Solved Windows won't remember to automatically update itself

[MadMudMob]

I set my computer to automatically update in Control Panel/Windows Update/Change Settings.

Yet every time I do a restart the Action Centre icon in the system tray has a red cross and, when opened, asks me to set Updates to automatic again (which I do every time).

Could some kind soul tell me if there is a way to stop this happening please?

 

[oneeyed]

Disabling security settings (Automatic updates is one of them) is a classic sign of malware.

The first thing I'd recommend is to scan with your regular anti-virus, and also check with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.
A second opinion from another AV would be good too (ex : Kaspersky Security Scan)

 

[MadMudMob]

Thanks for replying.

I have paid for versions of Avast, Malwarebytes and Super AntiSpyware.

Have done a scan with all 3 and they report nothing?

Will do the Kaspersky one right now and come back to share whatever it says.

 

[Layback Bear]

If you can update Windows manually their is a chance that one of your security programs is stopping Windows Auto Updates.

Do you by chance also have MSE install?

 

[MadMudMob]

Kaspersky showed no issues or problems.

I do apologise but I haven't a clue what MSE is but if it's (I guess) Microsoft Essentials then a search in Start hasn't found it and there is nothing with those initials in my Installed Programs list.

I can update manually and the computer will automatically update once I've reset it to. It's just that it disappears after a restart and has to be set again.

 

[Layback Bear]

Microsoft Security Essentials - Microsoft Windows

If you can't find it then it's not on your computer.
Typing MSE in the Start Search should of brought it up if it was installed.

Some people do install it and then they install their favorite anti virus program. They will argue with each other.
Because MSE is updated with Windows 7 Updates it can cause a problem.

I haven't used Avast sense Mosses was wearing diapers so I can't really give you any help there. Take a look in Avast and see if you can find any setting that might cause this problem.

Because you can do manual updates for Windows 7 and your other security program are not giving you problems I don't think it's a infection. Infections normally will attack all security programs and try to stop them from updating or going online in any fashion to get help.

 

[oneeyed]

If there's no malware then it's probably one of your installed programs.

Security suites can do that (I know McAfee had a similar bug at some point), but also anything that can mess up the system settings like so-called "optimizers".

 

[MadMudMob]

I do have the paid for version of Advanced System Care running .... should I, perhaps, disable it as a Start Up and just open it when I wish to clean with it?

Is it not a good program to have please, I thought it was supposed to make things faster and run better?

 

[oneeyed]

I think you are usually much better-off without any "Optimizers", as you see with your current problem. The "run better and faster" is marketing hype. See this google search to illustrate what I mean : https://www.google.com/search?q="Advanced+System+Care"+issues&btnG=Search&hl=en&gbv=1&gws_rd=cr
There are hits concerning Windows Updates among many others, so it does seem like this software is the one responsible for your issues.

To clean temp files and such, you could try the built-in Disk Cleanup, and if you want something more powerful there's CCleaner which doesn't run all the time but only when launched and has good press (I think most users are still better off only using what's provided in Windows but YMMV).
More info :
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/818-disk-cleanup-open-use.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/76383-disk-cleanup-extended.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/129976-hard-disk-space-free-up-recover.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/307546-windows-updates-remove-outdated-updates-windows-7-a.html
https://www.piriform.com/CCLEANER

I would completely uninstall Advanced System Care if I were you but since you paid for it, try to update to the latest version to see if it works better or disable it from start as suggested....
And report this as a bug to their support.

 

[MadMudMob]

You wonderful people!

I have disabled ASC from starting both in it's own program settings and in CCleaner (which I've had for years and swear by but it's good to see you recommend it).

The problem with update settings on restart has disappeared ....... thankyou both for your advice, I'm very happy.

 

[Layback Bear]

I highly suggest you don't use anything from IObits and that includes Advance System Care.

It is probably what is causing your problem. It does strange things to computer. It probable is calling home to China on a regular basis.

Many have had to do complete clean installs just to cure the problems A.S.C causes.

 

[MadMudMob]

Wow, thankyou.

I will uninstall it straight away.

Do you recommend any other cleaners (I already have CCleaner and Piriform Defraggler)?

 

[Layback Bear]

I have used Ccleaners for years.

Here is a Windows 7 built in cleaner I also use often.
Tutorial by Brink:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/76383-disk-cleanup-extended.html

 

[MadMudMob]

I was advised by the good folk of MozillaZine forum to uncheck anything in CCleaner that had to do with Firefox (which I have done) but I too have had it for years without any issue.

Will explore the link right now .... thankyou for your help

 

[MadMudMob]

How odd - I was cruising these forums yesterday and followed the instructions to add Extended Disk Cleanup to the Desktop context menu, which I (successfully) did.

But, when I opened it I was unsure what in the list I could safely tick for deletion so I backed out again.

Could you help me with that please?

 

[Layback Bear]

I remove anything that it shows. It never has caused a problem.

It is a Windows 7 function and Windows 7 doesn't like to hurt itself so I feel safe cleaning all it recommends.

You can use the (view files) function and see exactly what is recommending to remove and Google them.

 

[MadMudMob]

Thankyou again .... I trust your advise and will happily tick them all

I use CCleaner and Defraggler (quick defrag) weekly - would you recommend I use this weekly too or is that too often?

(I also run Super AntiSpyware, Avast and Malwarebytes full scans fortnightly but can't remember the last time any of them found anything which must be good I reckon)

 

[Layback Bear]

When I did use hard drives I found with Window 7 didn't need defrag so often.
If it was 10% or less I didn't defrag.
I use Ccleaner several times a day with out any problems. Keep the junk out.
I don't use the Registry part several times a day. I use that seldom.

 

[MadMudMob]

Great - thanks for the advice