Updates again!

ME:
Running Windows Vista 32-bit, came loaded on new Acer Inspire desktop.
No installation disk supplied, so can't restore/reinstall so easily.

Problem:
1. "Control panel > Windows Updates" returns blank window. Unable to alter
anything, turn on or turn off updates. Can't manually install updates.
2. Every morning shortly after I begin a session, Windows - without asking -
shuts the computer down, restarts and tries loading/installing updates.
Always ends with message "Updates were not configured correctly - reverting
changes" - no error code given.
3. Thought SP1 might help, so followed download instructions. Was advised to
download a hotfix first, (Windows6.0-KB950127-x86.msu) but when I run it I
get the message "Installer encountered an error: 0x80073afc - The resource
loader failed to find MUI file"
4. After downloading SP1 (1.5 hrs) and running the installer (1.2 hrs) I get
the message "Service Pack was not installed. Reverting Changes" No error code.

I notice several others are having similar problems. What's Microsoft doing
about this? Why can't the Support people help? Are these silly questions?

Is there anybody there......?


GS

I would NOT recommend attempting to install Vista SP1 with the machine in
its current state or unless & until it's offered by Windows Update.

There's a very strong possibility that the problem is due to a hijackware
infection.

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. Run additional checks for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis
log to an appropriate forum.

Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_R...:_Introduction
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://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware

When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
(http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use (in
conjuction with some other utilities). HijackThis will NOT fix anything on
its own, but it will help you to both identify and remove any
hijackware/spyware with assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachi...php?board=10.0,
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30, or another appropriate forum for review
by an expert in such matters, not here.**

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/

RGrahamSmith wrote:
> Running Windows Vista 32-bit, came loaded on new Acer Inspire desktop.
> No installation disk supplied, so can't restore/reinstall so easily.
>
> Problem:
> 1. "Control panel > Windows Updates" returns blank window. Unable to alter
> anything, turn on or turn off updates. Can't manually install updates.
> 2. Every morning shortly after I begin a session, Windows - without
> asking -
> shuts the computer down, restarts and tries loading/installing updates.
> Always ends with message "Updates were not configured correctly -
> reverting
> changes" - no error code given.
> 3. Thought SP1 might help, so followed download instructions. Was advised
> to
> download a hotfix first, (Windows6.0-KB950127-x86.msu) but when I run it I
> get the message "Installer encountered an error: 0x80073afc - The
> resource
> loader failed to find MUI file"
> 4. After downloading SP1 (1.5 hrs) and running the installer (1.2 hrs) I
> get
> the message "Service Pack was not installed. Reverting Changes" No error
> code.
>
> I notice several others are having similar problems. What's Microsoft
> doing
> about this? Why can't the Support people help? Are these silly questions?
>
> Is there anybody there......?