This is the fix, I am told:
For purposes of getting Windows Update items --- turn off antivirus; turn off firewall. Turn off browser add-ins like ad-blocking utilities. Close your other running programs.
Do a cleanup.
Bring up Windows Explorer / Tools / Folder Options/ select VIEW Tab and look at all of settings listed.
"CHECK" (turn on) Display the contents of system folders.
Under column, Hidden files and folders----choose ( *select* ) Show hidden
files and folders.
Next, un-check Hide extensions for known file types.
Next un-check Hide protected operating system files.
Use Windows Explorer. Go to C:\Windows\System32
If you have a sub-folder called * Catroot2 * (not Catroot) rename the folder to CR2OLD. Or delete everything in that folder. Just make sure you do the right one.
This is for WIN2000 / Win XP:
Read, study, and do what this article recommends. One of the things you will do is to *very carefully* remove some files from the WUTEMP folder ; plus some more.
WINUP: Error Message: "Software Update Incomplete, This Windows Update Software Did Not Update successfully
];Q319585
A. Make sure you follow the sections for your operating system: XP or Win2000.
B. After doing Q319585, 2 controls IUCTL.dll & IUENGINE.dll will be renewed (re-downloaded) during next Windows Update session.
- - - -
Try this short checklist against settings of Internet Explorer. Try it on 1 then a 2nd pc. Try each of Windows update off the menu bar; and then the HTTPS address.
Plus, recheck your Internet Explorer Privacy settings & Security settings, plus others.
1. In Internet Explorer> Tools, click Internet Options, and then click Languages.... If this box is *empty*, add at least one language -- your native language. If you happen to have 2 or more, move English up on this list.
2. Disable your *Discussion Bar * in Internet Explorer: Click View. Point to Explorer Bar.
Click Discuss to remove the check mark and disable ( clear ) this .
Internet Explorer > main menu /Tools/Internet Options
Add these 3 entries to list of "Trusted Sites" -- the syntax as follows --
with the * wildcard:
*.windowsupdate.microsoft.com
*.download.windowsupdate.com
v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com
Security Tab/ click on green icon Trusted Sites/click Sites button, add & apply change(s).
In Internet Explorer > Tools - Internet Options -Advanced - Security -
Clear (un-check) the check box next to "Check for server certificate
revocation" .
Apply changes.
Retry Windows Update from Win start menu.
Last, try using your Internet Explorer browser, using strictly all HTTPS .