Windows 98 Updates fail 1

[leedscb]

Using Windows 98SE Internet Explorer 6 SP1

When scanning for updates, scan gets to 66% complete, then before calculating the number of Critical Updates to download, a dialog box appears saying 'Microsoft Internet Explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close'

There are fixes suggested under Help & Support on the Windows Update page (replace c:\windows\system\spoolss.dll file with an updated version, and/or disable anti-virus software) which I tried, but still have same problem.

Any suggestions appreciated.

 

[mattjurado]

1. Empty your temporary internet files.
2. Scan for spyware, I highly recommend using multiple programs, ad-aware and spybot for example. They can be found at

http://www.download.com

, and don't forget to empty the quarantine sections in each program before you scan using the other, and download the latest updates before using either program.

Matt J.

Please always take the time to backup any and all data before performing any actions suggested for ANY problem, regardless of how minor a change it might seem. Also test the backup to make sure it is intact.

 

[leedscb]

Matt

I followed your suggestions & rebooted, but same problem remains. I also found a post (not on Tek-tips) that suggested re-installing Windows Installer. Still no luck, but thanks for posting.

 

[mattjurado]

http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/troubleshoot/

Matt J.

Please always take the time to backup any and all data before performing any actions suggested for ANY problem, regardless of how minor a change it might seem. Also test the backup to make sure it is intact.

 

[BionicJohn]

(replace c:\windows\system\spoolss.dll file with an updated version, and/or disable anti-virus software) which I tried, but still have same problem. /quote]

Try completely removing the file spoolss.dll while you update.

If you move spoolss.dll temporarily to another folder, you will need to reboot to make sure spoolss.dll is not loaded. Windows will return an error when you reboot, complaining spoolss.dll can not be found - ignore it and proceed.

After updating, return spoolss.dll to c:\windows\system\ and reboot.

Fingers crossed, all should be well.

Iechyd da! John
Glannau Mersi, Lloegr.

 

[leedscb]

John

That did the trick - thanks.

cb

 

[mattjurado]

What is that file?

Matt J.

Please always take the time to backup any and all data before performing any actions suggested for ANY problem, regardless of how minor a change it might seem. Also test the backup to make sure it is intact.

 

[BionicJohn]

That did the trick - thanks.

My pleasure.

The other option is to download directly from:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows98/downloads/corporate.asp

What is that file?

The offending file is spoolss.dll.

It is known to interfere with the script which is downloaded from Microsoft to check which updates are installed against a master list.

Microsoft state that changing the version of spoolss.dll solves the problem. It doesn't - the effective solution is temporarily remove it. I don't know why MS don't offer this as a workaround.

Iechyd da! John
Glannau Mersi, Lloegr.