For a while Windows update failed because it detected Avira, apparently
not being on the whitelist for Spectre-Meltdown protection.
Now had uninstalled Avira years ago. There were no Avira subdirectories
anywhere. Now Avira released a registry cleaner tool to remove the crap
it left behind on its incomplete install. So I ran this in safe mode and
it removed dozens of keys.
Then the March update for version 1607 installed okay. But next day,
Windoze does a check for updates and complains that it cannot proceed
until Avira is removed.
Furthermore, they decree that updates will be terminated after April 10
unless this offending application is eliminated.
So are we up **** creek in a barbwire canoe?