Windows Update Error 0x800A01AE

Question

Hi,

I have a problem with my Windows Vista SP2 (OEM is SP1). The first thing I did after the reinstallation of the OS was updating it (no new drivers/programs installed). All updates went normally without any errors. However, when I tried installing Microsoft Update, the following message popped up:

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  Microsoft Update could not be installed on your computer

Make sure that you log on as an administrator or as a member of the Administrators group, and then try again.

More troubleshooting options

• If your computer is connected to a network and the problem persists, contact your system administrator to see if your Microsoft Update settings are managed using group policy.
• If your computer is not connected to a network, or if your system administrator has not disabled Microsoft Update, check if the Windows Update service is disabled or stopped. To see how to start a service, search Help and Support on your computer.

Note: If you experience problems with installing Microsoft Update, you can continue to get updates for your computer by going to Windows Update in Control Panel.

[Error number: 0x800A01AE]

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This problem also occured when Vista was still SP1.

I logged in as an Administrator (no Standard user account created) and tried again, but unsuccessful. I also tried to disable the Windows Update Service and Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) then rename the SoftwareDistribution folder and reenabling the two services again but also failed. Please help!!!

PC Specs:

Dell XPS 420 (Desktop)

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP2 with latest Windows updates

3GB RAM

Answer 1

HiWinHelp**,**

****Step 1:

You may check if following the exact steps provided in the below link assist you -

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows\_other-windows\_update/error-code-0x800a01ae-and-0x080070570-windows/901f0e11-3597-4e62-a0df-e6b7be14c776 **** Step 2:

You may try resetting the Windows Update components and check if that helps. Follow the link given below to do the same.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058

Also refer to below link for assistance -http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Troubleshoot-problems-with-installing-updates

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Hope this helps.

Answer 2

WHERE did you find the MS Update Client to install please???

I'm really stuck in exactly this place - Can't get MS Update installed; while Win Update is fully updated after a system re-burn back from Vista SP1 (only 0.6 Gig of downloads)

spilly

Answer 3

Just solved this issue by searching and downloading (+installing) the latest version of the MS Update client. Although this should have been automatically installed with automatic updates....Be sure to reboot after installation.