Simultaneous Problems With Windows Update and System Restore

[Morton]

Hi,

I'm running Vista Home Premium. I had virtually no problems until a few
days ago. I clicked OK to download 2 genuine Windows Updates, and only
one downloaded. The other posted an error sign # 80070002.Windows
onscreen told me to turn off Windows Update, delete the temporary update
files, then turn on the Update.It did not fix the problem. I then tried
a System Restore, and got an onscreen notice of "an unspecified error".
I tried again with various restore date points, and none worked. I
called my Toshiba tech support, and he advise me to use their CD to
reformat my hard drive, which lose all my data and programs. To me, that
is a last resort.

I have a one-week old full backup on an external hard drive, that is
supposed to be a full backup in native format.

How can I fix these 2 important problems? Can I try to restore the
Windows Update and System Restore files from my backup? Must I restore
the entire hard drive from the external backup drive?

I would really appreciate any help with these big problems.

Morton Linder

 

[Andre Da Costa[ActiveWin]]

Try running System Restore in safe mode, its possible that you Antivirus
utility (if you have one installed is conflicting with it).

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.

 

[Morton]

Try running System Restore in safe mode, its possible that you Antivirus
utility (if you have one installed is conflicting with it).

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.

Hi Andre,

Thanks for the great advice. I'll carry it out soon.

Toshiba told me blithely to just reformat my hard drive, thereby
deleting all my programs and data and settings. Nonsense.

Thanks again.

Mort

 

[Andre Da Costa[ActiveWin]]

Hey Morton,

Remember to reply back with an update, I want to know how this turns out.

 

[Morton]

Hey Morton,

Remember to reply back with an update, I want to know how this turns out.

Hi Andre,

While awaiting your initial reply, I ran across a suggestion to upgrade
something called NDP 1.1. I have no idea what that is, but I downloaded
the upgrade, including its icon onto my desktop. Since then , my
Microsoft updates download normally, and in so doing, they create a new
restore point per on-screen message. I have not tested the restore point
yet; no need to.

It is frustrating to have a graduate school education, know several
languages, be aware of the math behind digital computers, have 11 years
of PC experience, and not have the vaguest idea why a program suddenly
misbehaves or how to fix it. I'm thankful that helpful and pleasant
people like you are available to help.

Thanks again.

Mort