Everyone has a different approach on installing Microsoft Windows updates. Some people do automatic updates while others don’t even bother. Regardless of your method, you should take a close look at the recent update as Microsoft did something different. In some cases, they won’t install the operating system updates because your machine has been compromised. Fortunately, they provide free tools to solve the problem.

This approach may sound harsh, but it may be the best approach. The company has learned from previous experience that some viruses and rootkits will make your PC repeatedly reboot after the updates. Instead of having users go through this aggravation, they want to alert you to the problem.

Error Codes 0x8007F0F4 and 0XFFFFFFFF

While these error codes aren’t meaningful to most users, Microsoft does provide the following text,

“Your computer might not be compatible with Microsoft Security Update MS10-015. Proceeding with installation of the update could prevent your system from starting successfully. For additional information please visit http://www.microsoft.com/security/updates/015."

If you dig into this advisory, they suggest you call their PC Safety Support line for resolution. That option is available to US and Canada residents by calling 1-866-727-2338. When you first call this number, you’ll hear a recording suggesting you use one of their free online tools to find and remove the offending items.

Using Windows LiveOne Safety Scanner

This online scanner is a good first step, but there are several things you should know before starting:

A. You need to use Internet Explorer since you’ll be downloading an ActiveX control. You can use Firefox, but that requires an add-on that allows you to run Internet Explorer as a tab. One suggestion is IETab.

B. There are 2 types of scans – complete scan and quick scan. Microsoft suggests you do a complete scan. The complete scan includes:

• Virus and spyware scan
• Registry cleaner scan
• Disk cleanup scan
• Disk Fragmentation scan
• Open ports scan

C.You need to make sure your browser allows pop ups during this process. Although Internet Explorer will alert you to the pop-ups, some people have 3^rd party programs that do the same.

To start Windows LiveOne Safety Scanner,

1. Go to http://safety.live.com

2. In the middle of the page, look for the section, Fix specific PC issues.

3. Click Full Service Scan.

4. Read and accept the service agreement.

5. Follow the prompts to install the software.

6. Click Launch Scanner.

7. Choose Complete scan.

The scan length varies based on how many files you have and what other applications are running. You may find it easier to let it run over night.

Once the scanner is done, the program provides a report of what it found and if it was successful in removing the files. If your system looks clean, try Windows Update again. Otherwise, I would call the toll-free number PC Safety Support line.

Staying Protected

As useful as this online scanner is, it’s not proactive as you need to initiate it. If your computer was compromised, you should spend time tightening your security procedures so you don’t have go through this process again. These days, there are enough free antivirus software programs that cost shouldn’t be a factor. Microsoft has also released a free one called Microsoft Security Essentials.

In your quest on finding a good software program, keep in mind that there are number imposters with similar sounding names. If you’re not sure a company is legitimate, you might want to see if it’s listed with a testing service like AV-Test.org.

Related Resources

• The Pros and Cons of Free Online Virus Scanners
• Using CCleaner to Remove Trash & Tracks