Windows XP Update BITS Fix
Problems Addressed:
This script will attempt to fix common problems with the Windows XP Background Intelligent Transfer Service.
- It fixes the cause of several Windows Update stop code problems.
- It fixes issues with Windows Update time codes not matching the server.
- It will also fix specific BITS corruption caused by the Symantec SymNRT Removal Tool.
- The latest version also attempts to repair registry damage done by some viruses.
- Version 1.6 (General Release)
- Includes a more comprehensive registry fix.
- Version 1.5 (Initial Release)
- Windows XP Home Edition
- Will fix problems as described in this document.
- Windows XP Professional Edition
- Will fix problems as described in this document.
- Windows 2000
- Can be run safely and may help with Windows Update problems.
- You download and use this batch file at your own risk.
- The author cannot be held responsible in any way for your use of this batch file.
- Do not download the file if you do not agree with these terms.
- WinXP_BITS_Fix_v1.6.zip (Version 1.6)
- Readme.txt
- WinXP_BITS_Fix_v1.6.bat
- bits.ini
- WinXP_BITS_Fix.zip (Version 1.5)
- Readme.txt
- WinXP_BITS_Fix.bat
- Run the WinXP_BITS_Fix_v1.6.bat file.
- Press a key to start the fix.
- The script will halt on errors.
- You may be prompted to over-ride existing registry entries.
- The program will close automatically 30 seconds after completion.
- Stopping Services
- Repairing Registry Keys
- Deleting Corrupted Folders
- Registering Driver Files
- Starting Services
Version History:
Operating systems:
Installation:
Download the WinXP_BITS_Fix_v1.6 Zip file below, unzip all files to the same folder on the problem computer and run the batch file. By downloading you confirm your agreement to the disclaimer below.
Disclaimer:
Download and Contents:
Instructions for use:
When the program is complete you can attempt to install Windows Updates from http://update.microsoft.com/
You will need to be logged in as an administrator and using Internet Explorer for this to work.
Tips for effective use:
If you want the whole script to run DO NOT close the window until you see the final message of completion after Step 5. If required you can exit between steps by closing the command window.
The fix consists of five steps:
Dear Mr. Morgan:
Thank you very much for providing this bit of software. It fixed a really problematic PC that would no longer update its Windows Live OneCare program and the Microsoft remedies were ineffective. Good job; well done! Bless you!
Bob C.
Westmont, Illinois US
i ran all 5 steps, BITS is on manual(OK).
but BITS status-IS “started” ,and never turns off.it keep running as status-started (though there is no impendig task/download).How to solve it?
It’s OK for the BITS service to be running all the time… that is it’s purpose: to download files (in our case Windows Updates) in the background using idle network bandwidth. If you really want to switch it off you can set it to disabled but in that case Windows Updates will definately not work… which is the opposite of what my script intends.
HI Phil,
Just in case you still care about this….
I found the cause of my personal XP-BITS problem.
I assume the recent virus I got tinkered various places in my registry (including the BITS service)
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet002\Services\BITS]
was changed to:
ImagePath = %fystemRoot%\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs
needs to be:
ImagePath = %SystemRoot%\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs
beware this key I could not edit without chaning permissons on it first (in regedit)
Wouter
Hi Phil,
Many thanks. The batch file worked a treat! I am so grateful as I was having problems fixing this little problem…. grrrrrr.
Thanks Wouter…I agree mine was also caused by a virus. It effected 2 keys..BITS and wuauserv (windows update) I changed permissions and edited key for wuauserv ok but I when I try to change permissions for BITS the permissions were not saved and therefore I couldnt edit key… James
@Wouter
Hi Wouter,
Thanks for the info about this registry issue. Version 1.6 of my script should now resolve that problem. I’d be interested to know which virus it was that caused this in the first place?
Thanks,
Phil
@James
Hi James… perhaps you have resolved this now but the new Version 1.6 should fix the permissions on the BITS registry keys. It would be interesting to know if that works for you? Thanks, Phil
Hi Phil, Thanks for the script. I haven’t tried yet, I’ve one question before proceeding.
First of all, I’m not sure but I think a virus is the cause of my problem. I have nod32 antivirus, and it said that it found a possible virus in my System Restore but it can’t clean it. By the way I lost all my restore points, and I had to reboot my computer from the windows xp console. Right know it is working, but I’m afraid it will no longer work… So before proceeding with your solution I’d like to backup my file, but I’m not sure if when I finished with your procedures, reinstalling my files will lead to reinfect my pc with the virus.
Thank again,
Rodrigo.
Phil,
Thank you for writing this script. I had the same issue with BITS another poster did (BITS pointing to %fystemroot% instead of %systemroot%) and your script took care of the issue. I couldn’t fix it manually as REGEDIT doesn’t work at the moment either. Haven’t figured out which virus/spyware does that yet.
Mike
@Rodrigo Santamaria
Hi Rodrigo, sounds like you will need to disable system restore; reboot, update your virus definitions and run a full virus scan. Once the PC is clean you can enable system restore again. Cleaning any virus infection should be your first priority – then you can attempt to get Windows Updates working again. Some viruses do delete files – however you haven’t said which virus was reported. If you do backup your files it is possible that you will also backup the virus. However, if your virus definitions are up-to-date and the virus is cleaned from the computer when you come to restore your files nod32 should catch the virus before it reinfects the PC. You shouldn’t of course connect your backup device to any other computers in the meantime! If in doubt, take your computer to a PC repair store where they can plug your hard disk into another computer to remove the virus and backup your files. Good luck, Phil
Nicely done. This was a problem for a client of mine and no other fix I could find could do teh job. Reinstalling SP3, SFC, etc didn’t do it, but your tool did. Thanks!
Hi Phil,
I have executed the WinXP_BITS_Fix_v1.6.bat file and it ran without problems. But the path is still set at “%fystemroot%\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs” when I check the automatic windows update setting in Services. Can I somehow manually change this?
Many thanks
Phil, you are awesome! I spent three days trying to figure this BITS problem out after a Windows repair and your tool is a saving grace! Now I can finally get my updates and finally have my computer back! Thanks Phil!
Hey Phil Morgan, thank you so very much for this excellent program. I’m a bread baker not a techie, but have been in a long term relationship with Symantec and Microsoft trying to get things cleaned up. At first I despaired because I couldn’t run a .bat file, somehow my batch file association was perverted as well. Anyways I restored assoc.bat=batfile, ran the program and to my delight it worked! Thanks again, you have really made my day.
thank you it works
@Wouter
big hug for you, you just fixed my BITS being unable to start at all.
I believe that the trojan rncsys32.exe is the culprit and it apparently cleared out my BITs folder completely. Will WinXP_BITS_Fix_v1.6.bat help here or will I have to make a copy of someone’s BIT folder?
MS blamed my Registry Mechanic but that is what caught the trojan in the first place and quarantined it. I had run Spyware Doctor with Antivirus and the MS Malicious Software Removal Tool which gave me a clean bill of health but then ran the free version of SuperAntiSpyware and found Adware.Vundo Variant/Rel, Trojan.Net-WNS/NMC, Browser Hijacker.WebTools and Rogue.Component/Trace still in place.
Phil,
You are the man.
Many thanks for the help.
@Wouter
I had the exact same problem with “fystemRoot”. We must have gotten hit with the same malware.
@John
John, sounds like you may need to reinstall BITS completely. You can download it from the Microsoft web site. See here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/923845
Direct download link for Windows XP: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=A064BF14-E54C-4E8C-85E7-1E3BE1628B2D&displaylang=en
Hey Phil,
Another successful repair here. Thanks for the great piece of code.
I ran the ver 1.6 with no luck. Still cannot start bits or update? I have the save problem with the path name being fystem instead of system. Changed it in the registry, but the path is till wrong in the services. I am currently running SP2, is it a good idea to install SP 3 to see if it fixes the problem, or should I fix this before I install SP3? Any ideas would be appreciated
Hi
I am writing to tell you, that I have fixed BITS in XP, have treid Microsoft Support, no luck, and by chance via Google search, came across the above mentioned website..I do thank you for solving this problem for me, I am most grateful
Thank you again
Guye
Hi Phil,
Just wanted to say thanks for this script.
I manually had to adjust the registry keys to get the fix to work, but thanks a lot.
Just thought I would let you know that these issues were caused by a very virulent RootKit that got through all the Virus & Spyware protection on the PC.
ComboFix managed to remove the RootKit (and other viruses) but didn’t fix the service issues (it’s good but not that good!).
Thanks again,
Paddy
Hi Tom, I think installing SP3 would be a good idea, then try Windows Update again. Best Wishes, Phil
Does this support Vista at all ?
Super fix. Many thanks.
Phil, I’ve tried everything on this page, even downloaded the BitS from MS, since I have sp3 ms said i didn’t need the upgrade. when i do the windows update, the first file to download is sp3 which i already have, and the download fails, and won’t let me download anything else. what the heck???
sid
Phil … you’ve saved me a lot of hassle with your Win XP BITS fix, and $1.50 is not enough for a donation, so I sent you a little extra through Paypal… Thank you my friend!
Ed, many thanks! Comments like yours make it all worthwhile and it’s always nice to see a few dollars in my Paypal account! Best wishes, Phil
Hi Sid,
Might be worth trying a manual download and installation of SP3 first: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=5B33B5A8-5E76-401F-BE08-1E1555D4F3D4&displaylang=en
Also, see if it is listed in your Add or Remove Programs list by ticking the box to Show Updates?
Good luck,
Phil
Hi Methical,
This is untested on Vista. What error are you experiencing?
Kind regards,
Phil
Phil, just wanted to drop a line and say thanks for putting this together! It fixed a problem I was having with BITS and windows update, probably after uninstalling Symantec.
Thanks so much!
Best,
Dave
excellent tool, solved my problem.
Great!!!!!
It fixed my laptop BITS service missing, thank you