Microsoft Updates will not scan my computer for updates

[puterfix]

When I go to Windows Updates and click for the express scan for updates I get an error message.  The number of the error message is 0x80248011.  I have tried a couple of the solutions that Microsoft recommends on its Update site, but have not been successful in completing them.  For one it asks me to rename a file, but it won't let me change the name. 

I have used the Protection Scan/Disc Cleanup Scan on the Microsoft site and they report there are no virus problems, and I have used my Norton scan with the same results.

I have also been having a problem with shutting down my computer and have to do it by turning the power off, so I have not been receiving automatic updates. 

How can I solve this problem? Thanks for remembering that I am not very computer literate, so please use the most simplistic explanation as to how to remedy this situation.  Could the problem I have getting updates be connected to the shutdown problem?

I appreciate any help you can give me on these problem.  Thank you.

[Quantos]

Have you tried renaming the file under safe mode?

[puterfix]

When I try Microsoft Updates suggestion for resolving this problem it tell me to do start/run/services.mcs/ right click  automatic updates/  click stop/ rename folder/ but there is no folder to rename.  If I left click automatic updates I get a box named Automatic Updates with a name in a box marked path to executables which contains C:/WINDOWS/SYSTEM32/SVCHOST.exe -k netsvcs and this is the point where I get lost.  Is this the file I'm being directed to rename?  When I try to rename it, nothing happens.  Thanks for your suggestion about renaming it in safe mode, but how do I go about doing that?

[puterfix]

Still have this problem.  Anybody out there have any ideas?

[harry 48]

http://www.microsoft.com/communities/default.mspx


go to above theres lots of help there, forums , blogs etc , harry

[Kando]

I was having a number of problems with Windows update and found a solution that seemed to work.

1. Boot into safe mode with networking
2. run windows update
3. if it asks to install ActiveX do it
4. when the update fails click on Administrator options in the left pane
5. click on the catalog link at the end of the first sentence
6. another window will open and you will be given another chance to install ActiveX, do it
7. once the window changes from the box telling you about ActiveX to the glowing white search box, reboot
8. when you have booted normally run windows update again
9. you may get a page that wants you to reregister components, do it
10. you will get the update page for the genuine advantage and the windows package installer, install them
11. once they are installed continue with the updates, express or custom

This worked for me, your mileage may differ, but it could not hurt to try it.

[harry 48]

yes kando as you said you do need this i found as well , you will get the update page for the genuine advantage and the windows package installer, install them

[puterfix]

Kando, thanks for your suggestion.  I tried it, but it didn't work.  Got the same error message as usual.  Any other suggestions?

[harry 48]

go to , tools , internet options, advanced , reset internet explorer settings , click reset , read the page that

 comes up , what it takes out and resets back to when your pc was new , i have done it twice over the years

 and it did no harm , its worth a go , harry

[puterfix]

hi harry, thanks for the suggestion.  I haven't tried it yet because when I go to Internet Options/Advanced does not have a reset button for internet explorer.  There is a tab that says Programs which has a button called Reset Web Settings with the description You can reset Internet Explorer to the default home and search pages.  Is this the same thing? 

[harry 48]

that is the very thing

[puterfix]

Hi Harry, just tried your suggestion.  Sorry, but it didn't work.  Any other ideas?

[harry 48]

i will PM you in 10 minutes