Mel said:
Had to restore my laptop to it's original installation--Toshiba / XP
When I try to access windows updates It asks to validate windows--click yes
and it starts the validation process--Nothing happens for an indefinite
time--Have left it running for as long as 10 min with no result indication
any process is going on--
Any suggestions? Really will appreciate--Thanks --Mel
You could try installing WinXP Service Pack 3. it's the latest
for WinXP. Just in case they've done something to the update site
that absolutely requires SP3 to be present.
"Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for IT Professionals"
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&id=24
It's 316MB in size, so you need a capable network connection to download it.
If you've got a working browser on the Toshiba right now, you should be
able to get it.
The thing is, Microsoft will only officially support machines with SP3
on them. SP2 support died some time ago.
There is also the possibility you're at SP3 already. Check the "System"
Control Panel, and use the General tab. Mine says "Service Pack 3" so
I'm up to date on service packs.
*******
Microsoft will offer free support for certain kinds of problems with
their OS. I think Windows Update problems are supported (like, you
install a Windows Update and it trashes your computer). They also support
"Not Genuine" problems, detected by Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) or
Activation or the like. So there is a good chance they can provide support,
without a credit card being asked for. A false "Not Genuine" declaration,
would be their problem. If you use the right kind of keywords when talking
to their phone support, you might be able to avoid the credit card request.
Paul