Steps to fix windowsupdate errors are wrong and hard to understand

http://update.microsoft.com/microsof...=en-us&muopt=6

I went to windowsupdate earlier, after I recently removed a virus from my
machine. The virus had disabled some services so Windows Update did not work,
and I was taken to the URL above with instructions to fix the problem.

The steps shown are wrong, and the only reason I could figure out what to do
is because I am fairly experienced with PCs. e.g. Double clicking on a
service does NOT show you a "properties" button to select. You have to RIGHT
CLICK. Double clicking does bring you to the properties window, but non
tech-savvy folks would get stuck there.

In addition, the steps are just not user friendly. Regular computer users
would not know what a "Startup Type List" is, or where to look to verify that
a service has started or stopped.

I am taking the time to report this, because I am an ex-Microsoftie, and am
annoyed that no one took to the time to proof-read the steps before posting
this for Worldwide consumption.

(I have pasted the instructions below.)

The site cannot continue because one or more of these Windows services is
not running:

Automatic Updates (allows the site to find, download and install
high-priority updates for your computer)
Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) (helps updates download more
quickly and without problems if the download process is interrupted)
Event Log (keeps a record of updating activities to help with
troubleshooting, if needed)
To make sure these services are running:
1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. Type services.msc and then click OK.
3. In the list of services, double-click on Automatic Updates and then click
Properties.
4. In the Startup type list, select Automatic and click Apply.
5. Verify that the Service status is started, if the Service Status is
Stopped click on the Start Button.
6. In the list of services, double-click on Background Intelligent Transfer
Service (BITS) and then click Properties.
7. In the Startup type list, select Manual and click Apply.
8. Verify that the Service status is started, If the Service Status is
Stopped click on the Start Button.
9. In the list of services, double-click on Event Log and then click
Properties.
10. In the Startup type list, select Automatic and click Apply.
11. Verify that the Service status is started, If the Service Status is
Stopped click on the Start Button.

Please state your full Windows version (e.g., WinXP SP3; Vista SP1) when
posting to this newsgroup.

> I went to windowsupdate earlier, after I recently removed a virus from my
> machine. The virus had disabled some services so Windows Update did not
> work, and I was taken to the URL above with instructions to fix the
> problem.

I suspect you have (much) more work to do.

1. See if you can download/run the MSRT manually:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/ma...e/default.mspx

2. Run this online scan (in safe mode w/networking, if need be):
http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/center/howsafe.htm

3. Now run a more thorough check for hijackware, including posting the
requested logs in an appropriate forum for expert assistance, not here.

Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=4075
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware

**Seek expert assistance in
http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachi...php?board=10.0,
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30, or other appropriate forums.**

If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this
isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA) computer repair shop.
=====================
Start a free Windows Update support incident request:
https://support.microsoft.com/oas/de...spx?gprid=6527

Support for Windows Update:
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/wusupport

For home users, no-charge support is available by calling 1-866-PCSAFETY in
the United States and in Canada or by contacting your local Microsoft
subsidiary. There is no-charge for support calls that are associated with
security updates.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

RajP wrote:
> http://update.microsoft.com/microsof...=en-us&muopt=6
>
> I went to windowsupdate earlier, after I recently removed a virus from my
> machine. The virus had disabled some services so Windows Update did not
> work, and I was taken to the URL above with instructions to fix the
> problem.
>
> The steps shown are wrong, and the only reason I could figure out what to
> do
> is because I am fairly experienced with PCs. e.g. Double clicking on a
> service does NOT show you a "properties" button to select. You have to
> RIGHT
> CLICK. Double clicking does bring you to the properties window, but non
> tech-savvy folks would get stuck there.
>
> In addition, the steps are just not user friendly. Regular computer users
> would not know what a "Startup Type List" is, or where to look to verify
> that a service has started or stopped.
>
> I am taking the time to report this, because I am an ex-Microsoftie, and
> am
> annoyed that no one took to the time to proof-read the steps before
> posting
> this for Worldwide consumption.
<SNIP>