Check for updates in start menu hangs up - can't connect to MS upd

[Guest]

This started with a problem where Outlook keeps stopping, and I get a message
that I need to install updates. When the start menu checks for updates, it
just hangs up and can't connect. I tried going directly to the update site,
but it still opens the update check in the start menu. I can't exit out, I
have to reboot.

Please help! I have all my appointments in Outlook because I prefer the
calender, but it has become unusable. And I really need those updates for
both Outlook and Vista!

Thanks for your help.

 

[Andre Da Costa[ActiveWin]]

Which version of Outlook is this? Have you tried manually downloading the
update for Microsoft Outlook through the Microsoft Download Center?
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads

As for Windows Vista and Windows Update:
Try this:
The BITS Repair Tool will help you fix a problem caused by the corruption of
BITS state files. The problem stops the host process for Windows Services,
which prevents you from using BITS to transfer files. Use this tool to
resolve the corruption and re-enable BITS transfers. After you install this
item, you may have to restart your computer.

x86:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...60-4045-435b-b165-2c1496cd94a4&DisplayLang=en

x64:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...15-e97b-46a6-ab7e-4f89fff4d8af&DisplayLang=en

If that does not work, try this:
Rename the SoftwareDistribution folder. (Because of possible folder
corruption or other errors.)
Click Start, Choose Run.
In the Run box, type services.msc.
Click OK.
Right-click the Automatic Updates service.
Click Stop.
Stopping the service will take a moment.

Rename the "SoftwareDistribution" folder:
a. Click Start, click Run, type %systemroot%, and then click OK.
b. Right-click the SoftwareDistribution folder, and then click Rename.
c. Type SoftwareDistribution.old, and then press ENTER to rename this
folder.
Create a new folder called "SoftwareDistribution"
Click Start. Choose Run.
In the Run box, type services.msc.
Click OK.
Right-click the Automatic Updates service.
Click Start.
Starting the service will take a moment.
Rerun Windows Update.

 

[Guest]

Sorry to be a pest.

I got a message that "BITS repair tool is not required" then when I tried
to rename the Software Distribution Folder, I got "Destination folder access
denied - you need permission to perform this action." How do I get
permission? I'm the only user of this computer.

I did try to download the VISTA update, and got hung up with Windows Update
Standalone Installer. It says preparation has completed, but won't close.
And I can't see that anything has actually downloaded.

I was able to install the Office 2003 Service pack, so I'll reboot and see
if that helps on Outlook. I'm mystified about checking for Windows updates,
though. Anything else I can try?

 

[Andre Da Costa[ActiveWin]]

Go to Start > All Programs > Accessories and right-click
on the Command Prompt and choose "Run as administrator".
Type in: SFC /SCANNOW and press your Enter key.

If that does not work, try repairing your system. Boot from your Windows
Vista DVD, select the System Repair Option > on the setup screen, select
'Repair Computer > Select your installation of Windows > select Startup
Repair option and follow instructions.
--
Andre
Blog: http://adacosta.spaces.live.com
My Vista Quickstart Guide:
http://adacosta.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!E8E5CC039D51E3DB!9709.entry