MS Update Shield appears but no updates

Tis past week I have noticed the appearance of the MS Update Shield on my taskbar (both desk and laptop computers)but when I clicked on it my computers seem to stall and do nothing. In fact I had to reboot them. Today, finally, there were 3 updates which I installed on my desktop without a problem, so far. I am wondering why the shield appeared and seemed to cause me a problem? Anyone else notice this problem>

 

No, mo problems here. The way I have mine set is to only notify me that updates are availiable, but to not download them automaticaly. Then I can check to be sure I get just the ones I want. I then click on "custom ", and after the updates have been downloaded I look them over to see which ones I want, then disconnect from the internetnet, disable firewall and anti-virus program, and then install the updates I want, and click "Don't tell me again" on the ones I don't want, and then re-enable the firewall and anti-virus programs before reconnecting to the net. = http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306525

Also Check to be sure pc clock-date is correct.
http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/troubleshoot
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/wusupport
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/aupolicy.htm
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/wufix.htm
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_u.htm

 

I allow the downloads to take place but require notification before installation. I then select custom install and hide any I do not want. The only difference is that you do not allow the downloads. I allow the downloads because if I did not, then when I click on windows update, it takes my machine a long time before the updates are shown on the screen and this way I do not have to wait because they are already on my machine. I still have the choice of what I want to install and my only loss is the disk space for the ones I might not want. I always select all the critical updates, so there is no loss of disk space anyway.

 

I just went to Windows Update and checked for the downloads. I found the following and suspect the first one on the list is causing problems. Users at different forums are reporting their computers will not boot after installing the updates. This is one reason why I don't allow automatic updates to install and wait to download them after a week has passed and I see no complaints.

Update for Windows XP (KB929338)
Typical download size: 725 KB , less than 1 minute
This is a reliability update. Install this update to improve the stability of computers running Windows XP. This update prevents some Stop 0x1a or Stop 0x0a errors. After you install this item, you will have to restart your computer.

Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool - March 2007 (KB890830)

Windows Genuine Advantage Notification (KB905474)

 

That's too bad. I'm sorry to hear that. I didn't realize people were having so much trouble with that update. As stated here(click) , I installed that one, and 2 other updates and have had no problems with them.

However, I was aware that some people who had not bothered to get the time patch were having some various problems because of the 3 week early DST, which is why I suggested un my post above to check the pc date and time, just to be on the safe side.
I guess it depends on each indivual's set-up. I guess I avioded having to get the Windows Genuine Advantage Notification (KB905474) this time because I had already done it before.

The Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) validation check process does not complete when you try to validate your copy of Windows XP or Windows 2000 Professional = http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=kb;en-us;905226&spid=1173&sid=global
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/919749
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/822798
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/downloads/list/webdev.asp
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...roductID=38DF6AB1-13D4-409C-966D-CBE61F040027

 

ackerberg,
Well, at least we both agree on no auto installing of updates.
Did you see the recent thread posted by Whiskeyman concerning the Windows Update KB929338 warning?