Windows Update error

tonyme · 13-02-10, 12:24

Hello guys

For some time now, my Windows Vista laptop has been acting up when it comes to automatic updates. It tells you to shut down the PC and install them. It does. Then, when the PC is turned back on, the start bar is all white and Windows 95-y, and it's all very 'slow' and basic when it comes to effects, window opening, title bars, etc. and a popup message shows up: A Windows service was unable to start. I'd have to restart the PC (sometimes a few times) until it's back to normal.

This time, the updates just WON'T install! They install when I shut down the PC but when it's turned back on, it's like nothing has been installed and the popup message still shows, and now I've been restarting a few times and it just won't go back to normal, it's still the screwed up interface.

Any help?

TRfan23 · 13-02-10, 14:21

I sometimes get quite a few Win Update errors, but I find this helps.

Download unlocker once installed, go onto your C drive in Computer, then go into the windows folder, find the folder 'SoftwareDistribution'. Right-click on it and go on unlocker, once on on the down arrow bottom left corner, select delete, highlight all process (if more then one hold shift then click on each one). Then click on kill process. You could do delete then unlock all, but that strangely doesn't work for me :/ (That folder stores all downloads from win Update, not where it's installed them.)

Now go on windows update, and should say as if it's never done any updates before with big red shield icon (If on Vista/7 not sure on XP). Now search for updates and carry on from there report back

tonyme · 14-02-10, 18:37

Will try that.

Thanks!

Though, question: why do I have to lock/unlock etc? What am I exactly unlocking and locking?

13-02-10, 12:24	#1
tonyme Tomb Raider Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Beirut Posts: 10,292	Windows Update error Hello guys For some time now, my Windows Vista laptop has been acting up when it comes to automatic updates. It tells you to shut down the PC and install them. It does. Then, when the PC is turned back on, the start bar is all white and Windows 95-y, and it's all very 'slow' and basic when it comes to effects, window opening, title bars, etc. and a popup message shows up: A Windows service was unable to start. I'd have to restart the PC (sometimes a few times) until it's back to normal. This time, the updates just WON'T install! They install when I shut down the PC but when it's turned back on, it's like nothing has been installed and the popup message still shows, and now I've been restarting a few times and it just won't go back to normal, it's still the screwed up interface. Any help? __________________ You want thingamabobs? I got twenty!

13-02-10, 14:21	#2
TRfan23 Relic Hunter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: UK - Kent Posts: 7,269	I sometimes get quite a few Win Update errors, but I find this helps. Download unlocker once installed, go onto your C drive in Computer, then go into the windows folder, find the folder 'SoftwareDistribution'. Right-click on it and go on unlocker, once on on the down arrow bottom left corner, select delete, highlight all process (if more then one hold shift then click on each one). Then click on kill process. You could do delete then unlock all, but that strangely doesn't work for me :/ (That folder stores all downloads from win Update, not where it's installed them.) Now go on windows update, and should say as if it's never done any updates before with big red shield icon (If on Vista/7 not sure on XP). Now search for updates and carry on from there report back __________________ FLAC - The ultimate cure for Hearing Problems!

14-02-10, 18:37	#3
tonyme Tomb Raider Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Beirut Posts: 10,292	Will try that. Thanks! Though, question: why do I have to lock/unlock etc? What am I exactly unlocking and locking? __________________ You want thingamabobs? I got twenty!