Unable to update windows XP

[gnGracie]

My internet is doing some strange things, such as it keeps forgetting
the home page I have set and going to "blank page" as my home page. I
think it's also trying to let viruses in because I keep getting pop up
windows about winning a gift certificate from Wal Mart or my system
reg is infected, etc. I believe I'm having problems because my
windows XP is not up to date. I've been trying to update windows XP
(from their website) and keep getting this error message: [Error
number: 0x80072EFF]

When I go into Start - All Programs - Windows Update, it won't even
open up the page to do the update. When I click diagnose problem, I
keep getting a message telling me to: refresh page, check spelling,
or try going to the site from a link (which is not provided). When I
click on the link to "View last diagnostic log," this is what it says:

<?xml version="1.0" ?>
<?xml-stylesheet type='text/xsl' href="xpnetdiag.xsl" ?>
<xpnetdiag>

<title>
Network Diagnostics for Windows XP
</title>
<lastRunText>
Last diagnostic run time:
</lastRunText>
<rejectText>
REJECT
</rejectText>
<indeterminateText>
INDETERMINATE
</indeterminateText>
<confirmText>
CONFIRM
</confirmText>
<timeStamp>
12/26/10 18:52:46
</timeStamp>
<component name="HTTP, HTTPS, FTP Diagnostic"
startDiagnosisTime="12/26/10 18:52:46">

<rootCause name="HTTP, HTTPS, FTP connectivity"
status="reject">

<trace traceType="info" text="HTTP: Successfully connected
to www.microsoft.com.">

</trace>
<trace traceType="info" text="FTP (Passive): Successfully
connected to ftp.microsoft.com.">

</trace>
<trace traceType="info" text="HTTPS: Successfully
connected to www.microsoft.com.">

</trace>
</rootCause>
</component>

Any ideas about how I can resolve this and update my windows?
TIA

 

[Peter Foldes]

0x80072EFF = ERROR_INTERNET_CONNECTION_Reset

You may encounter temporary connection-related errors when you use Windows
Update or Microsoft Update to install updates:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/836941

However, 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

NB: Run the FULL scan, not the QUICK scan!

2. WinXP ONLY!! => 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.


--
Peter
Please Reply to Newsgroup for the benefit of others
Requests for assistance by email can not and will not be acknowledged.
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.
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