Windows Updates unable to be successfully installed

[abouddan]

Hi all,
I trying to the Automatic updates. After searching for the right updates a list of 32 high priority updates, when selecting "Download Updates and install", the process of downloading starts, when the download is done an error messege apears: "Updates unable to be successfully installed". I don't know what is the problem, I read something about removing the anti-virus before installing, I did that but nothing changed.

Thanks for your support.

[bartonc]

Hi all,
I trying to the Automatic updates. After searching for the right updates a list of 32 high priority updates, when selecting "Download Updates and install", the process of downloading starts, when the download is done an error messege apears: "Updates unable to be successfully installed". I don't know what is the problem, I read something about removing the anti-virus before installing, I did that but nothing changed.

Thanks for your support.

It helps us help you if you specify version (ie: XP Home, etc.).

[Chrisjc]

I would also imagine that it did not mean all 32 updates failed did it? Normaly windows will tell you which of the following messed up? But as stated above please supply the following information

Windows version and service packs if any???

[natcom]

Hi there try this link http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555461

[lion007]

Hi all,
I trying to the Automatic updates. After searching for the right updates a list of 32 high priority updates, when selecting "Download Updates and install", the process of downloading starts, when the download is done an error messege apears: "Updates unable to be successfully installed". I don't know what is the problem, I read something about removing the anti-virus before installing, I did that but nothing changed.

Thanks for your support.

Check Whether ur Windows XP is Genuine or not.To check this enter at www.microsoft.com & run Genuine Advantage program.Using this u can test the GENUINENESS.If ur XP is NOT Genuine u can't UPDATE ur Xp.

[Cyberdyne]

Actually it will still update all the critical patches but not the rest =)

Microsoft has indicated that they will continue to deliver critical security updates through their Automatic Updates service as well as via the Microsoft Download Center. Although installation of WGA will be required for use of Automatic Updates, all systems including those that fail to pass validation will receive critical security updates. =)

[RevBooter]

im had some serious issues with updates in work, the sad thing about it is 9/10 it is brand new laptops, hp brand laptops :O! you have to do some crazy things to get the WGA to work if it initially does not like something about your computer!

[Cyberdyne]

Agreed, this topic is still open but will soon be closed as the initial user has not replied, thanks Cyber.

[dodgy]

Hi. I'm not the original poster but i have a similar problem. I hope you can help me =)

I own a legit version of Windows XP Professional with SP2 installed and i'm having incredible trouble updating the operating system.

I log into my administrator account with (i think) full privileges. I run automatic update through either the automatic update or from the MS website using IE and the computer downloads my necessary updates. Afterwards, i try to update and computer and it will NEVER successfully update regardless if i select 'express install' or 'custom install'.

Nothing runs upon startup, I've scanned the computer for viruses and used ad-aware. Nothing comes up. I've turned off all virus and spyware scanners before attempting to update WinXP Pro so i don't know what else is stopping the updates from installing successfully. I've already tried the suggestions from http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555461
I opened the 'Windows Update' folder and nothing is there. I tried "regsvr32 /u C:\WINNT\System32\IUCTL.dll" and i don't have that module installed.

Any other suggestions?

[RevBooter]

nightmare does not even begin to describe this topic! under internet explorer, tools, manager add ons, insure the windows genuine advantage ocx is installed, and running. if not enable it, if it is try this. open taskmanager, and locate and stop the wgatray.exe.

delete wgatray.exe from c:\windows\system32 & c:\windows\system32\dllcache. rename c:\windows\softwaredistribution to say .old.Start Windows Registry editor (start, run, regedit) and delete the folder "WGALOGON" located in the following location:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\ Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WinlogonNotify. Delete all references in your registry to WgaTray.exe. Delete the following three files
\WINDOWS\system32\WgaLogon.dll
\WINDOWS\system32\WgaTray.exe
\WINDOWS\system32\LegitCheckControl.dll

try rerunning the windows genuine advantage update!

[dodgy]

Thanks for your help =) I know this is a developer network but i'm not a developer so please bear with me. I found this site while searching for solutions to my problem.

I'm having difficulty with your instructions, RevBooter: do you mean Windows Explorer rather than Internet Explorer? Also, what's the 'windows genuine advantage ocx'. After i start my computer and login as admin, use the Task Manager, i don't see 'wgatray.exe'. I found 'wgatray.exe' double-clicked it and it still doesn't show up in the Task Manager.

I can only find "windows genuine advantage notifications' in the MS download center. I've downloaded and installed it and it doesn't seem to change anything.

Also, I'm having difficulty deleting 'WgaLogon.dll' as the computer says i don't have permission (i'm in the administrator account) or it's in use.

I'm ready to give up soon. You're right; this is quite a horrifying and ridiculously time-consuming process.

[RevBooter]

sorry internet explorer... my bad! the windows genuine advantage ocx thingy, i think, my fellow technical friends can feel free to correct me on this one :) i think it is an ocx that authenticates automatically when you connect to the windows update server, saving you having to re run the genuine advantage hotfix, and it is unique to each pc... i think :) have you tried booting in safe mode? heres a few methods how to do that..Windows XP

If Windows XP is the only operating system installed on your computer, booting into Safe Mode with these instructions.

* If the computer is running, shut down Windows, and then turn off the power
* Wait 30 seconds, and then turn the computer on.
* Start tapping the F8 key. The Windows Advanced Options Menu appears. If you begin tapping the F8 key too soon, some computers display a "keyboard error" message. To resolve this, restart the computer and try again.
* Ensure that the Safe mode option is selected.
* Press Enter. The computer then begins to start in Safe mode.
* When you are finished with all troubleshooting, close all programs and restart the computer as you normally would.

To use the System Configuration Utility method

* Close all open programs.
* Click Start, Run and type MSCONFIG in the box and click OK
* The System Configuration Utility appears, On the BOOT.INI tab, Check the "/SAFEBOOT" option, and then click OK and Restart your computer when prompted.
* The computer restarts in Safe mode.
* Perform the troubleshooting steps for which you are using Safe Mode.
When you are finished with troubleshooting in Safe mode, open MSCONFIG again, on the BOOT.INI tab, uncheck "/SAFEBOOT" and click OK to restart your computer

also is this a xp pro desktop? if so right click on my computer, manager, local accounts, and check that the administrator account has no weird groups assigned to it , and that it is part of the administrator group!

i had a desktop in work with this issue, and to be honest! was a nightmare! tried all these things, plus more, and guess what! got the girl to try it one day... and as if my magic the IT pixies came in and fixed it... it worked :(

should keep you going for a bit :)

[Cyberdyne]

Doggy go ahead and download internet explorer 7, install it, restart and try running updates again.

Here is the Link to download Internet Explorer 7

Cyber.

[dodgy]

Thanks, Cyberdyne and Revbooter. I've tried downloading IE7 a few days ago from the download center, installing it and it doesn't install properly =( I won't have access to the computer for about a week so i'll try all of your suggestions soon. Thanks again. Such a pain =(

[Sotomayor]

I also keep having problems with opening internet explorer - i often get an error message that says iexplore.exe isn't working - how can i find and repair this program? I'm not a developer but find these forums useful and friendly! I hope someone can help.
thanks

[RevBooter]

reinstall internet explorer would be a good suggestion. also check event logs to rule out any system issues. you can do this by going start, run typing "eventvwr".

[Motoma]

Sorry guys, but this does not sound like a genuine advantage error to me. Try installing the updates one at a time. Do they all fail, or is there one in particular that is causing the process to halt?

[dodgy]

I don't know what's the core problem causing the installations to fail. Many updates have failed to install; critical or otherwise.

I've tried downloading updates one at a time but it's frustrating and time consuming. I'm considering backing up and reinstalling the entire OS; if i can find the OS restore disk.

[mousematt]

I've just solved this after three days of searching. This is what worked for me after trying all the suggestions above and many, many others from all over the web. As far as I can see nobody else has solved the problem this simple way, but, as I say, it worked for me and maybe it'll work for you too...

Delete the files c:\windows\windowsupdate.log and c:\windows\windows update.log

(NB: one file has a space in it)

You should be able to delete the latter within Windows, and if you can't delete the former, restart in safe mode with command prompt, as Administrator and type

del c:\windows\windowsupdate.log

Good luck all!

[bartonc]

I've just solved this after three days of searching. This is what worked for me after trying all the suggestions above and many, many others from all over the web. As far as I can see nobody else has solved the problem this simple way, but, as I say, it worked for me and maybe it'll work for you too...

Delete the files c:\windows\windowsupdate.log and c:\windows\windows update.log

(NB: one file has a space in it)

You should be able to delete the latter within Windows, and if you can't delete the former, restart in safe mode with command prompt, as Administrator and type

del c:\windows\windowsupdate.log

Good luck all!

That's great information! Thank you so much for taking the time to share it with us. I'll have to bookmark this one.

[Chrisjc]

That is actaully really good. All of the ish we all know and we couldnt even think about trying to trick windows... hahaha

lovely...

[Cyberdyne]

I am returning to the above post because I have a windows xp pro laptop (Dell600m) that is having this issue, it will not install updates through windows update, it fails every time regardless if I choose custom or express or if I press shut down and install updates.

I tried all methods above and they did not work, any suggestions would be great.

I just upgraded to internet explorer 7 and I am still having the same problem of not being able to install any windows updates.

I can however install these updates individually but really dont feel like spending the time to install 89 of them individually when I can do it at once like most people.

Let me know guys,

-=Cyberdyne=-

[Cyberdyne]

Just found a workaround for all users...

Link

regards,

-=Cyberdyne=-

[PussyCat]

I had this problem
Eventuially I tried the Windows Update website (instead of Automatic Updates).
Initially the problem persisted but it then directed me to a fix (which worked).
Hope this helps, A.