Can't view secure pages

[Compute]

Went to use the computer in kid's room this morning and it will not open
secure webpages. This includes windows update. On the microsoft update
page I receive the error ( Error number: 0x80072EFD]. On other secure pages
I receive the error [Cannot find server or DNS Error]. This is my 7 yr.
olds computer and
he has loaded several games in the last couple of weeks. My personal
computer on cable modem thru same router views secure pages just fine. His
computer
(Compaq) is the same model as mine. I have disabled firewall, checked
security options in internet explorer, checked advanced options, and
everything else I can
think of with internet explorer and they seem to be the same. This includes
clearing cookies, temporary internet files and history. I know I am
overlooking something simple but can't figure out what it is. I am running
WindowsXP on both computers. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Gary

 

[Maurice N ~ MVP]

Hi Gary,

First, on the Windows Update issue:
See MS Article 836941
You receive an "Error 0x80072EE2" or "Error 0x80072EFD" error message when you try to use Windows Update
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/836941

You may well have a couple of ports being blocked by your firewall. Do you have a firewall?
Windows Update requires that port 80 and 443 be available for inbound & outbound traffic.

Does this pc have Norton Internet Security firewall? or any other 3rd party firewall?
If yes to either, you need to insure that Microsoft & Windows Update websites are in the firewall's exclusion or "safe" sites list.
N.I.S. section on this is called Privacy control.

On the secure pages, how many secure sites are involved here? 1, 2, 3 or more than that? What are the site addresses?
I'm presuming the pc has no problem reaching regular or other sites.

I'd highly recommend you do an anti-spyware check on this pc.
If you have MS Windows Defender or MS Antispyware (or other reputable Antispyware), run it to insure you have no infections.
If you do not have anti-spyware program, see Aumha.org The Parasite Fight Quick Fix Protocol at
<http://www.aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm>