Fix for a Fix that fixes Windows Update fixes

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Consider the following scenario. You apply the hotfix package that is described in Microsoft Knowledge Base article 916089. Then, you try to install an update from Windows Update or from Microsoft Update. In this scenario, the Svchost.exe process that runs Windows Update stops responding. Additionally, you receive an access violation. This access violation stops the Server services and the Workstation service. For more information about the symptoms that are addressed by installing the 916089 hot fix, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

916089 When you run Windows Update to scan for updates that use Windows Installer, including Office updates, CPU utilization may reach 100 percent for prolonged periods

This issue applies to Windows XP 32/x64 and Windows Server 2003 32/x64/Itanium-based Systems.

Download: 927891 for Windows XP 32 bit | x64 Edition

Download: 927891 for Windows Server 2003 32 bit | x64 Edition | Itanium (Intel)

Link: Microsoft Support KB (927891)

News source: Bink

#1 NielsJanssen on 21 Feb 2007 - 11:27

Huh?

(1 reply) #2 Zoom7000 on 21 Feb 2007 - 11:28

Love the title!

#2.1 Max2Go on 21 Feb 2007 - 22:24

lool !! Indeed funny :oD

(1 reply) #3 Syntax_Error on 21 Feb 2007 - 11:42

Doesn't seem to fix the 100% CPU utilisation when scanning for updates

#3.1 lordpake on 21 Feb 2007 - 11:48

Quote - (Syntax_Error said @ #3)

Bloody hell. You would think it is not that difficult to fix it.

(2 replies) #4 cork1958 on 21 Feb 2007 - 11:58

Don't you love it when MS has to patch a patch?

#4.1 lordpake on 21 Feb 2007 - 12:07

Quote - (cork1958 said @ #4)

I love the fact that I have to "abandon" my PC for a period of 10-15 mins, while it scans for updates, because it is stuck, even more than that.

.. or not.

#4.2 mrmckeb on 21 Feb 2007 - 12:45

I love the fact that they actually patch things, and don't pretend they don't exist.

#5 SonicSam on 21 Feb 2007 - 12:34

I got thtis issue on a windows XP home (Italian ver).

The probablem happens when automatic windows update tries to access the update site, sollution is to open task manager as soon as you get into windows, turn off autmatic windows update and do a manual update in IE.

Kill the Svchost.exe task if it gets too hungry (starts to use up to much resources for too long)

#6 Aero Ultimate on 21 Feb 2007 - 12:36

Just shows that it's better to use AutoPatcher or similar rather than Windows Update.

(4 replies) #7 metalguy90 on 21 Feb 2007 - 13:55

Yup. still doesnt fix the svchost.exe & Windowsupdate issue. CPU still runs at 100%.

However, this seems to be a Microsoft Update issue and not a Windows update issue. Does anyone have the issue (described above) and they have upgraded to Microsoft Update?

I noticed that if i disable Microsoft Update and revert back to Windows update, the issue with CPU utilization is no longer an issue.

#7.1 lordpake on 21 Feb 2007 - 14:32

Stupid question this may be, but please tell me how to go back to Windows Update? I did, in an act of stupidity, install the Microsoft Update thingy, and now whenever I try to access Windows Update, I get only the crap Microsoft Update.

Some information regarding how to disable that monster is much appreciated

#7.2 metalguy90 on 21 Feb 2007 - 14:41

here is how it is done:
1. On the Microsoft Update site, click Change Settings.
2. Scroll down the page, click to select the Disable Microsoft Update software and let me use Windows Update only check box, and then click Apply changes now.
3. You receive the following message:
Windows Automatic Updates will not be able to deliver updates from Microsoft Update Service.

Are you sure you want to continue?
Click Yes.

source:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/901037

let us know if that fixes the issue.

#7.3 Zmark on 21 Feb 2007 - 15:17

Quote - (lordpake said @ #7.1)

http://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/...t.aspx?ln=en-us

Does the above link work?

#7.4 lordpake on 21 Feb 2007 - 16:19

Quote - (metalguy90 said @ #7.2)

here is how it is done:

....

let us know if that fixes the issue.

Thank you

After following that I am now back using Windows Update and the problems for me are gone! This also restored functionality to the Secunia Software Inspector, which was also crippled by the bug that haunted Microsoft Update.

For me, the issue is now gone. I will never again install that monstrosity, and will now happily run both Windows Update and Office Update in order to get my patches. It seems there is no shortcut to happiness for me in this case. At least not with Microsoft Update.

So, thank you

ps. I feel a bit silly for not finding that solution myself

#8 OceanMotion on 21 Feb 2007 - 14:14

Unbelievable. I thought my computer was screwed when I went to Windows Update and now I find out it's Microsoft problem. Jeez!

(1 reply) #9 P1R4T3 on 21 Feb 2007 - 14:31

Talking about updates, everytime windows downloads updates in the background or if I do a scan for updates on MS websites, svhost.exe uses 100% memory, and I cant use my PC until the scan is over. Ive heard that a lot of people are having this problem. Is there a fix for this?

#9.1 lordpake on 21 Feb 2007 - 14:35

I think this patch was supposed to fix that issue...

#10 OceanMotion on 21 Feb 2007 - 14:41

Patch still doesn't fix it. Annoying.

#11 Nexxus6 on 21 Feb 2007 - 16:28

Kill the svchost.exe process. Load IE, Tools, Windows Update, Change Settings, Check - Disable Microsoft Update & use Windows Update Only, Reboot. Maybe a third patch will allow us to use Microsoft Update again.

(1 reply) #12 neufuse on 21 Feb 2007 - 16:46

its actually not a windows update / microsoft update problem... its a Microsoft Installer problem and what you patch is msi.exe

#12.1 +mrbester on 22 Feb 2007 - 12:33

Agreed. The runaway process is a separate issue that has been going on for months (hence me using AutoPatcher since August for several machines I manage. Now I get the updates for AP for all OSs I manage 'cause I like it

). What's particularly annoying is that the update engine clogs a svchost instance that controls tons of other stuff as well (according to Process Explorer) making it damn difficult to stop without rebooting the entire system.

#13 Nexxus6 on 21 Feb 2007 - 16:56

I tried all MS patches and none have worked. What specific patch for MSI.exe are you talking about?

(1 reply) #14 Nexxus6 on 21 Feb 2007 - 17:00

Details here: http://jakebillo.com/2007/02/05/svchostexe...lution-follows/

#14.1 metalguy90 on 21 Feb 2007 - 18:34

this article suggests the same fix mentioned in this article.
I have posted (#7.3) the same fix where you disable MS update and use Wupdate.

#15 Croquant on 22 Feb 2007 - 05:19

I wonder if this has anything to do with the WGA?

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