Sometimes Windows Update keeps going and going and going ...
Q: I have tried several times to update my Dell laptop running Windows 7. Using Windows Update, the machine goes into the update mode but never performs the update. Could you suggest a fix?
A: It seems there are often problems with Windows Update. Sometimes Windows Update will run and run but never seems to complete. Other times it may run, but then pop up an error message that indicates the update has failed.
In situations where it seems to run forever, I have found that if you let it keep going, even sometimes for hours or overnight, it will often go ahead and complete. This situation happens most often when you don’t update for a long time and then decide to. If you keep your systems up to date regularly, I find that they install much more readily than if you do this sporadically.
It can also be helpful if you update the Windows Update Agent. This is the software Windows uses to perform this task.
You can get the latest agent from tinyurl.com/helplineupdateagent. The site gives clear instructions for updating this application.
If you are trying to run Windows Update and you are receiving an error, Microsoft offers solutions for common errors at tinyurl.com/helplineupdateerrors. This site even offers a tool that will scan your PC and apply certain fixes automatically.
If you are having trouble installing a specific update, you can also try downloading the particular update from Microsoft and installing it manually. Just make a note of the update number and search for it on the Microsoft site. For example, if you Google Windows Update and include the update number in the search, you can usually find the software. Just be sure you are getting it from Microsoft.com and not some third-party web page.
This can be a frustrating issue, but with all the security threats out there, it is one that you should take the time to tackle. That’s even if it means seeking professional help from a trained technician or from a skilled friend or relative.