why has vista stopped automatic updates?

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

Will you please be a little more specific on what download step does not work, if you get an error message along the way, mouse clicks don't work, etc. I assume you mean Download and NOT Install?

It takes several clicks and browsing to your preferred Download Folder to get each of these. Plus, the first time I used the Microsoft Update Catalog I had to allow MS to install an add-on or agree to something - don't recall exactly. After gaining permission, I now have to click Add, click View Basket, click Download (may need to allow Pop-Up Blocker here), click Browse to preferred Download Folder, click Yes for User Account Control, select the preferred Download Folder, click OK and click Continue. Some of these may also require clicking on a link at the end as I recall.

nhetznelson,

If I may help here, you need to download those 7 KB's suggested by OUgrad's post.  If I read your note correctly, it seems you downloaded just the MS Office fixes, which will not address your Windows Update concerns.

It's ultra-important that you go into Windows Updates Settings, and select the bottom option ("No, don't automatically send updates...."), then BEFORE you start to install those 7 KB's, RESTART Windows.  This step is essential, because the "normal" mode of Auto Updates invokes WUAS (Windows Updates Automatic Services), and

you cannot Standalone-install any of the 7 while one instance of WUAS is already running.

Be patient, as most of the fixes require RESTART after they install, so look to spending some time doing all this.

Hope I've shed some light on this for you, as those "roll-ups" got my Updates running again after a 3 month period during which I hadn't been using the PC, and not getting any auto-updates.

Regards,

Frederick

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??

OUgrad, GREAT NEWS !

I'm back to getting Auto WU's after installing all those fixes you directed.

Thanks very much for your help, as I want to keep my Vista right up to date before MS pulls the pin April 11.

I'm OK to continue running this Compaq desktop afterwards, with other virus protection of course.

It's just that most software I've got on that PC may not run on Windows 7 if I wanted to update (per MS suggestion).

Tell me, how do you find those lists of fixes, and how can I tell in what sequence they should install ?

I'll try out some of your workarounds for that one fix that I mentioned wouldn't install (KB3210136), later when I get some time.  Right now, I'm elated that we're getting updates :-)

Regards,

Frederick