Something turning off Automatic Updates

I keep having an issue where my automatic updates get turned off at random times. I'm running Windows XP Home Edition, version 2002, SP3. I've ran MBAM, Super-AntiSpyware, Search and Destroy, Avast antivirus and Microsoft Security Essentials. Also, I have ran these in safe mode as well. Nothing was found at the time. Would like some assistance with this issue. Any help would be appreciated.

There can be several reasons behind this, but please try this first -

In case this situation happens to you, follow the steps below to reactivate the Automatic Updates service and get your computer up-to-date again.
For Windows XP

1) Click on Start
2) Click on Run
3) In the run window, type CMD and press Enter
4) In the black command prompt window, type the following command and then press Enter

REGSVR32 %SystemRoot%\System32\WUAUENG.DLL
(Note the Space between REGSVR32 and %)
Although the service should now restart on its own, its probably a good idea to also restart your computer now.

After the machine has restarted open the Security Center is Control Panel and verify that the Automatic Updates option is now working.

Let us know if this helps at all -

Regards -

You can run the Microsoft automatic troubleshooter here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058

Wouldn't Avast conflict with MSE?

Yes, if both are running/installed at same time.

Louis

Yes, I have both Avast and MSE installed on my computer. However, I only installed Avast about 3 or 4 days ago, and this problem has been going on for months now. I turn the updates on, and they run fine...then I'll notice that they are suddenly turned off with no idea how they got turned off. I know that I'm not doing it. Xircal, I will try the troubleshooter you linked, and see what I get from there. Thanks!
noknojon, I did what you said. Your instructions made it seem as tho you think I couldn't turn the automatic updates back on...but that wasn't the problem. I turn them on, and something will turn them off. I turn them back on...same thing happens.

noknojon, I did what you said. Your instructions made it seem as tho you think I couldn't turn the automatic updates back on

Not at all, I was hoping that the command may keep the updates turned on and over-ride them from turning off -

http://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility
Please use this Avast removal tool after you uninstall the program to make sure it is fully gone - Then Reboot if not asked -

Regards -
Edit for spelling -

Automatic Upates service depends on Background Intelligent Transfer Service.
We need to first make sure BITS service is running and then make sure AU service is running automatically.

Click "Start", click "Run", type services.msc in the open box and click "OK". Double click the service "Background Intelligent Transfer Service".
Click on the "General" tab; make sure the "Startup Type" is "Automatic" (Not “Automatic (Delayed)”).
Then click the "Start" button under "Service Status" to start the service. Repeat the above steps with Automatic Updates service:

Just a further idea -

Automatic Upates service depends on Background Intelligent Transfer Service.
We need to first make sure BITS service is running and then make sure AU service is running automatically.

Click "Start", click "Run", type services.msc in the open box and click "OK". Double click the service "Background Intelligent Transfer Service".
Click on the "General" tab; make sure the "Startup Type" is "Automatic" (Not “Automatic (Delayed)”).
Then click the "Start" button under "Service Status" to start the service. Repeat the above steps with Automatic Updates service:

Just a further idea -

Did all of this. Both programs were on automatic, and both were already started. Not sure why you want me to remove my avast...it's the best antivirus I've ever known, and MSE states clearly that it cannot catch all the virus programs by itself. Can you clarify for me, please?

..... and MSE states clearly that it cannot catch all the virus programs by itself. Can you clarify for me, please?

All AV programs are "preventive" and not one will ever be able to catch everything all the time. Especially in the case of rootkits, AVs are usually stunned and clueless when one gets through. Definitely only one AV should be running.

I see you have had malware problems in the past, and its been awhile since you've last been serviced by one of our MRT members. Being that the turning off of automatic updates is not usual behavior that maybe it would be smart after all suggestions are exhausted here to visit the Preparation Guide again.

Do the following.

• Click Start, go to Run, or if you don't have the Run command on the Start menu, hit Windows logo key + R
• Type: services.msc and click OK.
• In the Services menu which appears, double click "Automatic Updates".
• If it says "Disabled", change the "Startup type" in the dropdown menu to "Automatic" and then click the "Start" button.
• Finally, reboot so that the new value is changed in the Registry.

Needless to say, you must be logged in as Administrator to make changes to the Services menu.

noknojon, I did what you said. Your instructions made it seem as tho you think I couldn't turn the automatic updates back on

Not at all, I was hoping that the command may keep the updates turned on and over-ride them from turning off -

http://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility
Please use this Avast removal tool after you uninstall the program to make sure it is fully gone - Then Reboot if not asked -

Regards -
Edit for spelling -

The OP needs to uninstall MSE, not AVAST. The latter AV is by far the better of the two IMHO. It also has its own support forums.

Do the following.

• Click Start, go to Run, or if you don't have the Run command on the Start menu, hit Windows logo key + R
• Type: services.msc and click OK.
• In the Services menu which appears, double click "Automatic Updates".
• If it says "Disabled", change the "Startup type" in the dropdown menu to "Automatic" and then click the "Start" button.
• Finally, reboot so that the new value is changed in the Registry.

Needless to say, you must be logged in as Administrator to make changes to the Services menu.

As I posted above, I did that. Both programs are properly set. I'll see about removing MSE, but haven't seen the option in the add/remove programs section of the control panel.

..... and MSE states clearly that it cannot catch all the virus programs by itself. Can you clarify for me, please?

All AV programs are "preventive" and not one will ever be able to catch everything all the time. Especially in the case of rootkits, AVs are usually stunned and clueless when one gets through. Definitely only one AV should be running.

I see you have had malware problems in the past, and its been awhile since you've last been serviced by one of our MRT members. Being that the turning off of automatic updates is not usual behavior that maybe it would be smart after all suggestions are exhausted here to visit the Preparation Guide again.

Okay, following the steps in the preparation guide, and am wondering if you want the files posted here, or to a new topic in a different forum. It says to put the name of the problem in the subject if it's a new topic, and I wouldn't have any idea what to put.

As I posted above, I did that. Both programs are properly set. I'll see about removing MSE, but haven't seen the option in the add/remove programs section of the control panel.

Apologies. I saw the reference to BITS and only gave the rest a cursory glance.

Could you do the following.

• Go to Start, then Run, type gpedit.msc to open the Group Policy Editor.
• Expand the following: Computer Administration | Administrative Templates | Windows Components.
• Open Windows Updates and then in the right hand pane, double click "Configure Automatic Updates".
• Click the "Explain" tab and decide how you want to receive Automatic Updates and then change the setting in the first tab to "Enabled".