Posted on 10/17/2016 8:13:15 PM PDT by CaptainPhilFan
Yesterday I attempted to install the latest Windows Update, after my computer went rogue and started freezing, as it does every time I ignore the Update. It runs Vista because I've refused 8, 9 and 10.
The Progress Bar spun at "Downloading" for over an hour. I got out and went looking for a solution.
One that made sense was "Complete any other update then try again" so I did.
The system was then stuck at "searching for updates" and would only last a few minutes before crashing.
I got to the Microsoft site and found the correct update, 32 bits for my computer. But it kept spinning at "Searching for updates". And then it refused to function on the web, throwing up various errors.
"Update History" shows the incomplete attempt.
Since then Dear Husband has tried several fixes to no avail. He's a great computer guy, so this is pretty hugh AND series.
If this tale of woe makes any sense to anyone and you have inside info please share.
I am posting from my Not That Smart phone, this has taken 25 minutes to type.
God bless you for 20 generations if you share the secret. I keep thinking about the classic "Computer Haikus" and the Blue Screen of Death.
Linux on a fresh HD. Vista in a Virtual Box.
Just say NO. Use Win Ultimate 7 from torrentville.
I’m pretty sure Vista wasn’t eligible for the free upgrade MS is trying to force on you. Only 7 & 8/8.1 were.
I had the same problem, pls read this thread:
I couldn’t get the screen to my Win 7 HP desktop to come on, so my tech support (daughter) pointed out that it needed a power cord. So I’ll say it:
Are you logged on?
Short of sitting down in front of it, about the only thing I Can advise is system restore, if it actually works...other than that, get the restore CD and reinstall. That’s usually the best way to fix serious problems these days, with anything after XP. Furthermore, with all the seriously malicious software out there, viruses, root kits, spyware, back doors...reinstalling is often the only way to find and fix problems of that nature, they’ve gotten really good at hiding it. And if they can hide it from me, that’s doing pretty good. I’ve built and repaired computers for over 15 years. I found about 6 or 8 years ago they had gotten so good at hiding their malicious software I was stumped...So I just started reinstalling.
If you’re up for an adventure, find and download a Linux Live CD, and try that. I’ve been using Slacko, the latest version of Puppy Linux, it’s pretty good and Linux is a lot more user friendly than earlier versions were around the time I started using it, 2001 or so.
You might need to reinstall vista. Did your machine come with vista cds/dvd? Or did you make recovery disks when you got the machine? If your hard disk is OK, your files are recoverable, but you may need to find a way to reinstall vista and all your applications.
Thanks! DH wants to put Linux on it but I didn’t consider Vista in a box.
Any thoughts on whether or not I can go to 10 to solve the problem?
I use Chrome for browser and email and Chrome hasn’t supported Vista in a long time. Might that be any part of the problem?
In any case thanks for your reply and suggestions, they may help.
As usual, other people do Microsoft’s job better than Microsoft.
There even used to be a ‘Windows Update DVD’ site that simply collected all the MS updates and placed them on a single disc - with regular updates. Microsoft inexplicably made them stop. However, when you realize that Microsoft has joined the dark side and uses Update to push things that aren’t essential, aren’t wanted and/or are from the marketing department then you see why they want to maintain control.
However, I’ve found another site with an excellent utility that performs essentially the same job.
Visit
http://download.wsusoffline.net/
And download this version:
http://download.wsusoffline.net/wsusoffline95.zip
Unzip and run their program (executable) UpdateGenerator.
This will allow you to pick and choose updates to retrieve - the updates will download and install in a DOS/CMD window.
I’ve used this site and utility many times for various versions of Windows. I picked the 9.5 version somewhat at random but had to go back to 2014-era release to find a Vista-capable one.
You can go two routes: use the utility to download all the updates you can find or use it to merely get over the temporary hump you are facing.
The utility can be used multiple times if you wish to update incrementally.
As usual, there’s a bit of a learning curve but the interface is rather simple.
Oh, that’s interesting! Might explain a few things. Thank you for the info. Vista has been just great, no complaints at all. Would have been great if Microsoft said that, eh?
Spare yourself and do what I did......I ditched Windows entirely....did it cold turkey 2 months ago....went completely to Apple/Mac...phone, iPad, laptop, desk tops...for both personal and my business.....best thing I ever did and my life is so much better.
No kidding.
Thanks! I can’t handle that, but luckily the Computer Guy married a Good Cook, so we complete each other :)
Can you do one of those system restore to a previous date?
One can have all sorts of VMs. Clone Vista and try to update the clone. Then another clone potentialky going all the way to 10. YMMV. I most appreciste a XPP VM and a 64 bit Win7. For general use I use the 64 bit Linux Mint 18.
pink
I have Vista 32 bit.... with Crome..stopped using Crome because it was wacking out my computer.....Searched for a new browser that would be like Crome.... using ‘Slimjet’ for my browser now. Very much like Crome in every way....so far so good...Much faster than the dog FireFox which drove me nuts!
I’ve been using Vista for years now...but will be looking for a new computer down the road......I’ve heard good things about Apple...not near the problems...what say you in that respect?
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