Check for Updates Error

I searched this forum all the way back to 6/2003 for an answer. There was none so here's the background.

I have VB.NET 2003. When I click check for updates from the Help Menu, I get an error. The problem is a known bug and documented on Microsofts site under KB836454.

The error message I get and the one they describe exactly is :

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Visual Studio .NET setup encountered errors while attempting to download required files. Check your Web Browser configuration settings and your connection hardware, and then try again.

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The cause according to them is:

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an error when the Vsupdate.dll file accesses the Urlmon.dll file. Subsequently, this can cause Visual Studio .NET to fail when downloading files from the Update location.

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I follow those links and they want $99 for an email answer or phone answers start at something like $245. I only paid $89 for the program!

Does anyone know of any other solution? Whay should I pay them for a fix to their bug?

Their solution is:

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To resolve this problem, contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services phone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

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Is there an email address that you could send a question to on this instead?
Usually they charge for phone support, but most places give free email tech support.

:confused:

I was directed here http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;836454 for the KB836454 bug. If you follow the Resolution/Get Assisted/US/VB .NET 2003 links, you'll see that email support is $99. There is no way further without giving them a credit card number and them tapping it "after submission".

Now, that MAY mean that subsequently you'll get credited back the $99 but I'm not willing to take the chance that they may not.

I won't get on a rant too long but this is just another example of what's wrong with Microsoft.

Not quite! Re-read the the paragraph and you will see that they GIVE you FOUR email support requests at NO CHARGE. :)

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4 support requests submitted online or by a phone call are included at no charge.

All additional support requests are $99.00 US per request or use an existing contract. Some support issues may not be covered under the listed charge.

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They have a 1 day turn around, so its not that bad.

:thumb: