Software Distribution Service 3.0

[adieboyes]

Latey, when shutting down my pc, Windows has been installing updates before
shutting down automatically. This hasn't been a problem, until I recently
tried to do a System Restore.

Windows went thru the retore process, and rebooted, but when the pc
re-started, I got the error message form System Retore - 'Restore could not
be complete, choose and earlier restore point'

I went back into System Restore, and thats when I noticed that an update
called 'Software Distribution Service 3.0' had installed every time the pc
had been shut down since 24/03/08. (I say it 'installed', I can't actually
find it anywhere - it doesn't appear in the Add/Remove Program list in the
Contral Panel, and there's no sign of it in the Windows Directory - Does this
mean that it has actually installed??)

So, I picked a restore checkpoint prior to SDS 3.0 first entering my system,
but got the same response on re-start, that - 'Restore could not be complete,
choose and earlier restore point'. I've tried on various checkpoint dates,
but always get the same response.

Having read thru this, and variuos other forums, it seems that SDS 3.0
causes a few problems, so I'm not sure that I want it installed on my pc at
all. How do I -
1. Tell if it is installed if it doesn't appear on any lists/directories?
2. Remove it if it is installed?
3. Stop it trying to install on every shut-down?
4. Regain the use of System Restore?

 

[athearn]

I had the same problem and here is what I did.
1. I shut down my anti virus (make sure you disconnect/disable the internet)
2. I rebooted my machine in Safe Mode (press F8 as it starts up)
3. I did a System Restore while in Safe Mode and it worked.

Make sure you TURN OFF Automatic Updates so it won't try to install again.