This is an issue that has come up for me more than a few times while either doing PC repairs or doing upgrades. The Windows Updates will fail automatically when trying to install. Talk about annoying! Here are some steps to follow to resolve this issue and get those machines updated!

1. Check for Spyware/Adware/Viruses on your PC. Having a good Anti-Virus program on your PC is critical. A program called BitDefender is great for protecting your PC without slowing it down. AVG may also be a good choice if just want a quick (and free!) virus scanner. Once you’re clean, test out the Windows Updates. If they are still failing, move to step 2.

2. There is a file called Wups2.dll that needs to be registered. To do this follow these steps. This information was gathered from Microsoft’s Help and Support site. The specific KB article is 943144.

Register the Wups2.dll file in Windows

To register the Wups2.dll file in Windows, follow these steps:

1.	Stop the Automatic Updates service. To do this, follow these steps: a. Click Start, click Run, type cmd, and then click OK. b. At the command prompt, type the following command, and then press ENTER: net stop wuauserv
2.	Register the Wups2.dll file. To do this, follow these steps: a. At the command prompt, type the following command, and then press ENTER: regsvr32 %windir%\system32\wups2.dll Note For a computer that is running Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, type the following command, and then press ENTER: regsvr32 %windir%\syswow64\wups2.dll b. Click OK on each verification message that you receive.
3.	Start the Automatic Updates service. To do this, type the following command at the command prompt, and then press ENTER: net start wuauserv
4.	Exit the command prompt. To do this type exit, and then press ENTER

After you have completed this, you should be able to install your Windows Updates. If you are still having problems, send me over an email or give me a call and I will be more than glad to help you out.

 

Filed under: Tech Tips