Computer Problems and\or Advice 2008 to 2011

[David Nicholson]

Can anyone help please?

For about the last week each time I switch off my computer I find that I have a Windows Update awaiting download when I reach the shutdown page. This never seems to download properly although it tries and eventually the computer switches itself off only for the same thing to happen when I switch back on again.

I have Windows XP with automatic Updates switched on and with the Firewall switched off. In case it was a virus of some kind I have done repeated scans with AVG and with Spybot and each time got a clear report.

[Martin Baxendale]

Can anyone help please?

For about the last week each time I switch off my computer I find that I have a Windows Update awaiting download when I reach the shutdown page. This never seems to download properly although it tries and eventually the computer switches itself off only for the same thing to happen when I switch back on again.

I have Windows XP with automatic Updates switched on and with the Firewall switched off. In case it was a virus of some kind I have done repeated scans with AVG and with Spybot and each time got a clear report.

David, have you tried going to the microsoft updates site (googling microsoft updates should find it). The site should, when you go onto it, do a scan of your computer to see if you have the latest download software, then you can check for available updates and download them on the site. With any luck the download you're having problems with may download on the site, especially if your download software is updated, then it may stop trying to download automatically.

[David Nicholson]

Thanks for responding Martin, I tried that one and it didn't cure the problem.

[Martin Baxendale]

Thanks for responding Martin, I tried that one and it didn't cure the problem.

I thought it might not, but best to get the obvious out of the way first, so worth asking.

[David Pilling]

For about the last week each time I switch off my computer I find that I have a Windows Update awaiting download when I reach the shutdown page.

I would be inclined to run Windows update from the Help and Support Centre from the Start menu, and apply the updates by hand. This probably amounts to what Martin suggested, the thing I'd add is to investigate what the updates actually are.
 
Usually there is a way of seeing, even in the automatic ones. I recall that updates waiting are usually shown by an icon in the "system tray" (bottom right little icons), clicking on that may get you to a list.

I believe you can disable particular updates or at least if you know the name Google to see if they're a particular problem.

[David Nicholson]

Sorted!! Did what you suggested David and although there was no indication showing in the System Tray, an XP Update KB967715 was showing as downloaded but not installed (for some reason!). Once I had installed it the problem had cleared. Many thanks.

[TC]

David

I would suggest that you download two useful (free) programs onto your computer.

Belarc Advisor.  This will detail every hardware and software item on your computer including all the Microsoft fixes. Totally simple to use and safe.

Secunia personal software inspector.  This runs a scan and lists unsafe or life expired programs which need to be removed or patched.

Google them both and the download site will be shown.

[David Nicholson]

Thnks for that Tom, I'll have a look at them.

[David Nicholson]

Sorted!! Did what you suggested David and although there was no indication showing in the System Tray, an XP Update KB967715 was showing as downloaded but not installed (for some reason!). Once I had installed it the problem had cleared. Many thanks.

Well I thought it was sorted but it isn't! The Windows update that appears to be causing me the problem is KB 967715 which appears to have the effect of "resolving an issue in which AutoRun features were not correctly disabled"

I took Tom's advice and downloaded Barlac Advisor and each time I run that it tells me that KB 967715 is present on my Computer, however whenever I switch the computer on I'm told there are Windows updates ready for downloading, and on checking the Windows Update site KB 967715 is the one waiting for download. I have tried downloading it again, numerous times, and all appears to go as it should but the next time I switch the computer on again I'm back in the old routine. Any advice please??

[maggiepie]

David, it seems that you aren't the only one having problems with that update.

http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/default.aspx?query=KB+967715+&cboDiscussionGroup=en_US_56d1dd45-de9e-4fc5-9bc1-2d1d0de6daee%3Amicrosoft.public.windowsupdate%3Aen%3AUS%3A%3A%3A%3A&=Go&dg=microsoft.public.windowsupdate&cat=en_US_56d1dd45-de9e-4fc5-9bc1-2d1d0de6daee&lang=en&cr=US&pt=&catlist=&dglist=&ptlist=&exp=&sloc=en-us


If you click on some of the latest helpful links you might find the answer to your problem.
Good luck, at least you know it isn't something you did.

[David Nicholson]

Thanks for that Helen. Have had a quick read-very scary stuff-but will read some more and then have a go.

[maggiepie]

David, make sure you make a restore point before you do it ( just in case)

[Gerry Webster]

It is said that suffering is character building. Do PC users find this to be true?

[David Nicholson]

Maybe I've cracked it this time. Using the Links that Helen provided I found advice to download another Windows update which amended something called a 'shell', which is what the update I was having problems with was supposed to do. Now, fingers and toes crossed, all seems to be well. From the Links it seems half the world was having problems with the same update!

Gerry, if frustration is part of character building, then I agree.

[TC]

With apologies to our Irish friends.