Email of the Week – 018

QUESTION

Name:  Steve

From:   Tampa, FL

OS:      Windows Vista

———————-
The problem concerns getting the Windows Update system to work–it has not updated in nearly two months and I even downloaded Registry Mechanic (PC Tools) to fix it but that doesn’t work. I can send a screen capture but it is Error Code 80240016.
Thanks very much.

ANSWER

Thanks for writing Steve. It appears that your problem relates to some corrupt Windows files. Try this first:

1. Shut down any open programs
2. Click Start –> Run (or type in the search box in Vista)
3. Type the following:   sfc /scannow
4. Press Enter on your keyboard

This process can take up to a half hour or more, so just sit back and relax.

If the SFC doesn’t seem to correct the problem, try this:

1. Download, install, and update SpyBot Search & Destroy from my website (in the right hand column under Security heading)
2. Run a full scan and correct any problems found
3. Restart computer

If you are still having problems, refer to this article from the Microsoft help site.

Good luck.