automatic updates not working?

[yawnmoth]

I have two computers - a laptop and a desktop. After taking the
laptop out of hibernate, it automatically downloaded the updates and
prompted me, periodically, asking me if I wanted to abort a reboot
that'd otherwise begin in 5 minutes.

The desktop, however, has neither prompted me for a reboot nor has
does it appear to have even installed the updates. I have Automatic
Updates set to Automatic on this computer, and have it set up to
download them every day at 3AM. Yet it doesn't appear to be auto-
downloading anything. Any ideas as to why?

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Tip: Temporarily disable real-time protection by your anti-virus and/or
anti-spyware applications (e.g., CounterSpy, Spysweeper, Spybot Tea Timer,
AVG Anti-Spyware) and/or any third-party firewall (e.g., ZA) before
attempting to install the update(s). If you disable the third-party
firewall, make certain that you enable the Windows Firewall!

=====================

How to troubleshoot Windows Update, Microsoft Update, and Windows Server
Update Services installation issues:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/906602

1. See the "Need more help? Tell us what problem you are having" section of
http://support.microsoft.com/ph/6527

2. You cannot install some updates or programs
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/822798

3a. Check Windowsupdate.log (%windir%\Windowsupdate.log) for errors
associated with the download/install.

How to read the Windowsupdate.log file
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/902093

3b. Compare errors to those listed here:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/blogs/mowgreen/index.php?showentry=1122
and/or go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com > click on Help and Support
link in left pane > Solve problems on your own.

4. Windows Update Checklist:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/updtcl.htm

5. Windows Update-specific newsgroup:
news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.windowsupdate

Archive of Windows Update newsgroup:
http://groups-beta.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsupdate

===========================

Start a free Windows Update support incident request:
https://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=6527

Support for Windows Update:
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/wusupport

 

[yawnmoth]

Tip: Temporarily disable real-time protection by your anti-virus and/or
anti-spyware applications (e.g., CounterSpy, Spysweeper, Spybot Tea Timer,
AVG Anti-Spyware) and/or any third-party firewall (e.g., ZA) before
attempting to install the update(s). If you disable the third-party
firewall, make certain that you enable the Windows Firewall!

I don't have any anti-virus or anti-spyware application installed on
this particular computer (don't do much internet browsing on it), and
even if I did, I'm not sure what disabling it would accomplish? If
the anti-virus / spyware application did block something, wouldn't it
say so in the logs?

(also, the Windows Firewall is enabled, although I don't think that'd
have anything to do with it; it's enabled on my laptop as well).

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

I don't have any anti-virus or anti-spyware application installed on
this particular computer (don't do much internet browsing on it), and
even if I did, I'm not sure what disabling it would accomplish?

Temporarily disabling the application(s) may disable whatever components
that may be blocking AU and allow it to work properly!

Before You Connect a New [or any] Computer to the Internet
http://www.cert.org/tech_tips/before_you_plug_in.html

Security FAQ & Checklist
http://www.dslreports.com/faq/8463

If the anti-virus / spyware application did block something, wouldn't it
say so in the logs?

Not in so many words, no. Speaking of same, do you find any error messages
related to AU's failure in WindowsUpdate.log?

(also, the Windows Firewall is enabled, although I don't think that'd
have anything to do with it; it's enabled on my laptop as well).

I was only referring to third-party firewalls.

=> Windows Update-specific newsgroup: microsoft.public.windowsupdate