Vista: The update does not apply to your system

Anonymous
2017-01-23T12:54:10+00:00

This follows on from the Windows Update problem in Vista and 7 (see here) but seems to be a different problem, so I've moved away from that topic.

I have 32-bit Vista Home Premium (but with a 64-bit processor...don't know why the manufacturer did that), and haven't been able to install any updates since around March 2016. I've followed the instructions on page 1 of the Windows Update thread, and the first update I need to apply is kb3185911. When I try to install, I get the error "The update does not apply to your system". kb3185911 isn't in my list of installed updates, and there don't appear to be any prerequisites for it listed on its page on the MS site. I'm definitely trying to install the x86 (32 bit) version, and not the 64 bit version. Automatic updates are switched off.

To see what would happen, I tried to install some of the subsequent updates referred to on page 1 of the Windows Update thread, but get the same error each time: "The update does not apply to your system".

Any ideas what could be causing this?

Thanks.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Windows update

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  1. Anonymous
    2017-01-26T12:34:56+00:00

    Hello again,

    Thanks for the suggestions. I deinstalled both McAfee and Norton, but the first Windows update patch I require (kb3185911) still failed to load, and returned the same error ('the update does not apply to your system').

    Unfortunately, I can't find a Windows update troubleshooter for Vista. All I can find are versions for Windows 7 and above. Do you have a link for a Vista version?

    IE:

    Prior to the general Vista update problem that all Vista users seems to be experiencing, I installed Windows updates regularly, including IE updates, and, as a result, have IE 9 installed, although I've never used it.

    Time for a new computer?

    Yes. Undoubtedly. However, I'd like to keep this one running a little longer, and want to patch it up as much as possible before the extended support ends.

    Do you have any other suggestions?

    Thanks

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-01-26T23:56:12+00:00

    Tip: Contact Norton Support and ask them to help you (a) uninstall Norton Security, (b) download/run the Norton Removal Tool, (c) download/run the McAfee Consumer Products Removal Tool, (d) do a clean install of Norton Security, and then (e) download/run the Windows Update troubleshooter.

    I deinstalled both McAfee and Norton...

    Answer-by-number:

    1. Did you download/run the Norton Removal Tool and then the McAfee Consumer Products Removal Tool and then do a clean install of Norton Security?

    2a. When (exact date) was Windows Internet Explorer 9 installed according to Installed Updates (not Update History)?

    2b. Was IE9 offered & installed via Windows Update or did you install it manually?

    2c. What Update Version & KB number are displayed in the second line of text in IE9's Help | About [Alt+H+A] tab; e.g., Update Version: 11.0.99 (KB1231231) ?

    1. Is Internet Explorer working properly when you intentionally choose to use it?

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-01-27T17:53:33+00:00

    Hello again,

    1. I downloaded and ran the McAfee removal tool myself. I couldn't find the Norton removal tool so contacted Norton support and got involved in a Live Chat. The agent sent a link to the removal tool and offered to do the removal for me remotely. It wasn't strictly necessary, but I took him up on the offer. Once it had been removed, I reinstalled it myself.

    2a. 11th June, 2012.

    2b. Via Windows Update.

    2c. 9.0.48 (KB3139929)

    1. Yes.

    Thanks.

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-01-27T19:54:29+00:00

    [revised & reposted below]

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  5. Anonymous
    2017-01-27T19:59:58+00:00
    1. Did you ever uninstall the Bullguard free-trialware?

    2a. Did you run the McAfee removal tool before you ran the Norton removal tool or vice versa?

    2b. Did you reboot after running each removal tool?

    2c. In Windows Explorer [WinKey+E], navigate to & right-click on:

    • **C:\Program File**Norton Security <=this folder

    Select PROPERTIES: What's the CREATED date displayed on the resulting GENERAL tab?

    1. In your second post above you said, "I don't have IE9" now you're telling me it was installed on 11 June 2012. Were you confused or...?

    4. When (exact date) was KB3139929 installed according to Installed Updates (notUpdate History)? [1]

    ==================================================

    [1] Start | Control Panel | Programs and Features | View installed updates (in left-hand menu)

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