Can't do Windows Update

[Charles W Davis]

Windows XP SP3, with no subsequent updates.

IE7 locks up when attempting Windows Update.
Loaded MalwareBytes from my USB drive. It was unable to get updates for its
files. In its vanilla state, no bad guys.
Created an IE7 short cut. Was able to get to the internet. Tried Windows
Update again, IE7 locks up.
Opened IE7, downloaded and installed Microsoft Update. No change.
Downloaded and installed Windows Genuine Advantage Utility. No change.
Downloaded and installed Windows Defender. It can't update.
Downloaded and installed Firefox. Can access anything.
Downloaded and installed IE8. Still can't update.

Any thoughts will be appreciated.

 

[TaurArian]

Charles W Davis wrote:
:: Windows XP SP3, with no subsequent updates.
::
:: IE7 locks up when attempting Windows Update.
:: Loaded MalwareBytes from my USB drive. It was unable to get updates
:: for its files. In its vanilla state, no bad guys.
:: Created an IE7 short cut. Was able to get to the internet. Tried
:: Windows Update again, IE7 locks up.
:: Opened IE7, downloaded and installed Microsoft Update. No change.
:: Downloaded and installed Windows Genuine Advantage Utility. No
:: change. Downloaded and installed Windows Defender. It can't update.
:: Downloaded and installed Firefox. Can access anything.
:: Downloaded and installed IE8. Still can't update.
::
:: Any thoughts will be appreciated.


If IE7 locks up, downloading IE8 wouldn't fix the problem.
Sounds like you're got an infestation or something.

Perhaps start here: http://www.microsoft.com/security/portal/

Copied from WU NG where Robear Dyer (PA Bear) frequently posts this:

"See Steps #2 and #3 below; do NOT skip #3!...

There is a very good chance are that you are seeing the affects of a
hijackware infection.

1. See if you can download/run the MSRT manually:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx

2. Run the Windows Live Safety Center's 'Protection' scan (only!) in Safe
Mode with Networking, if need be:
http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/center/howsafe.htm

3. Run a thorough check for hijackware, including posting the requested
logs in an appropriate forum, not here.

Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=4075
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

**Seek expert assistance in
http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachinesforum/index.php?board=10.0,
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30, or other appropriate forums.**

If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this
isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA) computer repair shop.
=====================
Start a free Windows Update support incident request:
https://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=6527

Support for Windows Update:
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/wusupport

For home users, no-charge support is available by calling 1-866-PCSAFETY in
the United States and in Canada or by contacting your local Microsoft
subsidiary. There is no-charge for support calls that are associated with
security updates.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/"
--

TaurArian [MVP] 2005-2009 - Update Services
http://taurarian.mvps.org
======================================
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
Disclaimer: The information has been posted "as is" with no warranties
or guarantees and doesn't give any rights. Computer Maintenance:
Acronis / Diskeeper / Paragon / Raxco

 

[Gerry]

Charles

What firewall are you using? How long has the problem been occuring?

Have a look in the System and Application logs in Event Viewer for
Errors and Warnings and post copies here. Don't post any more than 48
hours ago.

You can access Event Viewer by selecting Start, Control Panel,
Administrative Tools, and Event Viewer. When researching the meaning
of the error, information regarding Event ID, Source and Description
are important.

HOW TO: View and Manage Event Logs in Event Viewer in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308427/en-us

A tip for posting copies of Error Reports! Run Event Viewer and double
click on the error you want to copy. In the window, which appears is a
button resembling two pages. Click the button and close Event
Viewer.Now start your message (email) and do a paste into the body of
the message. Make sure this is the first paste after exiting from
Event Viewer.


--


Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[Kaja]

Hi Charles, my name is Kaja and I would like to try to help you. This sounds
like multiple issues and complicated. So I have some questions for you to
clarify and try to isolate the issue. Now from what I can determine based on
what you said you cannot connect, IE 7 locks up. So are you able to connect
to the internet at all? Can you connect and view any websites at all? Now
if you cannot connect to the internet at all and view any website that could
indicate certain things. Who is your internet service provider? One thing
to initially try is to call your ISP tech support which is usually free and
see if they can help you connect. I think first we need to get you connected
with IE 8 as you upgraded to that so you can update stuff.

Regarding the possibility of viruses and or Malware. What antivirus software
are you using? I am assuming your definitions may not be up to date. You
could do a full thorough virus scan but it might be better to resolve the
connection issue and update the virus definitions from the online database
for your virus software and then run a full scan.

Now regarding the locking up of IE8. Let us clean out unnescary files. Go
to start, all programs, accessories, system tools, disc cleanup. Now select
your C drive and wait a few minutes. A box will pop up showing you the
amount of space you can free up with titles such as temporary internet files,
etc. Just check all the boxes and hit ok and confirm the action. Now open up
IE 8and select tools from the menu at the top. Select delete browsing
history. A box will pop up with options of what to delete. Check all boxes
and press delete. When it finishes close IE. Try these suggestions and get
back to with me with answers to my qustions and I will try to help you fully
resolve the issues.
Best Regards,
Kaja

 

[The Real Truth [MS MVP]]

Use my Remove-it software. Choose yes for all options when prompted.
Download it here http://www.ms-mvp.org/
If the problem still exists then use my FixIE and Svchosts fix from the same
page.


--
The Real Truth http://pcbutts1-therealtruth.blogspot.com/
*WARNING* Do NOT follow any advice given by the people listed below.
They do NOT have the expertise or knowledge to fix your issue. Do not waste
your time.
David H Lipman, Malke, PA Bear, Beauregard T. Shagnasty, Leythos.

 

[Barry Schwarz]

Use my Remove-it software. Choose yes for all options when prompted.
Download it here http://www.ms-mvp.org/
If the problem still exists then use my FixIE and Svchosts fix from the same
page.

This not the MVP site despite its fake logos.

The correct MVP site is http://www.mvps.org/