[HELP] Windows 10 Can't Install Important Updates - Comments Page 1

If Louise's PC is too old to support WIN 10, there are many resource friendly, windows look alike, Linux distros. Linux has come a long way and is far more user friendly than most realize. I truly believe it is easier than Windows.

To John Silberman: If Louise could not solve this problem, herself, in Windows, how the heck is she going to solve the problems Linux sends her way. The average computer user does not have the knowledge and the skills necessary to run Linux on their computer for any length of time. And while running Linux may, to you, seem easy, even easier than windows, it is because you do have the knowledge and skills necessary. Congratulations to you because you are much further advanced than most computer users.

I, personally, run 8 different computers at home, including a couple of Linux machines so I am very familiar with Linux, Windows, and Apple, and believe me when I say that the Windows machines are easiest to deal with. Apple is in the middle and Linux, while simple for a lot of things, can be very difficult when problems arise, and even more difficult when trying to get help on the internet or from published materials.

I had the same trouble. I have a Dell XPS and it would not update to version 1709. I tried about 15 times to get it done. Finally got a note to tell me to go to settings and do something. I did what it said do and it shut the system down. Nothing would come on not even home screen. Finally took it to the shop. They had to wipe the system and start all over again. Wiped out all email settings, everything. but its all back now after installing things for a period of time

I have a similar problem. Windows cant install updates until I remove 8 gigabytes from my tablet's hard drive. My tablet only has 32gig, Windows is so FAT it uses 28gig,of that. My tablet came with a 32gig SD card to boost it's limited memory Which I replaced with 128gig SD. It runs just fine but Windows is not smart enough to look elsewhere when needed.

Apologies if this is out of line but I have similar problem with windows 7. The monthly roll up for win7 64 bit based systems fails every day for the last 2 months and MS tech support cut me off when I finally got through. If you could direct me to a post where you might have addressed this I would be most thankful, the community at MS gave maybe 3-4 versions of a fix but none worked for me.

My (three) Windows laptops are now all running Windows 10, version 1709. When an earlier version of Windows 10 came (sorry, I don't remember which it was), two computers took it with no problem except extreme slowness in installing. It would not install on the third. I used the Media Creation Tool and it did nothing except force me to restart the computer (and possibly make a few programs work more slowly - I think, maybe). I gave up trying. About a month later I got the message my update is ready. I clicked Install and everything worked fine. Go figure! (Incidentally, my one OLD, UNDERPOWERED Linux computer has now reached the point where only the Midori browser works well. Firefox: crashes. Others: incredibly slow. So although I love Linux, it's not the answer to everything.)

On a slight tangent:

If I have an issue downloading an update, most times I can get it from the Microsoft Update Catalog, as long as I have the update number it is easy.

http://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Home.aspx

I downloaded the manual Media update as Bob has suggested here when I had the problem and that fixed my PC.

The problem is Microsofts and theirs alone. My computer is just two years and has Windows 10 Fall Creator's Update. The November update failed to install and then the December and January updates failed by corrupting Windows update. The February update corrected the problem after Congress threatened to get involved. Then the March update failed. Windows released a statement that Anti-Virus software companies that did not self-certify that their software was in compliance with Windows 10 would have the March update disallowed from installing on their customers' computers. MS issued another statement stating that this ban was lifted last week. This is pure BS, MS & PhD. Microsoft is a morally corrupted and bankrupted company and has been with the delivery of Windows 3.0 in 1989. The company needs to smashed and sent into deep intergalactic space.

This comment is about WINFIX, which Bob recommended some time back. WINFIX will not solve this particular problem - as far as I know - but it did solve a major problem for me: fixing WINDOWS MEDIA PLAYER. My WMP suddenly would not open; I cleaned registry, searched the web, even spoke with Microsoft: Nada! Had never used WINFIX, tried it, and Voila!, it was fixed. Love Bob for the tip, and, feeling part of his community, thought I'd try to repay the favor with this.

I have been dealing with this frustrating issue for months. The update would go as far as 45% and then I'd get an error message. Happened every time. Yesterday I was finally able to update to Windows 10, version 1709. What did I do different this time that enabled it to work? I disconnected all devices from my computer, including my printer and all USB devices. Was I shocked that the update finally happened? You bet'cha. On a side note, it totally messed up my screen's resolution, but after playing within the Device Manager's display adapters, I finally got that fixed too. I can hardly wait until Microsoft's next update (note sarcasm).

Mr. Rankin, the song you refer to, sez "in the year 2525", not 9595. You never make mistakes but then sometimes I miss jokes and am too embarrassed to ask for an explanation.
Kudos for taking on such a big relevant subject, and 2 great recommendations.
A FREEware utility called "Error Messages for Windows" used to be handy tool but it has not been updates since 2013.
Whenever I notice a problematic install resulting in an ErrorCode, I usually just resurrect the system with a previous Acronis image, hope for the best that I don't have to go thru what Louise went thru.

EDITOR'S NOTE: At the end of the song, they've reached the year 9595. You can click the link and hear the song on Youtube.

I provided assistance with a similar issue - 1709 would not install and a M$ error code was provided. A google search of the error did not provide any assistance. When I questioned whether the laptop was connected to the internet there was hesitation by the end user. A check of their connectivity quickly identified that as the issue. I had the end user power cycle his router, connectivity was restored, and 1709 installed. This solution shows the importance of troubleshooting from the basic level first.

I had the same thing happen to me on two different occasions The difference for my situation is my computer is home built and I am on the Windows Insider Build on the fast ring meaning I get an update about once a week. The first go around with this issue I was able to finally solve it with the media creation tool. The second go around I was not so lucky. I tried too many recommendations to count with no joy. Finally, I was forced to do a clean install of Windows 7 and then upgraded to Windows 10 with the media creation tool. Since then I have not had any issues with updates but I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Try this, It is something everyone should do, every once in a while. Especially if there are update failures. To clean out and delete old Windows Updates Download files:
Go To:
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
Then just delete everything you find.
Still having problems installing Windows 10 Updates?
Go to, “This PC” on the desk top / Local Disk (C) / Windows10upgrade / scroll to the bottom and run; “Window10UpgraderAPP.exe”

My problem is related, but different. Lenovo laptop purchased new in November 2016. Running the most recent version of Windows 10. Cumulative Updates install normally (now at least, in the beginning they were problematic). BUT...each and every Adobe Flash security update fails. No explanation given, they just will not work. They DO work on my old 2012-vintage Acer laptop (originally 7, switched to 10 in 2015, also latest version (16209.309)). But not the still-newish machine. I update the Flash players (all varieties) as best I can, but the Windows Update updates do not work. Any ideas?

I thought computers were supposed to make our lives better by giving us more free time to do the things we really want to do. I spend half my waking hours fixing these types of problems Bob addresses here.

I believe the word "corrupt" is incorrectly used to describe files instead of the people who foisted this hugely complex technology on us.

Think back 20 or 30 years (if you're that old). Is your life REALLY better now because of computers? Or does it just seem that way? Does food taste better? Is sex any better? Are people more civil now? Are you any healthier? This may be a topic people need to start discussing more.

I had the same problem with windows not updating. Every night it would try and every night it would fail, wasted a lot of my time with an equal amount of aggravation. After several hours of downloading and installing the current version it works fine now.

I agree with John Silberman and disagree with Russ. I also have windows 10 on 2 machines, windows 7 on 1 and 6 different Linux distros on 3 machines. I have been using windows for 20 years and Linux for 3 years and in my opinion Linux is much easier to use, easier to update and a lot less frustrating!

A note to Gina - Yes, removing everything connected to the USB ports helps. I have found using a wired mouse instead of the wireless kind also helps with tricky updates. The other thing that helps remove problems is using a wired internet connection. Yes, all 3 usually give a trouble free update experience.

Thanks Bob for a great newsletter!

I thot 1709 would never install. I called the BS help line, er.... I meant the MS help line. I got a ESL fellow who was polite, but seemed greatly miffed at the fact that I didn't have a really fast computer. I must say that his politeness was only matched by his unhelpfulness. And although he had a marked accent, at least it didn't translate into getting my problem solved. I'm not sure what I did (if anything) to get it to install. But it did. (My motherboard was mfg-d in 2011.) Thanx for the Speccy tip, Bob. When the dust had settled, I realized that GOD was doing for me what I couldn't do for myself. And MS couldn't or wouldn't.

Michelle, not only was I alive 20 years ago, but I was 50. I'm I healthier?-no. Is sex better? That would be another no. Does food taste better? That's doubtful, but at least it's getting harder to chew. (I might have to stop fretting about my toothbrush being inappropriately named in another year or two.)

Actually, in defense of the PC, it does help me keep up with friends and family. I'm certainly not a FB fan, but I have become a regular and thankful user. (I wonder if Hallmark hates the internet?)