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    "the windows update service is not running and you may need to restart computer"

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by TheSurfer, Jun 14, 2012.

  1. TheSurfer

    TheSurfer Newbie

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    Hello,
    im having a problem with windows update,when i press check for updates it says "the service is not running and you may need to restart computer"

    What I have tried already:
    - Use the Fixit Tool --> it said all problems solved but the service is still not running
    - In services make sure it starts automatically delayed
    - Restart the computer

    Nothing has worked, and I think I really need to install updates so my windows installer can be fixed again...

    Does anybody know how to fix this?

    p.s.: system: Windows vista .32 bit, Service pack 1 and 2
     
    TheSurfer, Jun 14, 2012
    #1
  2. MrDJ

    MrDJ Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    go start > control panel > windows updates > left hand side change settings > make sure install updates automatically is set in drop down box
     
    MrDJ, Jun 14, 2012
    #2
  3. TheSurfer

    TheSurfer Newbie

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    MrDJ,

    I did what you told me to do, but it didn't change anything. Updates install automatically was selected already in the drop box...

    Any other things which might help?
     
    TheSurfer, Jun 15, 2012
    #3
  4. MrDJ

    MrDJ Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    thats strange.
    did you check in the update history to see if there was any failed updates.

    im not sure what else to suggest but hopefully someone else will be able to advise.
     
    MrDJ, Jun 15, 2012
    #4
  5. TheSurfer

    TheSurfer Newbie

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    The history doesn't show anything but a white screen and the 'ok' button at the bottom right...
    I hope so too....
     
    TheSurfer, Jun 16, 2012
    #5
  6. MrDJ

    MrDJ Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    im no expert on this but you could have a virus of somesorts as there should be some updates in that box even if its a brand new laptop.
    try going into safe mode (reboot and continuously press F8 on startup) and then run a virus scan.
     
    MrDJ, Jun 16, 2012
    #6
  7. TreeTops Ranch

    TreeTops Ranch Notebook Deity

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    Did a search on Google for your problem and found this:

    Locate this folder: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
    Delete all files in that folder

    That fixed the problem for some.
     
    TreeTops Ranch, Jun 16, 2012
    #7