Windows Updates Not Loading -- really confused

groze · 15 Feb 2015

Katpat23,

If you don't mind losing data that you might have on your computer including software you may have already installed. I am assuming you got a pre-installed Windows 7 system. I assume you are still able to boot up to Windows 7. Unplug ethernet connection or disconnet the wifi. First, see if any factory restore cds/dvds/usb flash drive came with your computer not a reinstallation cds/dvds. If not you will need to create them. I assume your computer has dvd burner. You may need up to 10 blank dvd disk (For me it was 3). Look for a tool to create this in the windows start-all programs menu. The program may ask if you want to use the current image on the computer or factory image. Choose the factory image. When done creating the dvds or if you already have then, insert the dvd and reboot. Choose factory image if you are asked for a choice. Then follow the instructions provided by the dvd. You may need your oem key listed on the computer, write it done. When done with the restore, connect a Ethernet cord to your computer, then you should be able to run windows update.

If you don't have that program or have restore disk. There are sites out there that can tell you how to do the repair install of windows 7 in simple terms. Unfortunately, I don't have any links. Good luck :)

Berkey · 15 Feb 2015

Grab the data you want to keep and Clean Install Windows 7 you can do that with OEM. DOn't have a disc? See the box in the tutorial to help with that.

I know this sucks, but if anything you've learned two valuable lessons:

1. sometimes even the gurus and experts can't solve everything, which is why they live and die by lesson two...

2. Back up your data and have restore options available at all times

I hope things work out for you and if you need help with the clean install, go a head and ask we'll help.

Layback Bear · 15 Feb 2015

katpat23
All the time you spent; you might want to thank the members trying to help you for their time; only to find out you have a hacked less than legal Window 7.

I ask for other members to come to your aid and they did.
I thank those members for answering my request.

You have been give two choices.

1. Repair instsall, which may or may not help. I would try that first.

2. Clean install which will work if done properly.

Let these members know which one you choose.

groze · 15 Feb 2015

Layback Bear said:

katpat23
All the time you spent; you might want to thank the members trying to help you for their time; only to find out you have a hacked less than legal Window 7.

I ask for other members to come to your aid and they did.
I thank those members for answering my request.

You have been give two choices.

1. Repair install, which may or may not help. I would try that first.

2. Clean install which will work if done properly.

Let these members know which one you choose.

Layback Bear NoelDP never said the version was hacked. Just installed wrong. Digital rivers no longer has windows isos anymore for download. That why I gave him a simpler method of restoring the computer. Not everyone is technical like us. My mom couldn't even do a repair or clean install of windows 7. By doing a factory restore, he will get the correct windows version installed and windows update should work without any issue.

Layback Bear · 15 Feb 2015

I could be wrong but I know of no way of installing Ultimate language packages to Home Premium legally with out a hack.

If my understanding is incorrect someone please explain.

groze · 15 Feb 2015

katpat23,
Just thought of something. You might want to try, that nobody has suggested. Before you do my suggestion in post number 41.

Set windows update to automatic. Reboot computer and log-in. Leave computer plugged in for 24 hours. Reboot. Let windows update do its thing. Then run windows update. See if that fixes the issue. There is an update for windows update that needs to be installed before windows update can update more. This happened to me when I did a clean install.

Katpat23, Where did you buy your computer from ebay, Amazon or a local shop or somewhere else? Just curious that is all.

NoelDP · 16 Feb 2015

Layback Bear said:

I could be wrong but I know of no way of installing Ultimate language packages to Home Premium legally with out a hack.

If my understanding is incorrect someone please explain.

You're not wrong, but it's quite possible that there is only one language installed, and that the problem lies in the registry - causing Windows to think that more than one language is installed.

As Groze said, I don't think I said (or even implied) that the installation we are seeing is hacked in any way; although I did say that it was one of the possible causes of the WU symptoms we are seeing, I also said that my 'preferred' cause was registry problems.

I am dismayed that MS have taken the steps they have to block legitimate downloads of Windows 7 from people whose OEMs have effectively abandoned them to Torrents - but I can understand that the costs of those downloads must be not inconsiderable (and probably rising daily as more people learn of them, and Windows 7 is still even now expanding the user base).

Layback Bear · 16 Feb 2015

I understand that because Microsoft is for what ever reason removing the clean downloads we use to use it is getting very difficult for many.

I also understand that because of having to use alternative sites for download one can get a (corrupted) Windows 7 and not even know it or want it.

I do believe if one can find a friend with a Microsoft DVD and had the proper matching COA key from their system it would make things easier. Without Microsoft's authorized sites I know of no better way other than buying a new DVD.
Which to me should not have to be.

I'm thinking that Microsoft is putting pressure on the computer manufactures to include a DVD with the sale and offer them after the sale of the computer. That would take the cost out of Microsoft's pocket book and give it to the computer manufactures.

We are going to see a lot of people like katpat23 with few option to do a proper install other than buying another operating system if things stay as they are today.

katpat23 · 19 Feb 2015

I'm just ultimately very frustrated, but quietly working away in the background. Just trying to work out if the back-up I made on my external hard drive has actually backed up anything. It says the size of the file is 0. I haven't had time to investigate this further, but it's the next step I have to do before any installing.

I did find a program online that let me discover my registry key. I'm not 100% that it's the right number, but again, I will doublecheck that before I do anything else.

I have printed out all your suggestions, guidance, and ideas -- and yes, I do apologise if my frustration boiled over into criticism.

katpat23 · 01 Mar 2015

So, I still haven't done the repair install. I am seeing people saying that this hasn't fixed the problem, so am reluctant to go ahead, especially as I honestly do not understand the steps to take.

I do understand, however, from other people posting on Sevenforums and other sites that these multiple languages are coming into the Home system somehow, and goofing everything up. So it's not just me.

My final decision then is to NOT do a repair install. I don't understand the steps. When I look at the instructions, all the words in the red box are just gobbledygook to me, and these are just the warnings. I don't know how to find a Windows disk, and I don't know if the registry key I've uncovered is the right thing, so I absolutely cannot afford to screw this up and disable my machine.

Instead, I'm going to hobble along for now with 17 updates failing time and again, to wait for the free Windows 10 update that's due to arrive in the Autumn, and in the meantime, I'm going to buy a Mac.

I thank everyone for their time and suggestions. Clearly, from the hundreds of postings about this on line, on this forum and numerous others, this is not an unusual problem, and a repair install seems to be the ultimate answer. Unfortunately, that is a multi-step process that is far beyond my ken.