Error: McAfee cannot update your retailcard software.

Your McAfee Security Center displays a message that updates are available, but when you check for an update, you see the following error:

Mcafee Total Protection Update Problem

McAfee cannot update your software. Please check your Internet connection. If the problem continues, please contact Technical Support.

Cause

This issue is sometimes caused by a corrupt entry in the Windows registry.

Solution 1

Virtual Assistant

Click here and our Virtual Assistant will help you determine if your software is up to date: http://www5.nohold.net/McAfeeEndUser/login.aspx?pid=3&login=1&ruleid=11211

NOTE: When you click the link above, a new window opens. Simply follow the prompts and, when you have completed the guided steps, close that window.

Or, follow the Solution steps below.

McAfee total protection auto updates not working

Solution 2

Run McAfee Virtual Technician (MVT).

1. To start, go to the mcafee Troubleshoot and Repair page.
2. Click Download and Run.
3. Save the mvt.exe file to your desktop if prompted.
4. Double-click mvt.exe (or click Run) to start MVT.
5. Click Yes if you are asked by Windows User Account Control to allow MVT to run.
6. Wait for MVT to install, initialize, and update. This might take a few minutes.
7. MVT then scans your PC for issues with your McAfee product.
8. If any issues are found:
9. Choose Autofix, and follow the prompts to let MVT fix the problem.
10. If MVT cannot fix the problem, contact Technical Support.
11. If no issues are found, close MVT.

If MVT does not resolve the issue for you, or you do not want to install MVT on your computer, use one of the following workarounds.

Workaround 1

CAUTION: This workaround contains information about opening or modifying the registry.

• The following information is intended for Windows experts. The reason is because registry modifications are irreversible and could cause system failure if done incorrectly.
• Before proceeding, we strongly recommend backing up your registry and understanding the restore process. For more information, see: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/256986.
• Do not double-click a .REG file that is not confirmed to be a genuine registry import file.

Manually register files in the Windows registry

1. Open the Windows registry as an Administrator.

• If you are using Windows XP, log on to your computer with the Administrator account.
• If you are using Windows Vista or 7:

1. Click the Windows orb and type cmd in the search box.
2. In the results, right-click CMD and select Run as Administrator.
3. Click Continue or Yes in the User Account Control window.
4. Type each of the following commands and press ENTER after each:

• cd\
• cd program files
• cd mcafee
• cd msc
• cd mcsubmgr
• dir /b

1. Look at the value returned from the last command and use the cd command to change to that directory.
   
   Example:
   If the value returned is 11,0,669,0, type cd 11,0,669,0 and press ENTER.
2. Type regsvr32 /u mcsubmgr.dll and press ENTER.
3. Click OK.
4. Type regsvr32 mcsubmgr.dll and press ENTER.
5. Click OK.
6. Close the command prompt window.
7. Right-click the M icon in your taskbar and select Check for updates.

Workaround 2

Copy and paste the register command

1. Click Start and select Run. (Windows Vista and 7 users: Click the Windows orb, and then click in the search box.)
2. Copy and paste the following command, and then press ENTER:
3. Regsvr32 /u C:\Progra~1\McAfee\MSC\mcsubmgr\11,0,669,0\mcsubmgr.dll
4. Copy and paste the following command, and then press ENTER:
5. Regsvr32 C:\Progra~1\McAfee\MSC\mcsubmgr\11,0,669,0\mcsubmgr.dll
6. Right-click the M icon in your taskbar and select Check for updates.

Workaround 3

If you are uncomfortable performing the steps in the previous workarounds, reinstall your McAfee software or contact Technical Support.