Windows Update Office family Error

[YogaBob]

I clicked on "Windows Update > Office Family" and received:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/FX010404541033.aspx
"Office Update is unable to check for updates"

This problem started with a failed attempt to install Symantec Norton
Internet Security 2005.
There are no .msp files in folder \Windows\Installer. it is filled with
*.msi files such as 497b3.msi. A mouse over file name indicates Type: Windows
Installer package Title: Norton Internet Security Date Modified: 2/23/2005
Time 3:56 PM Size 1.61MB. There are 19 such *.msi files.
A search of the computer reveals 36 *.msp files in folder
\windows\java\Installer. A mouse-over indicates these are Office Hotfixes.

There is no applicable support in the above error message except that my
*.msp files are missing and there will be no more Office updates. I checked
out the Windows Installer information but found no help.

I have tried to reinstall Office Service Pack 2 and 3 with an error message
that the install cannot be completed. Trying to install Installer 3.0 give me
the error message that Service pack 2 is installed

Any help would be appreciated

 

[Susan Ramlet]

Hi, YogaBob,

See if one of thse 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

 

[YogaBob]

Susan,

Thank you for these references, especially the second one. Unfortunately,
the way I read it, because my TEMP file is clean, I will have to reinstall
most of Office. It is most distressing to me that Microsoft uses the word
TEMP; which implies to me files to be cleaned off my computer, as a container
for files for future installs.

Now, looking back at the frustration of the continual reinstallation of
Norton, I did try to make it a clean reinstall by deleting any reference to
Norton, Symantec, etc., including the TEMP folder.

Again I thank you for this reference which confirms my plan for reinstalling
Office to a very fine running computer. I have no desire to spend more time
messing with the restore function.

OM

 

[YogaBob]

Susan,

The problem with the Office update is now fixed: I had to, in a descending
order, deinstall the various programs until it was simply Office and then I
could reinstall and this has, from the onsite taken about 30 hours of my
life.

I do hope that Microsoft enables patches to be uninstalled without complete
unistallation of the program

And for, in the memory of, Mr Babbage, stop Microsoft calling a
semi-permanentfolder TEMP.

Susan, that you again.

OM OM OM