentless as we are.

 

[DRPCs]

Reading back over the thread I don't see that you have you run the HD maker's HD Diagnostic extended CD scan followed by Disk Check?

I'm downloading WD's Data Lifeguard Diagnostic for DOS and am going to try that.

I'm trying to think what could block Updates and I keep bumping up against the idea that it might be something in your router or network.

I disabled the Firewall, and there's no antivirus install (my preferred choice is MSE)

But there is a fallback position here and that is that Windows Updates has on its website free email Support which will work with you to resolve issues like this until they are fixed. I haven't used it for a few years but they were as relentless as we are.

I have to give this laptop back in a few days, I don't think their support will match up to here.

I don't think it's a hard drive problem, yet I can't get any programs to install. (I might have already said this before, can't remember) She only had two programs installed (iTunes, and Oovoo), and neither install. iTunes acts like it installs, then at the VERY last step, it craps out. No error messages, it just freezes with a full status bar, it never finishes. Oovoo gives me an 'Installation error! Sorry, the installation process has failed.' It's almost as if the programs don't have permission to be installed (even when run as administrator). Like I said before, this laptop needs to go back. I think she can deal with shutting it off manually, and she won't even bother with Windows Updates, as long as she can install programs.

 

[gregrocker]

Where did the installer come from? I'd try compiling the latest Vista ISO download burned to DVD with ImgBurn at 4x speed. It sounds like it's got some half-gutted bootleg install to have those kinds of problems with a Clean Reinstall.

I don't see how hardware could affect those things. But test the HD anyway with both tests.

Are there Recovery disks? You could order them from Gateway to see if it remedies it. There may be some hella hotfix for that model it's missing. But you can check that by browsing Gateway Support Downloads for the model.

 

[DRPCs]

The Western Digital hard drive checker wouldn't start, complaining about missing a file (which I checked, are there). I dunno.

Where did the installer come from?

I got it from the girls father. It looks like a re-installation DVD. I'll download the ISO from your link anyway. Once that's downloaded should I do a clean reinstall posted in this thread?