Office Update is unable to check for updates

[The Kat]

Whenever I run office update, the program cannot check my computer. I have
admin have administrative privileges for this computer, have no network
problems, have download and the detection program as instructed by their
system to ensure I have the proper version, and installed the program new,
not as an upgrade. The only thing left is the ".msp" files. Where are they
stored? Where does the update software look for them?
I have reported this to Microsoft every time an Office 2003 update comes
around, but have never gotten any assistance. Does anyone know how to correct
the problem?

 

[Susan Ramlet]

Hi, The Kat,

You don't mention what version of Office, operating system you're using. So
here are a bunch of articles to try. See if one of these helps:

The update process starts and then unexpectedly quits after you click "Check
for Updates" on the Office Update Web site:
http://support.microsoft.com/d­efault.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;3044­98

PRB: Windows System Restore Does Not Monitor Windows Installer Patch (.msp)
Files:
http://support.microsoft.com/d­efault.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;8148­33

OFF2000: Error Message: "The Catalog Cannot Be Displayed" When You Try to
Update Office:
http://support.microsoft.com/d­efault.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;2779­23

If that fails, as a last resort, run the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility
to remove the Installer registry entries for Office, and then re-install
Office, and run the Office Update again.

Description of the Windows Installer CleanUp Utility:
http://support.microsoft.com/d­efault.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;2903­01

Keep reporting those issues to Microsoft, but be aware of the purpose of
reporting: It's to improve Office going forward, not to give people
individual support. They do use the information and value it.

If those don't help, search this newsgroup for the error you're receiving,
and check out the suggestions that have worked for other people who have
posted the same problem.