another old guy computer question

[Mike7202]

hey all,
im asking on this forum because you guys rock. my PC is running window windows 7 and lately when i shutdown it says it is updating...i always says updating 1 of 1 and takes about 5min to update and shutdown. it does this no matter what. if I start it and **** it right back down it say it. if i wait a couple of days it says the same thing. I have a hard time believing that windows is sending that large of an update every 5 min. this has been going on for about 2 weeks now. is there any way to find out what update it is trying to perform because obviously whatever update is trying to make is not taking.
any suggestions?
mike

[docker]

The only fix for that is to switch the power off, disconnect all the leads and then carefully throw it under the next bus that passes by!
It doesn't fix the problem, but it sure makes you feel good!

[docker]

Ha, sorry, yup I'm still awake!

[californiacruiser]

Phone Bill Gates at home and ask him WTF?

206-555-1212

[active1951]

I would go to your security area and see what updates are running and if they are the same ones. And/Or change your updates setting so you must approve update before it is run, then you can be sure it completes before you shutdown.
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[Mike7202]

Originally Posted by active1951

I would go to your security area and see what updates are running and if they are the same ones. And/Or change your updates setting so you must approve update before it is run, then you can be sure it completes before you shutdown.
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ok..where is my security area? back in my day my "security area" was anything covered by a bathing suit

[active1951]

Originally Posted by Mike7202

ok..where is my security area? back in my day my "security area" was anything covered by a bathing suit

I am running vista, but this link might tell you how to get there. Might be numerous ways to get there.

Turn automatic updating on or off

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[arizonawarrior]

Maybe possibly Windows 7 has a large update service pack? When they do that it downloads a bit at a time between your keystrokes so it doesn't delay you, and when you shut-down it will self-install then when you re-start it will go back on-line in the background and get the next packet(s) between your keystrokes.

Its not unprecedented, some service packs have historically been huge. I don't have Win7 but with all other large Windows updates I've found the best solution is to close all programs and leave the computer on the internet overnight. Windows will wait some amount of time and if no mouse or keyboard inputs then it will self-install packets and get more. It will do this until its done, or until a restart is required to enable the bits already installed before getting the next packets. In many cases Windows 7 will automatically restart your computer and then continue downloading. All things considered its a pita but its the best way to get it done without monopolizing your computer for a full day.

Here's some help: Understanding Windows automatic updating

Here's more (notice that SP1's filesize is 4,100 MB): Learn how to install Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1)

IMO you are better to let the service pack load (if that is what it is) because its almost always adding more capability or improving resistance to harmful code or patching things that don't work right. HOWEVER I just checked and the Windows update website and for Windows 7 it lists only SP1 (KB976932) dated 2011 so either your computer doesn't have it yet, or it corrupted, or there is a new SP2 that I'm not seeing, or its some other download.

If you look at your Windows Version it will say 'SP1' if it already exists.

Sorry this is so long, but your question could be several things that are beneficial.

[Churchkey]

Am running windows 7 without issue.

If you have norton virus protection that might be the part of the problem.

To get to your security section click the start button, a window will pop up lower left side. On the right side of the pop up window in the shaded area select control panel. in the new window select system & security.

Until you get it sorted you can shut off your surge protector or pull the plug on the tower as suggested.

[ernie_h]

Originally Posted by Mike7202

hey all,
im asking on this forum because you guys rock. my PC is running window windows 7 and lately when i shutdown it says it is updating...i always says updating 1 of 1 and takes about 5min to update and shutdown. it does this no matter what. if I start it and **** it right back down it say it. if i wait a couple of days it says the same thing. I have a hard time believing that windows is sending that large of an update every 5 min. this has been going on for about 2 weeks now. is there any way to find out what update it is trying to perform because obviously whatever update is trying to make is not taking.
any suggestions?
mike

Hi Mike.....not sure if the other suggestions worked for you. Here's another link that might help:
How do I stop or disable Windows 7 autoupdate? - Online Tech Support Help from Ask Dave Taylor!®

In general (and there will be various opinions), I do not let Windows update itself.....rather, I will always let Windows download the updates automatically, but I choose which ones to install and when I want to install them (I think this is what active1951 was referring to). As Mike (Arizona) mentioned, the downloads will go on in the background and, if you shut off your machine before the downloads are complete, your PC should simply resume the download when you re-boot (it should be transparent). Seems to me some of the machines I worked on were not happy when the user shut down the PC using the "install updates and shut down" option, so I would avoid using this if possible.
Second thing you might do is just do a manual update.....might clear out your problem......but I haven't had your issue before, so not sure if that will work or not.
[Oh, and since Churchkey mentioned it......nah, never mind, think I mentioned my opinion of Norton in an earlier thread

ernie