Basic question about AU and BITS download scheduling

[Jacob Wentworth]

I just bought a new laptop and promptly wiped it clean and reinstalled
XP SP2 (from the included CD). I set my Automatic Updates preference
to "alert me but let me choose when to download." When I connected to
the internet, there were about 16 security updates available which
downloaded and installed immediately and without issue.

Two that I didn't check were SP3 and IE7. It asked me if I'd like to
hide them in the future; I said no.

Today those two updates reappeared and I told AU that I do want to
download and install IE7. Then... nothing. (An hour later, AU popped
up again offering only SP3, so I know that it got the message about
wanting to download IE7.) I've restarted a couple of times since then
and even changed my preference to "download but let me choose when to
install." Still nothing, five hours later.

So what's going on here? Is BITS slowly downloading IE7 in the
background? Does it prefer to download during off-peak hours or
something? I checked my Windows\SoftwareDistribution folder and there
is one BIT1.tmp file in an otherwise empty subfolder, but it's 0
bytes. There are three .bin files in my EventCache folder, all last
modified around the time earlier today when I chose to download IE7.

Thanks,
Jake

Here, btw, is some relevant text from my WindowsUpdate.log file:

2008-08-14 11:56:53:468 1260 6b8 AU AU received download approval from
client for 1 updates
2008-08-14 11:56:53:468 1260 6b8 AU #############
2008-08-14 11:56:53:468 1260 6b8 AU ## START ## AU: Download updates
2008-08-14 11:56:53:468 1260 6b8 AU #########
2008-08-14 11:56:53:468 1260 6b8 AU # Approved updates = 1
2008-08-14 11:56:53:484 1260 6b8 AU AU initiated download, updateId =
{63AD41D6-E29D-42B3-8FCE-46DC28EA45D4}.103, callId = {C19536A1-
A0FA-4B30-8C68-A68B2C8438C6}
2008-08-14 11:56:53:484 1260 adc DnldMgr *************
2008-08-14 11:56:53:484 1260 adc DnldMgr ** START ** DnldMgr:
Downloading updates [CallerId = AutomaticUpdates]
2008-08-14 11:56:53:484 1260 adc DnldMgr *********
2008-08-14 11:56:53:484 1260 adc DnldMgr * Call ID = {C19536A1-
A0FA-4B30-8C68-A68B2C8438C6}
2008-08-14 11:56:53:484 1260 adc DnldMgr * Priority = 1, Interactive
= 0, Owner is system = 1, Explicit proxy = 0, Proxy session id = -1,
ServiceId = {9482F4B4-E343-43B6-B170-9A65BC822C77}
2008-08-14 11:56:53:484 1260 adc DnldMgr * Updates to download = 1
2008-08-14 11:56:53:484 1260 adc Agent * Title = Windows Internet
Explorer 7 for Windows XP
2008-08-14 11:56:53:484 1260 adc Agent * UpdateId = {63AD41D6-
E29D-42B3-8FCE-46DC28EA45D4}.103
2008-08-14 11:56:53:484 1260 adc Agent * Bundles 1 updates:
2008-08-14 11:56:53:484 1260 adc Agent * {C44BF113-
A360-47C2-93AD-D90FB0F29C70}.103
2008-08-14 11:56:53:484 1260 6b8 AU # Pending download calls = 1
2008-08-14 11:56:53:484 1260 6b8 AU <<## SUBMITTED ## AU: Download
updates
2008-08-14 11:56:53:515 1260 694 AU AU setting pending client
directive to 'Download Approval'
2008-08-14 11:56:53:515 1260 adc DnldMgr *********** DnldMgr:
Regulation Refresh [Svc: {9482F4B4-E343-43B6-B170-9A65BC822C77}]
***********
2008-08-14 11:56:53:515 1260 adc DnldMgr Contacting regulation server
for 1 updates.
2008-08-14 11:56:53:531 2340 928 CltUI AU client got new directive =
'Download Approval', serviceId = {9482F4B4-E343-43B6-
B170-9A65BC822C77}, return = 0x00000000
2008-08-14 11:56:53:531 2340 928 CltUI AU client creating default WU/
WSUS UI plugin
2008-08-14 11:56:53:546 1260 adc Misc Validating signature for C:
\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\WuRedir\9482F4B4-E343-43B6-
B170-9A65BC822C77\wuredir.cab:
2008-08-14 11:56:53:718 1260 adc Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
2008-08-14 11:56:53:765 1260 adc DnldMgr Regulation server path:
http://www.update.microsoft.com/v6/UpdateRegulationService/UpdateRegulation.asmx.
2008-08-14 11:57:07:296 1260 adc DnldMgr Per-Update: c44bf113-
a360-47c2-93ad-d90fb0f29c70 at rate 0
2008-08-14 11:57:07:296 1260 adc DnldMgr * Regulation call complete.
0x00000000
2008-08-14 11:57:07:375 1260 adc DnldMgr *********** DnldMgr: New
download job [UpdateId = {C44BF113-A360-47C2-93AD-D90FB0F29C70}.103]
***********
2008-08-14 11:57:07:375 1260 adc DnldMgr Regulation: {9482F4B4-
E343-43B6-B170-9A65BC822C77} - Update C44BF113-A360-47C2-93AD-
D90FB0F29C70 is "PerUpdate" regulated and can NOT download. Sequence
5895 vs AcceptRate 0.
2008-08-14 11:57:07:375 1260 adc DnldMgr * Update is not allowed to
download due to regulation.
2008-08-14 11:57:07:375 1260 adc DnldMgr Regulation: {9482F4B4-
E343-43B6-B170-9A65BC822C77} - Update C44BF113-A360-47C2-93AD-
D90FB0F29C70 is "PerUpdate" regulated and can NOT download. Sequence
5895 vs AcceptRate 0.
2008-08-14 11:57:07:375 1260 adc DnldMgr Regulation: {9482F4B4-
E343-43B6-B170-9A65BC822C77} - Update C44BF113-A360-47C2-93AD-
D90FB0F29C70 is "PerUpdate" regulated and can NOT download. Sequence
5895 vs AcceptRate 0.
2008-08-14 11:57:07:375 1260 adc Agent *********
2008-08-14 11:57:07:375 1260 adc Agent ** END ** Agent: Downloading
updates [CallerId = AutomaticUpdates]
2008-08-14 11:57:07:375 1260 adc Agent *************
2008-08-14 11:57:07:375 1260 c0c AU AU checked download status and it
changed: Downloading is paused

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Re: Basic question about AU and BITS download scheduling

The log indicates that you've Approved the download of IE7 but that the
download hasn't commenced due to Regulation (translation: servers are
swamped; AU will try again later).

=> Required reading IMHO before installing IE7:

Sandi's Installation Tips <= Steps #1-8, #10 & #11; take note of #12, then
STOP!
http://www.ie-vista.com/known_issues.html#pre-install
(ignore any references to Vista)

And I strongly recommend using
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/ie/getitnow.mspx as the
installation source, not Automatic/Windows Update.

Alternately, use this Direct Download link:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=9ae91ebe-3385-447c-8a30-081805b2f90b

Tip: Save the installer to your desktop, do not Run it.

Make *certain* that you check in at Windows Update immediately after
installing IE7 and install any critical updates offered. If Optional
Updates category offers Root Certificates update, I recommend installing it
to take full advantage of IE7's additional security.

IEBlog : IE7 Installation and Anti-Malware Applications
http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2006/10/11/IE7-Installation-and-Anti_2D00_Malware-Applications.aspx

What's New in Internet Explorer 7
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms649487.aspx

Release Notes
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/ie/Aa740486.aspx

IEBlog: IE and Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2008/05/05/ie-and-xpsp3.aspx

=> I don't belive it's possible to "hide" SP3.

WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldro...requisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

Steps to take before you install WinXP SP3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3), until 14 Apr-09. Chat and
e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada.

.. US:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131

.. CA:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-ca&prid=11273&gprid=522131

.. UK:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-gb&prid=11273&gprid=522131

.. AU:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-au&prid=11273&gprid=522131

.. Other: http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173 | select
Windows XP | select Windows XP Service Pack 3
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/


Jacob Wentworth wrote:
> I just bought a new laptop and promptly wiped it clean and reinstalled
> XP SP2 (from the included CD). I set my Automatic Updates preference
> to "alert me but let me choose when to download." When I connected to
> the internet, there were about 16 security updates available which
> downloaded and installed immediately and without issue.
>
> Two that I didn't check were SP3 and IE7. It asked me if I'd like to
> hide them in the future; I said no.
>
> Today those two updates reappeared and I told AU that I do want to
> download and install IE7. Then... nothing. (An hour later, AU popped
> up again offering only SP3, so I know that it got the message about
> wanting to download IE7.) I've restarted a couple of times since then
> and even changed my preference to "download but let me choose when to
> install." Still nothing, five hours later.
>
> So what's going on here? Is BITS slowly downloading IE7 in the
> background? Does it prefer to download during off-peak hours or
> something? I checked my Windows\SoftwareDistribution folder and there
> is one BIT1.tmp file in an otherwise empty subfolder, but it's 0
> bytes. There are three .bin files in my EventCache folder, all last
> modified around the time earlier today when I chose to download IE7.
>
> Thanks,
> Jake
>
> Here, btw, is some relevant text from my WindowsUpdate.log file:
>
> 2008-08-14 11:56:53:468 1260 6b8 AU AU received download approval from
> client for 1 updates
> 2008-08-14 11:56:53:468 1260 6b8 AU #############
> 2008-08-14 11:56:53:468 1260 6b8 AU ## START ## AU: Download updates
> 2008-08-14 11:56:53:468 1260 6b8 AU #########
> 2008-08-14 11:56:53:468 1260 6b8 AU # Approved updates = 1
> 2008-08-14 11:56:53:484 1260 6b8 AU AU initiated download, updateId =
> {63AD41D6-E29D-42B3-8FCE-46DC28EA45D4}.103, callId = {C19536A1-
> A0FA-4B30-8C68-A68B2C8438C6}
> 2008-08-14 11:56:53:484 1260 adc DnldMgr *************
> 2008-08-14 11:56:53:484 1260 adc DnldMgr ** START ** DnldMgr:
> Downloading updates [CallerId = AutomaticUpdates]
> 2008-08-14 11:56:53:484 1260 adc DnldMgr *********
> 2008-08-14 11:56:53:484 1260 adc DnldMgr * Call ID = {C19536A1-
> A0FA-4B30-8C68-A68B2C8438C6}
> 2008-08-14 11:56:53:484 1260 adc DnldMgr * Priority = 1, Interactive
> = 0, Owner is system = 1, Explicit proxy = 0, Proxy session id = -1,
> ServiceId = {9482F4B4-E343-43B6-B170-9A65BC822C77}
> 2008-08-14 11:56:53:484 1260 adc DnldMgr * Updates to download = 1
> 2008-08-14 11:56:53:484 1260 adc Agent * Title = Windows Internet
> Explorer 7 for Windows XP
> 2008-08-14 11:56:53:484 1260 adc Agent * UpdateId = {63AD41D6-
> E29D-42B3-8FCE-46DC28EA45D4}.103
> 2008-08-14 11:56:53:484 1260 adc Agent * Bundles 1 updates:
> 2008-08-14 11:56:53:484 1260 adc Agent * {C44BF113-
> A360-47C2-93AD-D90FB0F29C70}.103
> 2008-08-14 11:56:53:484 1260 6b8 AU # Pending download calls = 1
> 2008-08-14 11:56:53:484 1260 6b8 AU <<## SUBMITTED ## AU: Download
> updates
> 2008-08-14 11:56:53:515 1260 694 AU AU setting pending client
> directive to 'Download Approval'
> 2008-08-14 11:56:53:515 1260 adc DnldMgr *********** DnldMgr:
> Regulation Refresh [Svc: {9482F4B4-E343-43B6-B170-9A65BC822C77}]
> ***********
> 2008-08-14 11:56:53:515 1260 adc DnldMgr Contacting regulation server
> for 1 updates.
> 2008-08-14 11:56:53:531 2340 928 CltUI AU client got new directive =
> 'Download Approval', serviceId = {9482F4B4-E343-43B6-
> B170-9A65BC822C77}, return = 0x00000000
> 2008-08-14 11:56:53:531 2340 928 CltUI AU client creating default WU/
> WSUS UI plugin
> 2008-08-14 11:56:53:546 1260 adc Misc Validating signature for C:
> \WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\WuRedir\9482F4B4-E343-43B6-
> B170-9A65BC822C77\wuredir.cab:
> 2008-08-14 11:56:53:718 1260 adc Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
> 2008-08-14 11:56:53:765 1260 adc DnldMgr Regulation server path:
> http://www.update.microsoft.com/v6/UpdateRegulationService/UpdateRegulation.asmx.
> 2008-08-14 11:57:07:296 1260 adc DnldMgr Per-Update: c44bf113-
> a360-47c2-93ad-d90fb0f29c70 at rate 0
> 2008-08-14 11:57:07:296 1260 adc DnldMgr * Regulation call complete.
> 0x00000000
> 2008-08-14 11:57:07:375 1260 adc DnldMgr *********** DnldMgr: New
> download job [UpdateId = {C44BF113-A360-47C2-93AD-D90FB0F29C70}.103]
> ***********
> 2008-08-14 11:57:07:375 1260 adc DnldMgr Regulation: {9482F4B4-
> E343-43B6-B170-9A65BC822C77} - Update C44BF113-A360-47C2-93AD-
> D90FB0F29C70 is "PerUpdate" regulated and can NOT download. Sequence
> 5895 vs AcceptRate 0.
> 2008-08-14 11:57:07:375 1260 adc DnldMgr * Update is not allowed to
> download due to regulation.
> 2008-08-14 11:57:07:375 1260 adc DnldMgr Regulation: {9482F4B4-
> E343-43B6-B170-9A65BC822C77} - Update C44BF113-A360-47C2-93AD-
> D90FB0F29C70 is "PerUpdate" regulated and can NOT download. Sequence
> 5895 vs AcceptRate 0.
> 2008-08-14 11:57:07:375 1260 adc DnldMgr Regulation: {9482F4B4-
> E343-43B6-B170-9A65BC822C77} - Update C44BF113-A360-47C2-93AD-
> D90FB0F29C70 is "PerUpdate" regulated and can NOT download. Sequence
> 5895 vs AcceptRate 0.
> 2008-08-14 11:57:07:375 1260 adc Agent *********
> 2008-08-14 11:57:07:375 1260 adc Agent ** END ** Agent: Downloading
> updates [CallerId = AutomaticUpdates]
> 2008-08-14 11:57:07:375 1260 adc Agent *************
> 2008-08-14 11:57:07:375 1260 c0c AU AU checked download status and it
> changed: Downloading is paused

 

[Jacob Wentworth]

Re: Basic question about AU and BITS download scheduling

Okay, thanks. So if I download IE7 as a standalone installer and
install it before AU has a chance to download it, what will happen?
Chaos or nothing?

On Aug 14, 5:26 pm, "PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABear...@gmail.com> wrote:
> The log indicates that you've Approved the download of IE7 but that the
> download hasn't commenced due to Regulation (translation: servers are
> swamped; AU will try again later).
>
> => Required reading IMHO before installing IE7:
>
> Sandi's Installation Tips <= Steps #1-8, #10 & #11; take note of #12, then
> STOP!http://www.ie-vista.com/known_issues.html#pre-install
> (ignore any references to Vista)
>
> And I strongly recommend usinghttp://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/ie/getitnow.mspxas the
> installation source, not Automatic/Windows Update.
>
> Alternately, use this Direct Download link:http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=9ae91ebe-338...
>
> Tip: Save the installer to your desktop, do not Run it.
>
> Make *certain* that you check in at Windows Update immediately after
> installing IE7 and install any critical updates offered.  If Optional
> Updates category offers Root Certificates update, I recommend installing it
> to take full advantage of IE7's additional security.
>
> IEBlog : IE7 Installation and Anti-Malware Applicationshttp://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2006/10/11/IE7-Installation-and-Anti...
>
> What's New in Internet Explorer 7http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms649487.aspx
>
> Release Noteshttp://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/ie/Aa740486.aspx
>
> IEBlog: IE and Windows XP Service Pack 3http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2008/05/05/ie-and-xpsp3.aspx
>
> => I don't belive it's possible to "hide" SP3.
>
> WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installationhttp://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron/archive/2008/05/08/windows-xp-sp...
>
> Steps to take before you install WinXP SP3http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717
>
> Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
> Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3), until 14 Apr-09. Chat and
> e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada.
>
> . US:http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gpr...
>
> . CA:http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-ca&prid=11273&gpr...
>
> . UK:http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-gb&prid=11273&gpr...
>
> . AU:http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-au&prid=11273&gpr...
>
> . Other:http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173| select
> Windows XP | select Windows XP Service Pack 3
> --
> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
> AumHa VSOP & Adminhttp://aumha.net
> DTS-Lhttp://dts-l.net/
>

 

[Harry Johnston [MVP]]

Re: Basic question about AU and BITS download scheduling

Jacob Wentworth wrote:

> Okay, thanks. So if I download IE7 as a standalone installer and
> install it before AU has a chance to download it, what will happen?

Either AU will cancel the install, or the installer will start but take no
action. You might get an "installation failed" message if it tries to do the
install at the same time you're doing it, but even in this case it won't do your
system any harm.

Of course, there's a reasonable chance that by the time you read this message
Ie7 will already have been downloaded for you.

Harry.

--
Boycott Beijing 2008 http://www.rsf.org/rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=174

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Re: Basic question about AU and BITS download scheduling

Nothing of any consequence.

Jacob Wentworth wrote:
> Okay, thanks. So if I download IE7 as a standalone installer and
> install it before AU has a chance to download it, what will happen?
> Chaos or nothing?
>
> On Aug 14, 5:26 pm, "PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABear...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> The log indicates that you've Approved the download of IE7 but that the
>> download hasn't commenced due to Regulation (translation: servers are
>> swamped; AU will try again later).
>>
>> => Required reading IMHO before installing IE7:
>>
>> Sandi's Installation Tips <= Steps #1-8, #10 & #11; take note of #12,
>> then
>> STOP!http://www.ie-vista.com/known_issues.html#pre-install
>> (ignore any references to Vista)
>>
>> And I strongly recommend
>> usinghttp://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/ie/getitnow.mspxas the
>> installation source, not Automatic/Windows Update.
>>
>> Alternately, use this Direct Download
>> link:http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=9ae91ebe-338...
>>
>> Tip: Save the installer to your desktop, do not Run it.
>>
>> Make *certain* that you check in at Windows Update immediately after
>> installing IE7 and install any critical updates offered. If Optional
>> Updates category offers Root Certificates update, I recommend installing
>> it
>> to take full advantage of IE7's additional security.
>>
>> IEBlog : IE7 Installation and Anti-Malware
>> Applicationshttp://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2006/10/11/IE7-Installation-and-Anti...
>>
>> What's New in Internet Explorer
>> 7http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms649487.aspx
>>
>> Release Noteshttp://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/ie/Aa740486.aspx
>>
>> IEBlog: IE and Windows XP Service Pack
>> 3http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2008/05/05/ie-and-xpsp3.aspx
>>
>> => I don't belive it's possible to "hide" SP3.
>>
>> WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful
>> installationhttp://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron/archive/2008/05/08/windows-xp-sp...
>>
>> Steps to take before you install WinXP
>> SP3http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717
>>
>> Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
>> Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3), until 14 Apr-09. Chat and
>> e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada.
>>
>> .
>> US:http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gpr...
>>
>> .
>> CA:http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-ca&prid=11273&gpr...
>>
>> .
>> UK:http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-gb&prid=11273&gpr...
>>
>> .
>> AU:http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-au&prid=11273&gpr...
>>
>> . Other:http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173| select
>> Windows XP | select Windows XP Service Pack 3
>> --
>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
>> AumHa VSOP & Adminhttp://aumha.net
>> DTS-Lhttp://dts-l.net/