hotfix files and auto updates

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Guest

I've had various problems (mainly due to Norton System Works' pervasive
protection I think), and now I'm worried that my automatic Windows updates
may have been corrupted, despite the update site's saying that I have them
all. (None appear in the Add/Remove programs utility - should they?) Norton
WinDoctor (registry checker) tells me that I have invalid pointers to missing
hotfix files (hotcore1nst.dll, NT4\hotcore.sys, and XP2K\hotcore.sys).

Questions: Is it safe to just find these fixes (or all the ones auto update
says I already have), download, and install them again? Could there be
problems if it turns out that I do indeed already have any of them? Could
sfc /scannow be overwriting them? Please help.
 
Hi,

This may sound dumb, but, if you are running WinXP SP2, in the "Add or
Remove Programs" dialog box there is an option on the top of the list
of programs, "Show updates". If it's not checked, you will not see the
updates in the list, if you turn it on you will be able to see them all.
 
Not dumb at all! Thank you - that's one part of my query answered. I think
Wondows addles the brain.
 
Thanks, I'll try it. It is interesting that MBSA's FAQs inform me that it
presently uses different methods from those used by the automatic update's
checker to check things (this is a good idea if it gives you another view of
what's on your hard disk), but the FAQs also say the Microsoft is hoping to
make these security checking tools use the same methods (which would not help
me because auto update history checker appears to work - at least it runs
through without any apparent problems). My concern is whether its assessment
is correct!

As for your comments on Norton tools - I'm beginning to realise this myself!

Finally, 1) do you know what XP Home would do if I tried to overwritie an
existing update? And 2) might sfc be undoing any updates - i.e. do any of
the security updates change any of the system files? Big thanks.
 
Jess;
1. Overwrite an update? Do you mean install again?
That will not change or hurt anything.

2. SFC should not undo any Windows Updates since it checks based on updates
installed.
That is one reason it is not a good idea to delete
C:\Windows\ServicePackFiles.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/


Jess said:
Thanks, I'll try it. It is interesting that MBSA's FAQs inform me that it
presently uses different methods from those used by the automatic update's
checker to check things (this is a good idea if it gives you another view
of
what's on your hard disk), but the FAQs also say the Microsoft is hoping
to
make these security checking tools use the same methods (which would not
help
me because auto update history checker appears to work - at least it runs
through without any apparent problems). My concern is whether its
assessment
is correct!

As for your comments on Norton tools - I'm beginning to realise this
myself!

Finally, 1) do you know what XP Home would do if I tried to overwritie an
existing update? And 2) might sfc be undoing any updates - i.e. do any of
the security updates change any of the system files? Big thanks.
Click to expand...
 
Hi,

Yes, I meant installing an update that is already there. Thanks, I feel
reassured now.
 
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