Did You Know will not access internet

[Guest]

Brand new Dell XPS 410 running XP Media Center. The Did You Know section of
Help and Support will not access the internet to update. Displays standard
message to set up an internet service. There is nothing wrong with my
internet access--all other programs connect properly.

Have already tried Kelli's website fix which said to delete file:
C:\WINDOWS\PCHEALTH\HELPCTR\CONFIG\NEWS\NEWSERVER.XML with no change in
problem, even after restarting. Also checked RPC and Help and Support
settings in Services--both already checked as 'automatic' and 'started.' Any
suggestions?

 

[Guest]

Try adding an exception for http://sa.windows.com
IE, tools, options, security, 'sites' button

 

[Guest]

Sites button required 'https' in order to be added. Not sure that applies.
Tried any way, no change. Thanks for trying.

 

[Ricky]

One other thing to try..go to internet options..advanced tab..scroll
down and uncheck use HTTP 1.1 and see if that helps.

 

[Guest]

Still have the problem. Spent around three hours with a Dell tech Monday--he
couldn't figure it out either. Supposed to call MicroSoft techs next.

 

[frodo]

Still have the problem. Spent around three hours with a Dell tech Monday--he
couldn't figure it out either. Supposed to call MicroSoft techs next.

It's been broken for over a month now - no big deal, there is nothing in
it that you don't already know...

FWIW, it now seems to be some sort of race condition, it declares "your
not connected" before the download of the newsxxxxx.xml files even arrive
(they do arrive about a second later; and no, it's a fast connection; I do
see the approx. 80k response come in in less than 4 seconds).

 

[Guest]

Hello Just searched for a solution to this problem and find I'm not the only
one to experience it.............has anyone come across a solution,
please!!!!!!!

 

[Guest]

Hello GoldenLady and Goshen:
read this: Q315955
I too have been recently (started in april 2007) unable to use the Help
Support Center due to "need network connection" error message even though i
have 24/7 dsl connection. I can use all the local features like searching
the index, but neither the news update nor search results from the KB appear.

At one point i was able to re-enable the service by using a cmd.exe box and
switches that are listed in the index under Helpctr:
-example-
c:\helpctr /url http://support.microsoft.com/kbxxxx

This *did not* actually fix anything so i opened a ticket with ms tech
support and we are still unable to determine the cause - even after 4
recommendations.

Do you use any of these: zone alarm or any firewall, easy cleaner (toniarts)
or ccleaner or any other registry cleaner, non-microsoft browser(s), or had
recent sever crashes ? I also suspect that patches or the genuine
advantage downloads may be involved. The tech helping me has asked that i
uninstall IE7 and all patches from april. Additionally, i have to try
"clean booting" which involves starting xp without 3rd party drivers to
isolate possible causes. They don't know what is causing it.

Be assured, i will post here as soon as i know both the cause and the cure.
All for now,
~daniel~

 

[Guest]

Hello Daniel, thanks for your input re the above, I look forward to hearing
from you when you have any further information. Regards, Chris