Another tip to help you fix Windows Updates

Windows Updates problems are very common and very frustrating. There can be dozens of causes of Windows Updates problems and it can be frustrating when you have Updates that are downloaded but just won’t install.

One of the most common reasons for Windows Updates problems is that some Windows Updates require Microsoft .NET Framework to install, and if that particular software isn’t working, you have problems installing Updates.

There is a simple 3-step process to rule out Microsoft .NET Framework problems with Windows Updates.

1. To make sure that all of your MS .NET Framework versions are working correctly, download Aaron Stebner’s .NET Framework Verification tool from his MSDN blog athttp://blogs.msdn.com/b/astebner/archive/2008/10/13/8999004.aspx

2. If you find any problems, download the .NET Framework Cleanup Tool http://blogs.msdn.com/b/astebner/archive/2008/08/28/8904493.aspx  and remove the malfunctioning version or versions of MS .NET Framework from your computer. Note: Your computer may have several different versions of MS .NET Framework installed and this is normal.

3. Once this has this been done, you can download the standalone installer from Microsoft. http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=17718  and reinstall the version or versions of MS .NET Framework which you “cleaned up” with the Framework Cleanup Tool. When reinstalled, return to Windows Update, and see if this has resolved your problem installing Windows Updates.

Of course, there are no guarantees. But .NET Framework issues are one of the most common causes of Windows Updates which won’t install. But we suggest you try this tip first if you’re having problems with your Windows Updates.

This tip is for Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8.