Windows Update Errors

The Windows operating system is one of the most popular - and the most widely exploited - operating systems in the world. Hackers are constantly seeking out vulnerabilities and holes they can exploit while Microsoft engineers are constantly trying to patch those holes as discovered. Regular updates are released by Microsoft to its users to repair security vulnerabilities as well as any known bugs in the software. In addition, occasional added functionality and other embellishments are released as well.

If you aren’t regularly updating your Windows PC, your system is at increased risk for worms, virus attacks, spyware, and other threats. In addition, it will suffer from problems that have been corrected through the update process.

Getting updates is easy yet many don’t know where to begin. To get started, go to the Control Panel and click on Windows Update. Depending on which version of Windows you are running, your options may be slightly different but essentially you have:

• Check for updates
• Change settings
• View update history
• Restore hidden updates

By clicking on the Change Settings link, you can customize how your computer gets updated.

Occasionally, Windows Updates will fail. A common Windows Update error is error number 8024401B. This error happens when you are connected to a network that uses a proxy server for retrieving updates. When this happens, you will be prompted to enter your network credentials in order to continue. Because most systems set Windows Updates to occur during down time, you won’t be there when prompted. You will need to manually check for updates and enter your credentials when prompted in order for the update to take place.

Another common Windows Update error occurs when your hard disk is low on free space. In this case, free up disk space by clearing out your temporary files, removing unwanted programs, and emptying the Recycle Bin and try again.

If you previously declined to apply and update, you can restore it by following these steps:

Click Start, click on Run, type sysdm.cpl, and press the ENTER button. Next, click the Automatic Updates tab, click the Offer updates again that I've previously hidden, and choose Yes to restore declined updates.

Occasionally updates fail. Sometimes it may fail if your internet connection gets disconnected in which case the download will resume the next time you successfully connect. Other times, issues including file corruption and missing DLLs may be the culprit.

Try using the System File Checker in Windows XP to make sure all of your vital system files are intact by going to the Start Menu, choosing Run, type in cmd and click ENTER. Next type in SFC /scannow and click OK. In Windows Vista, simply type in SFC in the search bar and click the SFC icon that displays in the Program area. After verifying your system files’ integrity, try the reinstalling the failed Windows Update.

You can also go to the Review Your Update History section and clear the X that appears next to the failed update. A new window will open detailing the failure. This offers an option button titled Find Solutions. Type in the error message and click Search. This will take you to relevant solutions that you may be able to use to properly restore your failed update.