Windows Updates Fail to Install

Getting errors that Windows Updates won't install?

This is a common problem, especially if you are installing an older version of Windows (such as XP) that needs a gazillion updates to get up to date.  Most of the time the problem simply involves a corrupted download file.  To remedy this, you want to force Windows to re-download the files:

• Click Start -> Run -> type "Net stop WuAuServ" (without the quotes) - this will stop the auto update service
• Click Start -> Run -> type "%windir%" (without the quotes) - this will take you to your Windows directory
• Once in the Windows directory, find the folder named "SoftwareDistribution," and rename it (press F2) to "SoftwareDistributionOld"
• Click Start -> Run -> type "Net start WuAuServ" (without the quotes) - this will restart the auto update service

At this point you'll want to browse to the Microsoft Windows Update site (note that you'll need to access it via Internet Explorer for it to load), and re-download your updates.  You may want to download and install the oldest one (the one at the bottom of the list) by itself in case it was causing the problem.  To do so, select "custom" update instead of "express," and uncheck all but the last update.  If this update installs successfully, you should have no problems with the rest.

If you're still having trouble installing Windows updates, you'll probably want to turn off third-party applications and install the updates in Safe Mode.  Read our article on starting windows in safe mode for more information.