Weird one - Windows update doesn't scan, also add/remove programs trashed

[Brian Meadows]

Any offers on this one, other than reinstalling Win 2K?

The PC is running Win 2K Pro SP4, and it's a PIII/600 with half a gig of memory,
should you think that could make a difference. The problem came up when trying
to get updates. Going to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com just produces a
blank screen, and the status bar shows "Done".

Trying http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp gives the expected
"Checking for latest version..." message, but nothing ever happens after that.

I've been through all the IE security settings, and switched everything back to
default settings. I've turned off the software firewall (Zone Alarm). Nothing
doing, symptoms unchanged.

The one other thing I've noticed (so far!) that's unusual is that if I go to the
control panel and try to run up the add/remove programs form, then the form
comes up with the expected grey bar down the left hand side, but the rest of the
form is totally blank, i.e. no list of programs, and instead of the expected
buttons on the grey bar, the text from those buttons (change or remove programs,
add new programs, etc) is concatenated as a single line of text right across the
top of the form.

The user is running as local admin - that's the only account on the PC. Another
PC on the same LAN functions just fine, so that would seem to eliminate some
kind of goofy network problem.

Reinstalling Windows and all the software is going to be a MAJOR amount of work,
there's a serious quantity of software on the PC. Does anyone have any other
ideas?

Thanks,

Brian.

 

[Brian Meadows]

BTW, I thought reinstalling SP4 was worth a try, hoping that would update
whatever was causing the problem. Nothing doing. It installed OK, but no changes
in the scenario detailed below.

Brian.

 

[Guest]

I have the same silly problem.
If you hear of a solution please let me know.
I've checked the firewall, anti-virus, etc. and no luck.

 

[Sky King]

Any offers on this one, other than reinstalling Win 2K?

The PC is running Win 2K Pro SP4, and it's a PIII/600 with half a gig
of memory, should you think that could make a difference. The problem
came up when trying to get updates. Going to
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com just produces a blank screen, and
the status bar shows "Done".

Trying http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp gives the
expected "Checking for latest version..." message, but nothing ever
happens after that.

I've been through all the IE security settings, and switched
everything back to default settings. I've turned off the software
firewall (Zone Alarm). Nothing doing, symptoms unchanged.

The one other thing I've noticed (so far!) that's unusual is that if
I go to the control panel and try to run up the add/remove programs
form, then the form comes up with the expected grey bar down the left
hand side, but the rest of the form is totally blank,....

Hi, Brian;

Sounds like something is corrupt in the system, either some essential system
files or part(s) of the Registry. Suggest you start by running SFC to clean
up and then replace the initial system file cache. See
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;329862 for how to do
that.

When that is complete, Restart the computer and press the F8 key to get the
boot menu; pick the option to start in Safe Mode with Networking. Log in as
the local Administrator; you may see some "updating" messages. Now open
Control Panel/Add&Remove Programs. Hopefully it will open normally.

Restart back into Normal mode.

Once all the above is done, re-install SP4, doing the Restart as prompted.

Last, download and install this updated version of the MS Scripting support
files.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...43-7e4b-4622-86eb-95a22b832caa&DisplayLang=en

Now take a look at the Add&Remove Programs applet. Does it appear normal?
If so, go to Windows Update
(http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp) and give that
another try. Hopefully it will also function as expected.

HTH


--

....Sky

Tom "Sky" King
=============