Reaping what you sow…

Remember the stealth update story from a few days ago?  Well, it seems that not all is pleasant in paradise…  According to Windows Secrets, the transparent update can cause problems for users that use the “repair” feature in the operating system.  ZDNet has also confirmed this.

In theory, the repair function tries to restore the operating system to a usable state.  Basically, it removes some updates by overwriting files and adjusting the registry.  But apparently the repair feature will download and install the new Windows Update binaries.  When you attempt to install new updates, the updates fail to install.  Windows Update will download them, but is unable to install them.

Luckily, there is a workaround of sorts.  It does require some manual labor, though.  You’ll have to manually register the Windows Update files:

  • Open a command prompt windows (Start->Run->cmd.exe)
  • Next, run the following list of commands

regsvr32 /s wuapi.dll
regsvr32 /s wuaueng1.dll
regsvr32 /s wuaueng.dll
regsvr32 /s wucltui.dll
regsvr32 /s wups.dll
regsvr32 /s wups2.dll
regsvr32 /s wuweb.dll

  • Windows Update should now magically work!

 

My own personal recommendation is to not use the repair feature.  Look at it this way, if you’ve broken your system to the point where you need to use the repair function, then you’ve likely broken more than just the operating system.  Repairing it will remove updates, adjust the registry, etc., breaking some of the programs you’ve installed.  If you need to repair at all, then do so merely to back up your data.  Get a solid backup of the data and then wipe the drives and re-install the system.  Believe me, a little extra work to re-build the system now will save you tons of headaches later.

Windows XP ISO Mount Utility

I was looking around earlier today for a tool that would allow me to mount .iso images in Windows XP. I stumbled across a tool Microsoft wrote called the Virtual CD Control Panel. Unfortunately I can’t seem to find a page on the Microsoft web site that directly references this tool, but it is a download from a Microsoft site, and it made it through my virus checker, so my best guess is that it’s ok.

 

 

It’s pretty easy to install. Copy the VCdRom.sys file into your system32\drivers folder and then run the executable. From there use the Driver Control button to load and start the driver and then you can add virtual drives that can be used to mount .iso files. Simple!

Just thought I might share my find. I find it extremely easy to mount .iso files in Linux and wanted something on the Microsoft side as well.