why has vista stopped automatic updates?

RE: Is there a way to tell which is true -- a) it did not execute   b) it executed, but did not record it in the MSRT log?

The only two ideas I have to confirm MSRT ran are (1) the mrt.log File in C:\Windows\Debug and (2) check the Date Modified under Properties, General Tab for the C:\Windows\System32\mrt.exe File. Date Modified changes each time it runs.

RE: I am really curious about your statement that MSRT is still working in Windows Update on a Vista x86 machine.  Windows Update has not delivered the MSRT since the April one on my Vista x86 machine. 

I don't recall if my Friend's Vista was x86 or x64, but MSRT should work with both. However, nothing surprises me with Microsoft any more. There are a MULTITUDE of Windows 10 Users who can't get Windows Update to work (sound familiar?) and MS admits it is a known issue. I'm going to run WU manually with my Vista x64 and then leave it on Fully Automatic over night to see if I'm offered MSRT either way. However, as of 7/11/2017, the "Official" MSRT Supported Operating Systems are Windows 10 , Windows 10 Tech Preview , Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2008. Perhaps the cutoff date for Vista was after June.

Karen wrote - Did it actually say you already had it?  Or did it just say it didn't apply? So, if it reported back that you already had it, I'd be interested to know that.

The message said does not apply after searching for updates about a minute when executed. It seems they use the same message if you already have it, or it's the wrong one for other reasons. Mine is listed in Installed Updates and in Update History.

The above links was for March 2017 updates no longer work. I get the "this website has encountered a problem - please try later.

My last successful updates were on Feb 12 and like everyone else, i get the "checking for updates" thingy and nothing happens. Today I left it on all day and still getting nowhere. Shame on %$#@ Microsoft!

Here are the March 2017 Vista Update download links.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4013886/march-14-2017-update-for-microsoft-office

I have tried all these updates and they do not download. Now what??