Okay, this is a three-fold problem.
1. Automatic Update keeps downloading and it says installing a security
update for SQL Server 2005 Express every day. Has been ever since 3/9/08.
However, you cannot uninstall the update because it does not show up in the
list of installed updates. Automatic Update will not access any other
updates unless and until this update is installed.
2. Using Windows Update, cannot do any updates, it won't even let you
search for updates, because I get some error stating that I need to be logged
into an admin account. But, my account is the only account on this machine
and it is an admin account, with full access.
3. I can find the updates via Microsoft Download Center, and I can download
them and save them. However, I cannot install them. I get an error message
that says that an internal error occurred.
Been to the MSKB so much my vision is blurring. Must have tried 200 MS
recommended resolution to these problems, even though some of those
recommended resolutions are for WinXP and not Vista. Nothing works.
Okay, now, I have come to the conclusion that somehow, I need to either
rebuild the registry, as the possibility is that the registry is corrupt.
Or, I need to repair the Vista installation, which is possible with a retail
Vista OS Disc. However, I have Vista OEM install that will not allow the
repair option.
The restore to factory option is not acceptable. The reason being that my
business is dependent on this computer. Downloading and reinstalling the
software that I use in my business would cost me probably $10,000 in manpower
hours.
Short form --- is there a method of deleting and rebuilding the registry?
There used to be a way in Win98. Does it still exist?
Long form --- purchase retail copy of Vista to use "repair" option.
However, risk losing manufacturer specific drivers needed for hardware to
function.
Any suggestions.