Windows update "hang" - menu shortcut & installed updates


  1. Posts : 6,458
    x64 (6.3.9600) Win8.1 Pro & soon dual boot x64 (6.1.7601) Win7_SP1 HomePrem
       #1

    Windows update "hang" - menu shortcut & installed updates


    When I launch WU form the std start menu shortcut, it launches wuapp.exe and just hangs. I have to terminate the process in task manager. Additional launches = additional hung processes.

    Shortcut target: %windir%\system32\wuapp.exe startmenu
    Starts in: %windir%\system32\

    The same condition occurs if I try to launch wuapp.exe directly from %windir%\system32\
    Yesterday, I checked the Effective permissions for my user on wuapp.exe = full control
    Today, after running the Windows WU Troubleshooter and WU MS Fixit, the permissions = read, read & execute.

    The issue is twofold. The standard WU shortcut "hangs" but Control Panel WU does not hang, until I try to view installed updates (viewing history seems to be ok). I have to terminate the process in Task Manager once I try to view installed updates.

    As a workaround, I created a shortcut to Control Panel WU - this allows me to check for and apply updates.

    Shortcut target: Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Windows Update


    A few things that might have caused this - recent activity, but just guessing
    • I installed Advanced Uninstaller Pro and played with it, but did not apply anything it suggested. One thing I tried was duplicate files - eventually killing it due to time (lots of dups, lots of files).
      Uninstalled said: Some files must be manually deleted without indicating which files. A serch for the program named turned up a few folders, deleted them and ran cCleaner (nothing in registy associated with the app)
    • I allowed an add-on to IE9 for Microsoft Update Catalog when I was investigating a solution for another member.
    Adv Uninstaller has been uninstalled (Control Panel) and the add-on for MS Updt Cat has been disabled (only choice).

    Both the Win7 troubleshooter and MS Fixit reported success fixing default WU locations. Odd that yesterday Win7 troubleshooter said it fixed it and today the MS fixit said it fixed what seems to be the same issue.

    I stopped and started BITS (was not started) and WUASERV, but did not
    delete qmgr*.dat files (two exist),
    rename the WU folders,
    reset the security descriptors, or
    re-register the services.
    --> Just stopped and started

    SFC reported no integrity violations, I have not run SUR

    I changed WU to receive only Windows updates instead of all MS updates.

    ESET, Mbam, and Avast all reported clean.

    I'm not sure at this point if WU auto is working properly. I did not get a notification about a Defender update, but there was one when I checked for updates. Might have been a timing issue - if there are any Tuesday updates, I'll see if I get notified before manually checking on Wednesday.

    I'm not opposed to resetting WU, but if I can get wuapp.exe to behave without resorting to a sledge hammer - that would be great. In the menatime, I'll see what SUR reports.

    Looking for that epiphany moment. There are other folks that need help, please don't spend a great amount of your time on this, but if you've seen similar behavoir........

    Thanks,

    Bill
    .
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 21,482
    Win 7 x64 Home Premium (and x86 VirtualBox VM)/Win10
       #2

    I'm not sure that resetting WU would actually cure your problem - it sounds to me more of a systemic problem, possibly to do with one of the involved technologies (scripting, NET, etc.).

    My wuapp.exe has TrustedInstaller as owner, with only Read and Execute permissions for users and Admins.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 6,458
    x64 (6.3.9600) Win8.1 Pro & soon dual boot x64 (6.1.7601) Win7_SP1 HomePrem
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thnaks Noel,

    Same security, same owner on my wuapp.exe - not sure why it had an entry for my specific user yesterday, unless I was looking at some other object. Weird thing... today the priviliges are explicit, yesterday they were inherited with my user having only special privs ticked (effective full control since an admin account)

    but today, the privs are as yours. I chnged no security privs. Bests me, I'll try to find something in the event log that might shed some light on this after SUR runs. Interesting thing about SUR - no Run button (per website instructions), only open and save - so I saved it.

    Running SUR now.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 6,458
    x64 (6.3.9600) Win8.1 Pro & soon dual boot x64 (6.1.7601) Win7_SP1 HomePrem
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Looking deeper into the CBS.log revealed a number of errors related to language packs. I don't have any, but I was poking around researching keyboards other text input seetings helping a member. I'm pretty sure I didn't make any changes - just looked, grabbed some screenshots and canceled

    So I took a look at regional settings in Control Panel and tried to check default location - it hung. I used help to find more info - it gave me some things to try, but they hung too (not surprised).

    It looks like it might not be WU after all, as you suggested Noel. I'll keep looking for a solution to the default location in regional (my mistake thinking it was WU default location ref'd by the troubleshooters).

    but.... if anyone knows a quick way to reset the default location....... mine would be US.

    No restore points to use unfortunately.

    Regards
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 6,458
    x64 (6.3.9600) Win8.1 Pro & soon dual boot x64 (6.1.7601) Win7_SP1 HomePrem
    Thread Starter
       #5

    I looked at my user account and tried to "Manage your Credentials" - alas it hung.
    I'll also look around for instructions on deleting/rebuilding a user profile.
    then I'll try creating a new account and see what happens.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 21,482
    Win 7 x64 Home Premium (and x86 VirtualBox VM)/Win10
       #6

    Sounds like a plan, to me :)
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 6,458
    x64 (6.3.9600) Win8.1 Pro & soon dual boot x64 (6.1.7601) Win7_SP1 HomePrem
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Thanks - I seem to be hitting dead end at every turn. Too many things hinge on the problem (default location? credentials!). Everything I attempt hangs - but onward I go.
    NoelDP said:
    Sounds like a plan, to me :)
    The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men,
    Gang aft agley,
    An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain,
    For promis'd joy!
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 21,482
    Win 7 x64 Home Premium (and x86 VirtualBox VM)/Win10
       #8

    Rabbie has a lot to answer for! :)

    I think you'd do better moving this thread to the Install forum, than here - unless you want to post the CBS.log file and CheckSUR log?
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 6,458
    x64 (6.3.9600) Win8.1 Pro & soon dual boot x64 (6.1.7601) Win7_SP1 HomePrem
    Thread Starter
       #9

    Thanks Noel,

    Good ol' Rabbie Burrrrns - he trasped around my great grandfathers neck of the woods.

    I mucked around until I could na muck around nay more. So instead of trying to unscramble the eggs, I just reinstalled.

    Wher' do ya thin I bin, lad, with the lassies? Ya canno type a decent brogue.
    My apologies to any Scot reading the above.
    Closing this as solved.



    There's a good auld Scottish custom
    That has stood the test of time.
    It's a custom that's been carried out
    In ev'ry land and clime.
    Where brother Scots foregather,
    It's aye, the usual thing:
    Just before we say "Good nicht!"
    We raise our cups and sing:

    Chorus
    Just a wee deoch an' doris,
    Just a wee drap, that's a'.
    Just a wee deoch an' doris,
    Before we gang awa'.
    There's a wee wifey waiting,
    And a wee but in vain.
    If you can say "It's a braw, bricht,
    Moonlicht nicht,"
    Well you're a' richt, d'ye ken!

    I like a man that is a man,
    A man that's straight and fair:
    The sort o' man that will and can
    In all things do his share.
    I like a man, a jolly man,
    The sort o' man, you know,
    The chap that slaps your back and says,
    "Man, Jock, afore we go . . .

    Chorus
    Just a wee deoch an' doris,
    Just a wee drap, that's a'.
    Just a wee deoch an' doris,
    Before we gang awa'.
    There's a wee wifey waiting,
    And a wee but in vain.
    If you can say "It's a braw, bricht,
    Moonlicht nicht,"
    Well you're a' richt, d'ye ken!
      My Computer


 

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