Windows can't update important files and services while...

R

Rex

Member
Joined
May 11, 2014
Posts
10
For the past couple of years I have been unable to install windows updates. I always receive the message that "Windows can't update important files and services while system is using them." I have tried all of the recommended fixes from Microsoft but none of them have resolved my problem. Any ideas on what to do?
 
Years??? Why did you wait this long to seek help? Now you are years behind in critical updates. Have you scanned for malware?

Sadly, you didn't tell us anything about your computer, if PC or notebook, brands and model numbers, or even the version of Windows you are using. :(

Also, there is no way for us to know if "all of the recommended fixes from Microsoft" really are "all" unless you tell us what you have tried.

Have you tried the Windows Update Troubleshooter? You might also try System File Checker.
 
My apologies for omitting some very pertinent info. I am running Vista Home Premium 64 bit with service pack 2 on my Dell Studio XPS 435t / 9000. I have run windows update installer(several times)along with the system file checker. I may have stretched the truth when I said my problem has existed for years but it has been a very good period of time. I haven't contacted this forum for help because I just came across it. If you need any further info please ask and I will be glad to provide it to you.[h=3].[/h] PC.
 
Hi Rex, welcome to Sysnative,

This thread has been moved to the Windows Update forum.

The duplicate thread here: https://www.sysnative.com/forums/in...92-unable-to-receive-new-windows-updates.html has been closed. Please continue assistance here.

@Rex - please upload your CBS logs:

Export CBS folder


  1. Browse to the folder C:\Windows\Logs
  2. Right-click on the CBS folder, and select Copy.
  3. Go back to your Desktop, right-click on it, and select Paste. You should now see a copy of the CBS folder appear on your Desktop called CBS.
  4. Right-click on this new folder, and navigate through Send to, and select Compressed (zipped) folder.
  5. A new file, also called CBS (CBS.zip), but this time with a different icon, will be created.
  6. Attach this new file to your next post.


A windows update expert will be along as soon as possible. It won't be me, because I am in the middle of my exams. We currently have a 72 hour waiting period on Windows Update threads.

Regards,
Stephen
 
I am running Vista Home Premium 64 bit with service pack 2 on my Dell Studio XPS 435t / 9000. I have run windows update installer(several times)along with the system file checker. I may have stretched the truth when I said my problem has existed for years but it has been a very good period of time. I haven't contacted this forum for help because I just came across it. If you need any further info please ask and I will be glad to provide it to you..

 CBS (4).zip
 
Sorry for the delays. I suspect an email notification did not get through. Analyzing logs is not an area I have much expertise in, or else I would help. Hopefully, these replies will get some attention.
 
No problem. After I posted above, I saw that Techno Venus edited his signature to say he is taking some time off to study for exams. As volunteers here, our personal lives often get in the way of our volunteer work. Certainly, doing well on exams takes precedence, so we wish TV good luck.

I posted a note in the staff forums and Windows Update Experts have been notified. Hopefully one will have time to take a look and post a response soon.
 
Certainly understandable as I realize your staff works on a voluntary basis. Kudos to all of you. This isn't a pressing issue so I'll wait until someone has some free time. Thanks again..:wave:
 
Hi Rex,

Would you mind zipping up and uploading your CBS folder again please? Your last file didn't upload correctly.

Tom
 
Tom, the first time I went through the process of sending the CBS file to my desktop and zipping it, I tried to open it just to see what the file looked like and I got the following message. "Your license is expired and will be closed. Do you want to register now?" Do I need to purchase a program to open zipped files? If so will this allow me to upload it properly to you?
 
Hi Rex,

No there's no need to purchase anything. .zip files are natively supported by Windows and there are plenty of other free programs out there to open them as well. What program are you using? It's probably best if you uninstall it.

If you can't open zip files after uninstalling then follow these instructions to repair the file association:

Command Prompt

  1. Click on the Start
    Start%20Orb.jpg
    button and in the search box, type Command Prompt
  2. When you see Command Prompt on the list, right-click on it and select Run as administrator
  3. When command prompt opens, copy and paste the following commands into it, press enter after each

    cmd /c assoc .zip=CompressedFolder

  4. Reboot your computer.

If you need to open other archive files that aren't supported by Windows (like .rar, .7z etc.) then I highly recommend 7zip: 7-Zip

Tom
 
Tom, I ran the suggested c:prompt but still having the same problem in not being able to open Zip files. Same message as before..."Your license is expired and will be closed. Do you want to register now?" The program that tries to open it it is "Zip File Manager" If I browse for other programs to open it, my only options are The previously mentioned program, Internet Explorer and Note Pad.
 
Hi Rex,

Try uninstalling Zip File Manager and see if that does the trick. If not, we can try another approach.

Tom
 
I can't remove it from the "programs and features" function as it is not listed there. The location of the file is "C:\Program Files (x86)\7-Zip\7zFM.exe" If I remove this file would that do the trick?
 
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