Windows XP Automatic updates not working Solved/Closed

Question

Hello,

My computer will not allow me to turn on the windows automatic updates. Part of the issue was that I found out that I had a virus so I was able to run full scan and got rid of the virus atleast I hope so.
There is a big x over the automatic updates shield. I tried going in under control panel and turn the updates on but it will not allow me to do so. Also, I went through the security center as well but the system will not allow me to change it from off to on. Can you explain why its doing this and tell me how to fix the problem?
Thanks,
.Configuration: Windows XP
Internet Explorer 6.0

Arun Soman · Accepted Answer

1 >GO ahead and rename the "software distribution" folder to "software distribution old" on the  c drive. Path is C:\WINDOWS\ 
  2 >Once rename the folder go to Automatic updates from the control panel and disable and  enable the Automatic updates.
  3 >Once it is done restart the computer the Automatic updates will start download.
 
Good luck.

nee · Answer

I was wondering if you got the problem fixed and what was your solution because I'm also having the same problem.

Dave · Answer

Worked!!  Awesome bro, thanks!!

blackmax · Answer

I was pulling my hair up after formatting my hard drive--and installing windows xp...then windows update wouldn't work.  Tried microsoft fixit...windows update engines....finally stumbled across this site while searching the internet.  And presto!! tried Arun's fix-------restarted pc and now window update works.

Thanks Arun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

John · Answer

I'm having the same problem but cannot rename the Software Distribution folder because it says it is protected. How can I overcome this? Ty.

Mike · Answer

I had the same issue with being unable to rename the folder due to protection issues. The solution for me turned out to be rebooting into safe mode which then allowed me to rename the folder. While still in safe mode I turned on the automatic updates and rebooted into normal mode.

vasiks · Answer

thanks 

for me it was enough to stop and start windows update services

gotaa · Answer

windows is worthless!

anonymous · Answer

Stop automatic update service and BITs service. Download and run http://download.windowsupdate.com/WindowsUpdate/redist/standalone/7.4.7600.226/WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe

I had to reboot one machine to get it to work but the rest worked without.

anonymous · Answer

You need to stop the automatic updates service. Then you can change the folder name without needing to boot into "safe mode"

Mike · Answer

To delete the folder "Software Distribution" do the following:

1. Browse start menu to programs>accessories
2. Right click on command prompt and run as administrator
3. Type "net stop wuauserv" (don't close out the command prompt just minimize it)
4. Browse to the windows folder and delete or rename the software distribution folder
5. Now back in the command prompt type "net start wuauserv"

Open windows update and check for updates. Should fix the problem.

Jay · Answer

thank you Arun!

Windows XP Automatic updates not working

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