Windows update problem after installing Service Pack 3

Hi all,
I am a new member and have had problems installing some Autoupdates since installing Service Pack 3.
From what I have read problems with update installations go back quite awhile.
I tried the fix recommended by Arie to Mr. Chip in the thread "Trapped in Windows Update" in November 2007. I ran Dial-a-Fix as recommended and Downloaded Windows Update v3. When I tried to download the patch 927891 I received a message that the patch wasn't needed as the file on my computer was a later version. When I rebooted and went to microsoft for the windows update the scan of my computer didn't indicate anything in the "progress" dialog indicator box. The window didn't notify me of the current status of updates on my computer. I did a history check and the ones that would not load are shown as failed updates but the error code was generic i.e. common to all and I found no help on the Microsoft site.
However, I found an article at Microsoft entitled "Updates are not installed successfully from Windows update, from Microsoft Update, or by using Automatic Updates after you perform a new Windows XP installation or you repair a Windows XP installation." I hadn't an installation or repair but have installed Service Pack 3. Scenario 2 of the article suggests, "This problem occurs when the latest Windows Update Client has been installed and then you install windows XP SP3 before restarting the computer. That may have been what happened to me.
The Resolution was to Register the Wups2.dll file by using Run and the cmd command.
I then stopped the autoupdate using the net stop wuauserv command,
registered the Wups2.dll file using the regsvr32 %windir%\system32\wups2.dll command and was notified that registration was successful.
I didn't however find anywhere to click OK on the verifiication message that said registration was successful as indicated in step 2 b. of the article.
I then restarted the Automatic Update service using the net start wuauserv command. I exited, rebooted and tried to install the updates without success.
Method 2 suggested downloading the latest version of Windows Update Agent which I had already tried as a result of Arie's advice from 2007.
None of the links to the Knowledge Data Base or FAQs seemed to work.
I tried disabling my anti-virus program and firewall to see if the updates would install, without success. The updates that won't install are 9 out of 16 or so that downloaded after I installed SP3.
The others appear to have installed successfully.
Any help you can offer will be greatly appreciated!
Jim

 

Jimboe

Instruction as follows:

If no glory, repost and we'll go to the next step.
Welcome to the BBS ...........

 

Glitch preventing compliance with instructions

G'day Rockster2U,
I really appreciate your reply to my post. I need treatment for the pain in my neck after hours spent trying to resolve this issue. Chiropractors have probably made more out of Windows than Microsoft itself!
Anyway, to get to the point, when attempting method 1 of your suggestions I typed %windir% in the Run dialog box and the Windows files opened. I then tried changing the name of the SoftwareDistribution file to Sdold as suggested but receive the message, "Cannot rename Software Distribution: Access is denied. Make sure the file is not full or write protected and that the file is not currently in use.
The only programs running in the foreground are Explorer and the open Windows file.
I am not computer literate enough to search for anything running in the background or to know which program, if any, might be using the Software Distribution file, although I am connected to the internet when attempting to change the name.
Please advise me if you have any idea of how to overcome this glitch in the procedure.
Thanks for the welcome message and prompt response. With your help I'll get to the bottom of it, even if I have to wear a neck brace to see it through to the end.
Regards,
Jimboe

 

Jimboe,

There's always more than one way to skin a cat. First, I'm going to assume that the account you are logged in under has administrative privledges. If yes, follow step #1 as written. Once complete, close all open windows so you have only your desktop showing. Now, open Windows Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows in the left pane. Highlight Windows in the left pane. In the right pane, locate SoftwareDistribution and right click it. From the drop down menu select rename and rename it SDold. Close Explorer and move on to step #3 as written.