Unable to 'Scan for Updates' in Windows XP /Tools/Windows Update

[OldFrenchy]

I run WinXP Home, with the Service Pack 1 included.
I am getting an error message when attempting to Scan for
Updates under Windows Update. It says "Windows Update has
encountered an error and cannot display the requested
page."
It then lists several options, one of which I tried:
changing the registry value to 0 of windows CDSVersion.
It did not work.
I have had no problem running Update in the past, but
this just started about a week ago.
Otherwise the OS works great!

Thanks-
Oldfrenchy

 

[HLR]

You are running anti-virus software and have a firewall
enabled? They might be getting in the way. Try this:
After you have entered the Windows Update site disable
both of those applications, click on refresh if you have
received the error message you quoted, and you might find
that your computer will then be scanned for updates
available for download. Before leaving the download
website, be sure to enable your anti-virus and firewall
software.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

NO...
NEVER disable the firewall while network cable is physically
connected.
it takes less than a few seconds for a worm such as Blaster to get to
an unprotected computer.

However if you have more than one firewall, disable all but one.

 

[HLR]

With all due respects, Jupiter, how do you reconcile your
admonition to "never" turn off the firewall with this
excerpt from Microsoft's troubleshooting instructions
about trouble with downloading Windows updates? It's a
given that these instructions were probably written
before Blaster came upon the scene, but the instructions
are still posted. Also, l inferred while you are within
the supposed security of the Microsoft website, and I
further said to enable both the firewall and anti-virus
software before leaving the download website. This
procedure worked for me, and it was the only way I could
obtain updates. Also, you mention turning all but one
firewall off, if you have more than one operative on the
computer. Have we not been admonished to never use more
than one firewall at a time? Just want to clear this up.

"Suggestion 2
===========

Check your firewall/proxy settings and also try disabling
your firewall. This error is the result of your PC's
inability to connect to a component of the Windows Update
site. Disable all 3rd party applications (including anti-
virus) before accessing the site."

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

The site you are browsing is not relevant.
The firewall protects your computer from outsiders getting to your
computer.
Worms such as blaster can and do get to the computer whether you are
surfing or not.
"within the supposed security of the Microsoft website" that is NO
protection against Blaster or other worms.
They come to you and are not dependant on your surfing to them.
If you think you are safe in a particular website, you are mistaken,
the safety you infer is nonexistent at ANY website.
Disabling the AV is safe as long as you are careful what you do and re
enable it as soon as possible.

I have seen to many infected by Blaster and others "I only disabled
the firewall for a few seconds...and I wasn't even surfing" And that
is all it took.

NEVER disable the firewall while the network cable is physically
connected.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
An easier way to read newsgroup messages:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/newsgroups/setup.asp
http://dts-l.org/index.html

 

[OldFrenchy]

I have disabled my firewall and turned off the antivirus
software, to no avail. I also tried the refresh trick,
but it also gets the error message. Any other ideas?
Thanks for the response!

OldFrenchy