What to do when a software patch won't install

Normally, applying software patches to applications such as Microsoft Office goes smoothly — but sometimes, things just go horribly awry!

To make matters worse, Microsoft has discontinued its classic Windows Installer CleanUp Utility, which used to be the go-to tool for correcting this kind of trouble.

That's the top item in my Q&A column for WindowsSecrets.com column this week; with info on how to clean up a bad patch and get it installed correctly.

Other topics in my column this week:

• How to run multiple security apps without conflicts
• Unmuting a sound card
• More on deleting NtUninstall files in XP

The rest of this week's issue:

The following link includes all articles this week: http://WindowsSecrets.com/comp/101028 Free content posted on Oct. 28, 2010: TOP STORY By Michael Lasky Dropbox: File synching and sharing made easy File synching evolves with changes in computing Moving beyond simple file transfer and sync Reeling back through your versions history LOUNGE LIFE By Keely Dolan Help for a hijacked e-mail identity WACKY WEB WEEK By Keely Dolan Pouring a cup of tea — with exuberance   Paid content: LANGALIST PLUS By Fred Langa What to do when a patch won't install MS Office chokes on a troublesome patch Run multiple security apps without conflicts The simple solution for unmuting a sound card More on deleting NtUninstall files in XP IN THE WILD By Robert Vamosi Firefox add-on makes a statement about HTTP Using a well-known threat to make a point Firesheep is serious, but probably short-lived A hack with something old, something new Why not make HTTPS the default for all sites? Better browsers force HTTPS as standard PATCH WATCH By Susan Bradley When it comes to patching, .NET is .ANNOYING .NET 4 plus Code 2 equals patching pain Removing .NET 4 might require an extra step Live Essentials appearing on Microsoft Update Double-check that Acrobat and Reader are current Your Adobe Flash may not be the latest release Firefox patches a dozen vulnerabilities Patch leads the way for Windows 7 SP1 RC? A portion of your support helps children in developing countries Each month, we send a full year of sponsorship to a different child. Your contributions in October are helping us to sponsor Genesis, an 8-year-old girl from Honduras. Children International channels development aid from donors to Genesis and her community. We also sponsor kids through Save the Children. More info

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