caerdwyn@gmail.com wrote:

> Hello,
>
> Windows XP Pro SP2 here.
>
> I recently noticed I haven't been getting my usual Automatic Updates. I
> peeked into the Event Log and noticed the BITS service was not
> starting. Trying to manually start it, I received an error. Apparently
> a registry key (FilesNotToBackup or something similar) was removed
> sometime within the last month. I've heard other users say BITS stopped
> working when they removed Norton Antivirus and LiveUpdate, and this may
> be what happened to me (I had Norton and removed it about a month ago
> so I could start using NOD32). Either way, the BITS service will now
> start and run.
>
> However, I've heard conflicting reports on what startup type the BITS
> service should be in. Manual or Automatic? Also, if the service is in
> Manual, should it start automatically when I try to download something
> from Windows/Microsoft Update, or when Automatic Updates checks for
> updates? I had a problem with Windows Update not downloading selected
> updates/failing when the service was set to Manual... but this may have
> been related to my unregistering qmgr.dll (done during my earlier
> troubleshooting when BITS wouldn't even start). If I start the service
> myself and it is "Running" then try Windows Update, it downloads and
> installs updates without a problem.
>

For windows update issues it would be best to post to the experts in the
windows update newsgroup:
news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsof....windowsupdate

AFAIK, BITS only needs to be set for manual.

--
Rock
MS MVP Windows - Shell/User