Windows Update Doesn't Work

[NoMoreMrNiceGuy]

When I try to access the update page:
http://v5.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/v5consumer/default.aspx?ln=en-us
I get this message:

------------------------------------------------
Windows Update cannot continue because a required service application is
disabled. Windows Update requires the following services:
Automatic Updates enables detection, downloading, and installation of
critical updates for your computer.
Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) enables faster,
restartable downloading of updates.
Event Log logs Windows Update events for troubleshooting. To ensure that
these services are enabled:

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. Type services.msc and then click OK.
3. In the list of services, right-click the service name, and then click
Properties.
4. In the Startup type list, select Automatic.
5. Verify that the service status is started.

If this does not resolve the problem you may request help from one of
the following resources.

For self-help options:
Windows Update Response Center
Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows Update Newsgroups
-------------------------------------------

I've performed the 5 step fix-it procedure (all 3 services were already
running but the Automatic Update feature is set to manual).

I need some help getting this to work. Any ideas?
My apology for cross-posting.

Norm

 

[Bill Crocker]

Has your Windows XP been activated with Microsoft?

Bill Crocker

 

[Torgeir Bakken \(MVP\)]

When I try to access the update page:
http://v5.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/v5consumer/default.aspx?ln=en-us
I get this message:

------------------------------------------------
Windows Update cannot continue because a required service application is
disabled. Windows Update requires the following services:
Automatic Updates enables detection, downloading, and installation of
critical updates for your computer.
Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) enables faster,
restartable downloading of updates.
Event Log logs Windows Update events for troubleshooting. To ensure that
these services are enabled:

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. Type services.msc and then click OK.
3. In the list of services, right-click the service name, and then click
Properties.
4. In the Startup type list, select Automatic.
5. Verify that the service status is started.

-------------------------------------------

I've performed the 5 step fix-it procedure (all 3 services were already
running but the Automatic Update feature is set to manual).

I need some help getting this to work. Any ideas?

Hi,

Did you set the Automatic Update service to Automatic? (WU will not
work if it is set to manual)

 

[Dick Mahar]

When I try to access the update page:
http://v5.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/v5consumer/default.aspx?ln=en-us
I get this message:

------------------------------------------------
Windows Update cannot continue because a required service application is
disabled. Windows Update requires the following services:
Automatic Updates enables detection, downloading, and installation of
critical updates for your computer.
Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) enables faster,
restartable downloading of updates.
Event Log logs Windows Update events for troubleshooting. To ensure that
these services are enabled:

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. Type services.msc and then click OK.
3. In the list of services, right-click the service name, and then click
Properties.
4. In the Startup type list, select Automatic.
5. Verify that the service status is started.

If this does not resolve the problem you may request help from one of
the following resources.

For self-help options:
Windows Update Response Center
Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows Update Newsgroups
-------------------------------------------

I've performed the 5 step fix-it procedure (all 3 services were already
running but the Automatic Update feature is set to manual).

I need some help getting this to work. Any ideas?
My apology for cross-posting.

Norm
CONTROL PANEL......AUTOMATIC UPATES....set to anything other than TURN OFF
AUTO UPDATES.

 

[NoMoreMrNiceGuy]

When I try to access the update page:
http://v5.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/v5consumer/default.aspx?ln=en-us
I get this message:

------------------------------------------------
Windows Update cannot continue because a required service application is
disabled. Windows Update requires the following services:
Automatic Updates enables detection, downloading, and installation of
critical updates for your computer.
Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) enables faster,
restartable downloading of updates.
Event Log logs Windows Update events for troubleshooting. To ensure that
these services are enabled:

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. Type services.msc and then click OK.
3. In the list of services, right-click the service name, and then click
Properties.
4. In the Startup type list, select Automatic.
5. Verify that the service status is started.

If this does not resolve the problem you may request help from one of
the following resources.

For self-help options:
Windows Update Response Center
Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows Update Newsgroups
-------------------------------------------

I've performed the 5 step fix-it procedure (all 3 services were already
running but the Automatic Update feature is set to manual).

I need some help getting this to work. Any ideas?
My apology for cross-posting.

Norm
CONTROL PANEL......AUTOMATIC UPATES....set to anything other than TURN OFF
AUTO UPDATES.

It is set to off but I have been using the update page for a couple yrs
like that. Did MS change something. I would rather do the updates
manually.

Norm

 

[NoMoreMrNiceGuy]

Hi,

Did you set the Automatic Update service to Automatic? (WU will not
work if it is set to manual)

I have been using the update site with the automatic feature turned off
for years. I would rather do my updates manually and chose which to
download.

Norm

 

[NoMoreMrNiceGuy]

Has your Windows XP been activated with Microsoft?

Bill Crocker

Well, uhh, kinda. I am running XP Pro, no activation required.
I have been using the update site with the automatic feature turned off
for years. I would rather do my updates manually and chose which to
download.

Norm

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Norm;
The others are referring to in Services
Open "Administrative Tools" in Control Panel
Double click "Services"
Make sure "Automatic Update" and Background Intelligent Transfer Service are
both set to automatic.
These need to be on for Windows Update to work manually or automatically.
You can leave Automatic Update off in System Properties.




Type > I have been using the update site with the automatic feature turned
off

 

[Torgeir Bakken \(MVP\)]

I have been using the update site with the automatic feature turned
off for years. I would rather do my updates manually and chose
which to download.

Hi,

It is NOT the Automatic *service* that determines if the computer will
automatically connect to the WU site and start downloading updates.

This will only happen if you have enabled "Automatic Updates" in the
AU applet found in Control Panel.

You can turn "Automatic Updates" *off* in the AU applet found in
Control Panel, this way nothing will be automatically installed on
the computer, but the Automatic *service* can still be in Automatic,
and WU will work for manual updates as you want to.


(it is the Windows Updates version 5 introduced last year that needs
the AU service to be set to Automatic to work)

 

[NoMoreMrNiceGuy]

Hi,

It is NOT the Automatic *service* that determines if the computer will
automatically connect to the WU site and start downloading updates.

This will only happen if you have enabled "Automatic Updates" in the
AU applet found in Control Panel.

You can turn "Automatic Updates" *off* in the AU applet found in
Control Panel, this way nothing will be automatically installed on
the computer, but the Automatic *service* can still be in Automatic,
and WU will work for manual updates as you want to.


(it is the Windows Updates version 5 introduced last year that needs
the AU service to be set to Automatic to work)

I understand now. Thanks for clearing up my misunderstanding/confusion.
I am able to update now. Many thanks to all who replied. I hope I
can return the favor some day.

Norm

 

[Ron Martell]

It is set to off but I have been using the update page for a couple yrs
like that. Did MS change something. I would rather do the updates
manually.

Norm

Use Start - Run - SERVICES.MSC
Double-click on the "Automatic Updates" entry and make certain that
the Startup type is set to Automatic.

This is not an option. It *must* be set to Automatic or you cannot
get Windows Updates to work. Period. No choice.

You can still configure the operation of the Automatic Updates
function whichever way you prefer by using Control Panel - Automatic
Updates.

But the underlying service for automatic updates must be loaded
automatically by Windows.

Hope this clarifies the situation.

Good luck


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP
http://aumha.org/alex.htm

 

[NoMoreMrNiceGuy]

Use Start - Run - SERVICES.MSC
Double-click on the "Automatic Updates" entry and make certain that
the Startup type is set to Automatic.

This is not an option. It *must* be set to Automatic or you cannot
get Windows Updates to work. Period. No choice.

You can still configure the operation of the Automatic Updates
function whichever way you prefer by using Control Panel - Automatic
Updates.

But the underlying service for automatic updates must be loaded
automatically by Windows.

Hope this clarifies the situation.

Good luck


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada

Yes it does. You and a couple of other had the same perfect advice. I
appreciate the help.

Norm

 

[Dick Mahar]

When I try to access the update page:
http://v5.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/v5consumer/default.aspx?ln=en-us
I get this message:

------------------------------------------------
Windows Update cannot continue because a required service application is
disabled. Windows Update requires the following services:
Automatic Updates enables detection, downloading, and installation of
critical updates for your computer.
Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) enables faster,
restartable downloading of updates.
Event Log logs Windows Update events for troubleshooting. To ensure that
these services are enabled:

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. Type services.msc and then click OK.
3. In the list of services, right-click the service name, and then click
Properties.
4. In the Startup type list, select Automatic.
5. Verify that the service status is started.

If this does not resolve the problem you may request help from one of
the following resources.

For self-help options:
Windows Update Response Center
Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows Update Newsgroups
-------------------------------------------

I've performed the 5 step fix-it procedure (all 3 services were already
running but the Automatic Update feature is set to manual).

I need some help getting this to work. Any ideas?
My apology for cross-posting.

Norm
CONTROL PANEL......AUTOMATIC UPATES....set to anything other than TURN OFF
AUTO UPDATES.

It is set to off but I have been using the update page for a couple yrs
like that. Did MS change something. I would rather do the updates
manually.

Norm

It has been my experience in the year that I have used XP that updates will
not download if the Auto Updates are OFF. Just click the middle button, MS won't
sneak one in on you. I am not about to get SP2....Dick M.

 

[NoMoreMrNiceGuy]

It is set to off but I have been using the update page for a couple yrs
like that. Did MS change something. I would rather do the updates
manually.

Norm

It has been my experience in the year that I have used XP that updates will
not download if the Auto Updates are OFF. Just click the middle button, MS won't
sneak one in on you. I am not about to get SP2....Dick M.

I've decided against SP2 also. I have some many applications installed
I'm afraid I would have many that would be borked. I ain't gonna fix
what ain't broke.

Norm

 

[Dick Mahar]

It is set to off but I have been using the update page for a couple yrs
like that. Did MS change something. I would rather do the updates
manually.

Norm

It has been my experience in the year that I have used XP that updates will
not download if the Auto Updates are OFF. Just click the middle button, MS won't
sneak one in on you. I am not about to get SP2....Dick M.

I've decided against SP2 also. I have some many applications installed
I'm afraid I would have many that would be borked. I ain't gonna fix
what ain't broke.

Norm

Just remember to restore that automatic update button to "NO" when you have
the update that you want. I agree, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Many gripes
on these newsgroups from those who downloaded it. I have AV, spyware killer, and
a firewall, and it is all working fine.