updates check fails & so does manual downloads

I'm so confused and lost. I'm on Windows Vista Home Premium, 32 bit operating
system, Acer Aspire 5570. It's a laptop, and I've been using it offline for
over a year but recently connected it to the internet and thought to update
my system.

At first, Windows Update could check for the updates (there were at least 26
that needed to be downloaded) but when I hit download nothing happens. It
would say preparing for download... but then hours later it was still 0kb, 0%
complete.

I've tried disabling firewalls, antivirus, etc while downloading but it
didn't work as well. The most common error code I got was 8000FFFF & I tried
searching for solutions for that code and followed a few of them. Now my
Windows Update can't even check for updates. I don't know what to do

Suggest you download and *save* the Fixit on this page:
How do I reset Windows Update components?
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058

When the download of MicrosoftFixit50202.msi completes, close
*all* open programs and browsers.
IF one of these antivirus programs are installed, suggest you
temporarily disable all of it's processes and services prior to running
the Fixit: Norton - McAfee - Trend
Either consult the User Guide/Help file or visit the manufacturer's web
site to learn how this is accomplished.

Alternatively, you can clean boot Vista to eliminate those AVs from
interfering with the resetting of the update components:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135
Do 'Step 1: Perform a clean boot'.

Now run MicrosoftFixit50202.msi using the *Aggressive* mode with the
system connected to the internet. The Fixit will download the required
updating software components.
After it's done, restart the system.
While still in a clean boot state, see if the system can *search* for,
download, and install updates.
If it can, UNdo the clean boot steps, restart, and see if the system can
still *search* for updates.

NOTE: I mention *search* for updates as opposed to downloading and
installing updates. IF the installed antivirus was preventing the
installation of the Windows Update Agent (WUA) running the Fixit with
the AV temporarily disabled should enable the installation of the WUA
which will then enable the system to *search* for updates.

BUT, the AV may still cause the failure to search for the automatic
download, install of updates, and the failure to install manually
downloaded updates.
Which is why I recommended that you first do an update check from the
clean boot state.
There's also the possibility that having an older release of the WUA
installed is the sole cause of the failure to install manually
downloaded updates.

If the 8000FFFF error occurs after doing the above, suggest you
download and run the System Update Readiness Tool (CheckSUR)
as it may resolve that error -
Description of the System Update Readiness Tool
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947821

MowGreen
===============
*-343-* FDNY
Never Forgotten
===============

banthecheck.com
"Security updates should *never* have *non-security content* prechecked"



verylost wrote:

> I'm so confused and lost. I'm on Windows Vista Home Premium, 32 bit operating
> system, Acer Aspire 5570. It's a laptop, and I've been using it offline for
> over a year but recently connected it to the internet and thought to update
> my system.
>
> At first, Windows Update could check for the updates (there were at least 26
> that needed to be downloaded) but when I hit download nothing happens. It
> would say preparing for download... but then hours later it was still 0kb, 0%
> complete.
>
> I've tried disabling firewalls, antivirus, etc while downloading but it
> didn't work as well. The most common error code I got was 8000FFFF & I tried
> searching for solutions for that code and followed a few of them. Now my
> Windows Update can't even check for updates. I don't know what to do

Do a thorough check for malware, following all of the steps at one of these
Web pages.
Help with malware:
All MS-MVP Sites.
Consider this: Whenever a new error condition appears on your computer, it
is almost certain that there was some change to the computer soon before the
problem began.
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/darnit.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.php

So How Did I Get Infected Anyway?
For quite a few people it's by installing programs like Messenger Plus,
whose ads for malware don't identify the malware as such and try to convince
you that you owe it to the author. See also:
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=27971
Don't ever do a "default" install of anything. Always choose Custom and see
what else is
being carried along. Don't install any extras you're not sure of.

"verylost" <> wrote in message
news:207DB496-80D2-448E-9803-...
> I'm so confused and lost. I'm on Windows Vista Home Premium, 32 bit
> operating
> system, Acer Aspire 5570. It's a laptop, and I've been using it offline
> for
> over a year but recently connected it to the internet and thought to
> update
> my system.
>
> At first, Windows Update could check for the updates (there were at least
> 26
> that needed to be downloaded) but when I hit download nothing happens. It
> would say preparing for download... but then hours later it was still 0kb,
> 0%
> complete.
>
> I've tried disabling firewalls, antivirus, etc while downloading but it
> didn't work as well. The most common error code I got was 8000FFFF & I
> tried
> searching for solutions for that code and followed a few of them. Now my
> Windows Update can't even check for updates. I don't know what to do

Worth a shot:
<http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946414>



"verylost" wrote:

> I'm so confused and lost. I'm on Windows Vista Home Premium, 32 bit operating
> system, Acer Aspire 5570. It's a laptop, and I've been using it offline for
> over a year but recently connected it to the internet and thought to update
> my system.
>
> At first, Windows Update could check for the updates (there were at least 26
> that needed to be downloaded) but when I hit download nothing happens. It
> would say preparing for download... but then hours later it was still 0kb, 0%
> complete.
>
> I've tried disabling firewalls, antivirus, etc while downloading but it
> didn't work as well. The most common error code I got was 8000FFFF & I tried
> searching for solutions for that code and followed a few of them. Now my
> Windows Update can't even check for updates. I don't know what to do