Help!!! Windows update broken on my machine!!!

[check72]

If anyone can help..... please do!!!

I am running XP Pro w/ SP1.

I have auto update disabled for security reasons, so I have to download Windows Updates manually from the Windows Update site.

The problem is, when I go there, I scan for updates, choose the ones I want to install, etc. The EULA box comes up, and I choose "I Agree". Normal, right...?

But then, when the downloading box comes up, it just hangs. No activity at all. I have tried it for a few days, and let it sit for about an hour. It just refuses to start downloading!!!

Any ideas?

 

[igiveup]

Make sure you have Hidden files and folders turned off and then look for a WUTemp folder in your root drive (C:\WUTemp). Anything in there??? If so delete it, then retry.

 

[check72]

I tried it... still doesn't work.

Anything else?

 

[bsobel]

Two questions;

First, do you have the sun java vm installed? I thought I just saw a thread about there being a conflict (will have to go dig).

Second, can you explain for what 'security reasons' you disabled automatic updates? I'd like to understand your logic behind that decision (not that WU shouldn't work for you, but this comment just doesn't make sense to me)

Bill

 

[check72]

No, I don't have Sun Java installed.

I disabled Auto Updates and Remote Registry. I also disable any automatic updating in all software I install.

Call me paranoid, but I just don't like the idea of software being able to "phone home" whenever it wants to.

I am also on a very crappy Dial-up ISP, so the less things using my bandwidth the better. When I am ready to update, I go check the sites manually and DL if need be.

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: check72
No, I don't have Sun Java installed.
I disabled Auto Updates and Remote Registry. I also disable any automatic updating in all software I install.
Call me paranoid, but I just don't like the idea of software being able to "phone home" whenever it wants to.
I am also on a very crappy Dial-up ISP, so the less things using my bandwidth the better. When I am ready to update, I go check the sites manually and DL if need be.

Then say that, don't say it's for security reasons, because your in fact probably making your security situation worse.
Bill

 

[sxr7171]

Originally posted by: bsobel

Originally posted by: check72
No, I don't have Sun Java installed.
I disabled Auto Updates and Remote Registry. I also disable any automatic updating in all software I install.
Call me paranoid, but I just don't like the idea of software being able to "phone home" whenever it wants to.
I am also on a very crappy Dial-up ISP, so the less things using my bandwidth the better. When I am ready to update, I go check the sites manually and DL if need be.

Then say that, don't say it's for security reasons, because your in fact probably making your security situation worse.
Bill

I don't agree. If you are dilligent about checking for updates regularly you should be as secure as anyone who uses automatic updates. Granted the automatic update program asks you for permission to install updates, some people still don't enjoy an extra process running and possibly taking up bandwidth. As far as I know remote registry isn't a great thing to have enabled if you don't need it to get your work done.

 

[check72]

Originally posted by: bsobel

Then say that, don't say it's for security reasons, because your in fact probably making your security situation worse.

Would you care to explain your reasoning here?

I check the site about every week (sometimes more if I see one mentioned), so it's not like I don't update! Currently, I just can't!!!
:Q

I look at it like this... what is more secure:

1) giving someone the keys to your house and letting them come in whenever they want to?

or

2) Keeping the keys yourself, and making sure you are home when they come over?

I opt for option #2, thank you.

Anyway, I am not asking for security advice... I am asking for help fixing my problem with WU.

Thanks for the help above, but no luck!

 

[check72]

Anyone know what services to check or registry entries?

 

[check72]

I have checked MS knowledge base... no fix there...