Expert: Brian Benosky - 2/23/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hi Brian,
  Disabling the UAC worked for installing the Windows Updates. I had 18 updates to install and 16 succeeded and 2 were not needed. I restarted the computer, enabled UAC, and restarted the computer again. When I rechecked Windows Updates it said I had 1 update to install. It asks for permission to install Windows Service Pack/ Windows Vista Service Pack 2. It says installation can take an hour or more and the computer may restart several times.
  My questions to you, should I proceed with the Windows Vista Service Pack 2? Could that have anything to do with the problem I had with the Windows Updates not installing? Do you think installing it will permanently fix the problem? I know I'm probably putting the cart before the horse here, but I'm curious.
  Thanks a bunch, Brian.
Jax

ANSWER: Hi Jax

Glad to hear disabling UAC worked.  Seems to be a bug with Vista, as you're not the only one with that problem as I found out.  Which is also one of the reasons why you should update to SP2.  Along with that fix, there are other bug fixes and security patches included in SP2 which you should install.  You can read more about what's included here:
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/microsoft/vista-sp2-whats-inside/1745
The update should take about 20 minutes on a broadband connection, and in my experience, the computer will only be restarted after the updates are applied.  However, once everything is done, go back to Windows Update and check for more updates.  Install all recommended updates until it says No Updates Are Currently Available.  Let me know how things are running after everything is done.

Brian

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Brian,
  I installed SP2. I had to disable UAC to do it, and enabled it again after I was finished. Good news! I've checked for windows updates twice since then and both times it said no updates were currently available. Our computer seems to be running just fine. I'll let you know if there are any further problems.
  Seriously though, I want to take a moment out and thank you for all your hard work and persistence in helping me fix this problem. You've also help me solve several problems with this computer in the past, and without your help and expertise, this computer would not be up and running or of any use to us. I always know I can count on you and I appreciate that more than you know. Thank You, Brian.
Sincerely,
Jax

Answer
Hi Jax

You're most welcome for the assistance...and thank you for the kind words.  As you may know, this site is composed of all volunteers sharing their knowledge and advice with others.  The only pay we get is feedback from those we help out, so it is really great when someone, such as yourself, takes the time to say thank you.  It's much appreciated and keeps me doing what I do.  Take care and happy computing!

Brian