How to Reset a Windows Update in Vista

Reset your Windows Vista updates

If there is a problem with the Windows Update software on your computer, you may experience issues such as the software telling you that you have installed an update already when you have not. Microsoft has released a tool that resets the Windows Update component of Windows Vista, allowing you to start the update process over and install the latest version of the Windows Update software.

Instructions

1. Open Internet Explorer and browse to the download page for Microsoft Fix It tool 50202. Click the "Fix it" button, and save the resulting file to your desktop.

2. Double-click the file "MicrosoftFixit50202.msi" on the desktop, and click the "Run" button if a warning appears.

3. Place a check in the box labeled "I Agree," and then click "Next."

4. Leave the "Run aggressive options" box empty, and click "Next." If you continue to experience a problem after completing the steps in this article, use the tool again and enable the aggressive options.

5. Click "Yes" if you are asked whether you want to allow the utility to install software on your computer.

6. Click the "Close" button when the tool is finished working, and then restart your computer when prompted.

7. Open Internet Explorer after the computer is finished booting, and browse to the Windows Update website, update.microsoft.com. This process updates the Windows Update agent on your computer and launches the update utility automatically. You should now be able to update your computer successfully.

References

• The WinHelpOnline Blog: Windows Update and Automatic Update Reset (Fix It) Tool
• Microsoft: How to Obtain the Latest Version of the Windows Update Agent

Resources

• Microsoft: Fix It 50202: Reset Windows Updates