HELP DESK
I trust you are well. Thanks for the weekly Database, which I enjoy, even though I am a self confessed dummy in this field, as the following will probably demonstrate.
I would appreciate your advice please regarding a frustrating problem my notebook has developed. A couple of weeks ago I noticed that when shutting down, the usual message appeared advising that updates were being downloaded and the machine would turn off automatically when completed. There were four updates I noticed. Everyday thereafter, the same message appeared and there were the same number of updates.
A few days ago I noticed that there were further updates being downloaded, and sure enough when I went to shut down, there were now a total of eight, and it has remained at eight every time I shutdown. It appears that the updates are being downloaded as the numbering sequence goes through them and then shuts down after the 8th and last one has been downloaded.
Obviously there is something amiss in that it appears these downloads are not actually being downloaded.
BARRY
Database replies: Wanda Sloan replies: It appears from your description that one of two things is happening. Either your Windows is failing to complete the downloads, or it is downloading but then not installing the updates.
Either way, there is really only one solution, and that is to monitor the update and see where it is failing. So go ahead and do a manual update. Open Internet Explorer, click on Tools and then Windows Update.
The remote, update program generally doesn't know if you have downloaded updates. Rather, it knows if you have installed them. Often, after you have downloaded updates manually, you will see an option to go further and actually install them.
As you go through this procedure, you may see an option to download and install all updates automatically, and you can turn this on if you want to continue to try to perform unattended updates. It is important, of course, that they be installed - either that, or you will have to remember each morning when you turn on the computer to see if there are updates, and if so to install each of them manually.
Under recent versions of Windows XP, you can open the Security Center in Control Panel, then proceed to the section on Automatic Updates. There are a number of choices you can make there which affect the downloading and installation of updates.
Firefox problems
It's always nice to have an opportunity to tell you how much I enjoy reading your work, even from a great distance (I am currently in Chile).
Regarding today's "Helpdesk" letter from a reader who complained that Firefox has suddenly starting crashing, I've run into the same problem ever since I upgraded to the latest release, which I believe is Version 2.0.0.13. I've noticed that the only time I have a problem is when I try to use Netvibes, which has been my home page for at least a year and a half. They have also recently upgraded to a (I believe) "Ginger" edition, which is useful because it allows you to post an open page on the web.
Unfortunately, I've had to give up using Netvibes for the time being, which is annoying because I'd put a good deal of energy setting it up as my RSS reader. It also makes it difficult to update my public page, which is connected to an Internet radio program I am currently doing down here. I haven't had a Firefox crash since I stopped trying to use Netvibes, so I'm willing to wager your reader is probably experiencing a conflict between the latest version of Firefox and some other web-based program he's trying to use.
I haven't written to either Firefox or Netvibes because I'm also willing to wager that their "tech advice" would be to take it up with the other. I'm hoping Version 3 comes out soon. I'm almost tempted to switch now - it can't be less stable than this particular release.
Anyway, I hope this serves as a clue.
STEVE STUPP P.S. Speaking of RSS, is there some reason why the Database section doesn't have an RSS feed? Just a thought.
Database replies: Wanda Sloan replies: Thank you very much for taking the time to write, and give us such a clear description of your Firefox experience ... or maybe it is your Netvibes experience, I suppose.
The fact is that not all software plays nicely with all other software. Browsers are complicated programs, and most users add customisation, add-ons, plug-ins and visit sites which are, well, let's say "non-compliant". All of these play on each other in sometimes negative ways. It's not what many users want to hear, but I think that in some cases you just have to use another browser, or (as you did) change your other software.
Here at Database, we have nothing to do with the web site, but I have passed along your comment about that, as well.
Again, thank you for your excellent mail.
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