Windows update troubleshooting

It shows "checking for updates" and nothing happens.After I close(because it
will never stop this msg), it shows Windows can't update.

Windows Vista Service Pack 1 - Things to Know Before You Download:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/w.../bb968859.aspx

Windows Vista Help: Learn how to install Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1):
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/win...6f2021033.mspx

Unlimited installation and compatibility support is available at no charge
until March 18, 2009
https://support.microsoft.com/oas/de...4&gprid=500921
--
~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/

Ella wrote:
> It shows "checking for updates" and nothing happens.After I close(because
> it
> will never stop this msg), it shows Windows can't update.

PA Bear's post isn't really helpful to me...I have the identical problem but
the 'free' Microsoft helpline is not available ouside the USA - we have to
pay for help down here.

Is it possible to get specific help on this problem?

Hopefully, and with thanks,

Max

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> Windows Vista Service Pack 1 - Things to Know Before You Download:
> http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/w.../bb968859.aspx
>
> Windows Vista Help: Learn how to install Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1):
> http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/win...6f2021033.mspx
>
> Unlimited installation and compatibility support is available at no charge
> until March 18, 2009
> https://support.microsoft.com/oas/de...4&gprid=500921
> --
> ~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/
>
> Ella wrote:
> > It shows "checking for updates" and nothing happens.After I close(because
> > it
> > will never stop this msg), it shows Windows can't update.
>
>

"Max Spiller" <> wrote in message
news:BE14A387-6A1E-463E-A010-...
> PA Bear's post isn't really helpful to me...I have the identical problem
> but
> the 'free' Microsoft helpline is not available ouside the USA - we have to
> pay for help down here.
>
> Is it possible to get specific help on this problem?
>
> Hopefully, and with thanks,
>
> Max

max
PA Bear has previously posted this for support
Outside Canada and the USA you need to use this link

SUPPORT

http://support.microsoft.com/common/international.aspx



FREE SUPPORT
Microsoft is offering free-of-charge support to *anyone* who is having
issues installing Windows Vista SP1 - even those who may be using a OEM copy
of Windows Vista that came with their machine.
Simply open your browser to the following URL and choosing "Windows Vista
Service Pack 1 (All Languages)" =>

http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...px?gprid=11732

PA Bear



Both links lead to the same end.



Good luck

Antioch

Antioch, thank you!

But...when I enter my PID into the box on this site I get an error message
"The product ID number you entered is not valid or is not in the correct
format." This number is 'Activated' and was given to me some months ago
after a Repair install required re-activation.
Can you help with this hiccup? I have searched the forums for this error
message but am not finding anything.
Max

Antioch, thank you!

But...and perhaps I should start a new thread here, when I enter my PIB No.
it is rejected saying "The product ID number you entered is not valid or is
not in the correct format. Please enter a valid product ID number and try
again. Make sure the product ID number is of the form:
12345-XXX-7654321-98765."
But my number is activated and was given to me after a Repair Install
deactivated the original installation.
Wonder if you can guide me here?
Max

Wish it was possible to delete stupid double posts!

Max

Normally if your copy of Vista came preinstalled on your computer (OEM), then you
would not be eligible for support direct from Microsoft. That is why your
Product ID is not recognized on the Microsoft website.

You can use this one: https://support.microsoft.com/oas/de...spx?gprid=6527

--

TaurArian [MVP] 2005-2008 - Update Services
http://taurarian.mvps.org
======================================
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
Computer Maintenance: Acronis / Diskeeper / Paragon / Raxco


"Max Spiller" <> wrote in message
news:44719C62-2EFD-4E81-A23A-...
| Antioch, thank you!
|
| But...and perhaps I should start a new thread here, when I enter my PIB No.
| it is rejected saying "The product ID number you entered is not valid or is
| not in the correct format. Please enter a valid product ID number and try
| again. Make sure the product ID number is of the form:
| 12345-XXX-7654321-98765."
| But my number is activated and was given to me after a Repair Install
| deactivated the original installation.
| Wonder if you can guide me here?
| Max

"Max Spiller" <> wrote in message
news:564EE81A-FD80-46D7-B195-...
>
>
> Wish it was possible to delete stupid double posts!
>
> Max

Max
Your double posting I fear is a symptom of that cranky web interface
discussion group. That is why newsgroups are a preferred method of getting
help. It is as easy as sending an email - posts are almost immediate and it
is very easy to find your post, which you can mark as you wish.
If you would like info re Ngs let us know.
The matter of activation etc is probably best posted in 'general' group for
your particular OS, i.e. Vista.
You should be able to find it from this link

Microsoft Windows Vista Newsgroups
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/com...s/default.mspx

Rgds
Antioch

Antioch - thank you, I will go to the newsgroup and post there...

TaurArian - PBear posted: "Microsoft is offering free-of-charge support to
*anyone* who is having issues installing Windows Vista SP1 - even those who
may be using a OEM copy of Windows Vista that came with their machine."

So I will keep pursuing it...that link you posted is where I am having
trouble with the PIB number. Thanks for the suggestions....

Max