Richard Wright

Unfortunately I can't boot up in Safe or any mode, in fact I can't even get a DOS prompt. I've tried the Esc key when booting and the F8 key and all of the options I get lead to the same result, the Startup Repair which doesn't do anything. Richard

Hi Nev Tried that, no effect. I'm not convinced that it's a hardware issue as last time I had the same problem I fixed it without doing anything to the hardware. I can't remember what, but I seem to remember it was something I did from a DOS command. Yesterday, I used System Mechanic, an application which I've found useful over the years. It recommended a registry defragment and compression. I started this off, it needed a restart at which point it locked up. I rebooted and everything seemed to start up OK and I used the PC all day. However, as it was today when the problem arose, and this is the only change made recently, I'm wondering if the registry has become corrupted .....................? Richard

When I switched on my PC this morning, the message came that Windows could not start. It went to Startup Repair but that did nothing. I also tried System Restore, but just got the "failed"message. I do have a so-called recovery CD but that just loads up the same tools. This actually happened to me a year or so ago and I managed to get it back up and working after a lot of hassle, but I can't remember what I did. Of course, I can't access the internet​ with the PC, am using a laptop to get here. All suggestions gratefully received. Thanks Richard

Hi Nev I didn't miss anything out. My expertise is limited but you might find this useful : http://www.askvg.com/how-to-change-windows-update-settings-when-managed-or-disabled-by-system-administrator/ Method 2 using Regedit shows how to add the required keys to allow Windows Update. It seems to be primarily aimed at Windows 10 where it seems the option to change settings isn't included, Microsoft wanting everyone to automatically receive all updates. However, it can apparently be used for other versions of Windows. I couldn't use the first method described on the link above because it seems that the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) doesn't exist on my computer. Regards Richard

Success! A simple change from 1 to 0 did the trick. I suggest that anybody with update problems should try checking this first. It took 2.5 hours to download, install and configure the 116 outstanding updates. As many of these were security updates, I'm wondering if some malware had prevented me from updating for its own nefarious purposes. Richard

I've looked in the registry and under : HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate it shows two lines, the second is : Name : DisableWindowsUpdateAccess Type :REG_DWORD Value :0x00000001 (1) I have no idea if this is relevant ...................... Richard

Yes, it's now showing "Started" and "Automatic". I did come across this and wonder if it is any use : http://www.askvg.com/fix-windows-update-problems-using-automatic-reset-script/ Richard

Another thing I've tried, still no change. Richard

Hi Ken The first two are OK. However, the BITS does NOT say "Started" and is set to "Manual". Richard

Well, I've done all that, everything went as expected, logged on with the new Administrator but still no change. Very peculiar Richard

Hi Ken Yes, forgot to say I tried the new account with administrator privileges but again no change when logged in with that account. Richard

Well, I think my conjecture above must be wrong. I've run the applications as described in the sticky thread "Before posting for Malware Removal help." to remove any Malware. The Additions log from Farbar Recovery Scan Tool includes the following : ==================== Accounts: ============================= Administrator (S-1-5-21-4239949622-3236995968-1435575603-500 - Administrator - Disabled) Guest (S-1-5-21-4239949622-3236995968-1435575603-501 - Limited - Disabled) HomeGroupUser$ (S-1-5-21-4239949622-3236995968-1435575603-1005 - Limited - Enabled) Richard Wright- (S-1-5-21-4239949622-3236995968-1435575603-1000 - Administrator - Enabled) => C:\Users\Richard Wright- Running the Malware applications has also had no effect on the update problem, though they did find and remove quite a few things ...... Richard

When following the link above for setting a new User Account I found this on the same page http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/enable-disable-windows-administrator-account/ I was wondering if this might relate to my problem as it says : "The built-in Administrator account is disabled by default in Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista. It is disabled to enhance security as this is a common account targeted by hacking scripts and hackers when they try and access your computer without your permissions." I may be talking nonsense but I wondered if this might have been enabled by some malware? However, when I try to follow the instructions provided and the Computer Management screen opens and I expand the System Tools folder, the folder "Local users and groups" isn't there. This might not be relevant but ....................... Richard

Hi Randy I just have Microsoft Security Essentials and Firewall. I ran a full scan to check for infections and it didn't find anything. Windows stopped updating in July and I hadn't had any infections at that time that I know of. I did recently start getting ads, but stopped them with Adblock Plus and the ads appeared well after Windows stopped updating. What seems so strange is that I seem to be able to do everything as administrator except for changing the Windows Update settings. I did consider setting up a new user account with administrator privileges and trying to log on with that but wasn't confident enough to try it.. Richard

No success again, I'm afraid, tried this but no effect. Richard