[Solved] Windows not updating

[KenB]

Hi Richard

 

Please confirm that B I T Service is actually "started" now.

 

Thanks Ken for finding that odd anomaly.

You are welcome Nev :)

[Richard Wright]

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

[Richard Wright]

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

[KenB]

Hi Richard

 

You may well have found the problem.

 

REG_DWORD Value :0x00000001 (1) actually disables access to Windows Update.

The value should be zero ( 0 )

 

Try going into the Registry again - and right click on left hand end of "Access Type :REG_DWORD Value :0x00000001 (1)" ......this is in the right panel on screen

Click on "Modify"

A new box will appear.

Change the 1 in "Value Data" to 0 then click on OK

 

Do not change anything else in the registry.

 

You may need to reboot the machine.

 

Lets hope this does it for you.

 

 

[Richard Wright]

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

[KenB]

Success! A simple change from 1 to 0 did the trick.

Good to hear that your updates are now working :)

[Plastic Nev]

Glad to hear all is OK now Richard.

If the computer shows any strange behaviour and you suspect a virus or malware, let us know and go to our malware removal section, follow the instructions and one of our malware removal experts will take a look.

 

Otherwise and rather strangely, I followed your path as per post #28 and couldn't find Windows update, so couldn't check what my settings are on either the desktop or laptop. Most odd unless you missed a step in your post.

 

Nev.

[RandyL]

I'm wondering if some malware had prevented me from updating for its own nefarious purposes.

I'm not a malware expert but I have seen cases in the past where malware has prevented updating Windows and AV's. Sometimes even after removing the malware other steps are needed to repair the leftover damage.

 

Like Plastic Nev said if you have any doubts the experts can take a look for you.

[Richard Wright]

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

[Plastic Nev]

Thanks for that link Richard and I have learned something new as the Group Policy Editor is where it is on my computer. It now gives me a new line to follow for those who find that updates are no longer coming in and they have to be found manually.

 

That page also will be useful for those who are lumbered with being unable to alter Windows updates on Windows 10.

 

A great find Richard and it may well be useful for many others.

 

Nev.

[RandyL]

Hi Nev.

The Group Policy Editor might not be an option on the home version. I think you have to have Pro.

[KenB]

The Group Policy Editor might not be an option on the home version.

It isn't Randy :)

Pro / Ultimate / Enterprise only.