Warning message: Automatic Updates Disabled

[anthony]

I keep getting a Windows Security message that Automatic Updates for
XP is disabled: 'click on this balloon to fix'.
But nothing happens when I try to do this -- I get the window, and the
box to tick for auto update, but it won't register.
Strangely, when I check on Auto Update in my Control Panel, it shows
as 'on' but I can't get rid of this possibly spurious Security
warning. Any measures I can take?

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

There's a very strong possibility that you have a Vundo infection, which is
usually accompanied by ZLOB and/or SDBot infections, all of which are
protected by a rootkit.

Run a thorough check for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis log
to an appropriate forum.

Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_Removal_and_Prevention:_Introduction
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://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
(http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use (in
conjuction with some other utilities). HijackThis will NOT fix anything on
its own, but it will help you to both identify and remove any
hijackware/spyware with assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
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 another appropriate forum for review
by an expert in such matters, not here.**

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.

 

[anthony]

There's a very strong possibility that you have a Vundo infection, which is
usually accompanied by ZLOB and/or SDBot infections, all of which are
protected by a rootkit.

thanks for that .. I'll give those programs a go, and if no success,
call for help!

 

[Mick Murphy]

Make sure you try these 2 Programs; and once they are installed and updated,
run them in Safe Mode, as well as your Anti-virus too.

http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html

Avast Anti-Virus is Vista compatible (32bit and 64bit Versions), FREE,
auto-updating, and a low resources user of your computer.
And, only have 1(one) Anti-Virus installed / running on your computer at any
one time..
Conflicts may occur if you have more than 1(one).

http://www.spybot.info/en/index.html

Spybot Search & Destroy 1.6 is a very good, FREE Anti-Spyware Program.
Download, install, update, and immunize your System with it.
Then SCAN with it.
Update it, and scan your System once a fortnight.

http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

Malwarebytes is as the name says, a Malware Remover!
For the Free version scroll down their page to either download from
Download.com, or Major Geeks.com

Download, install, and update.

Important re: Safe Mode
If you happen to find a problem that you can’t uninstall / delete, reboot
the computer, and go into Safe Mode.
To get into Safe mode, tap F8 right at Power On / Startup, and use UP arrow
key to get to Safe Mode from list of options, then hit ENTER.
RESCAN your computer with your Anti-Virus, Malwarebytes and Spybot S & D
while in Safe Mode.

 

[Mick Murphy]

The Avast one is there if you don't have an Anti-virus.
If you do, skip that one.

 

[windmap]

I keep getting a Windows Security message that Automatic Updates for
XP is disabled: 'click on this balloon to fix'.
But nothing happens when I try to do this -- I get the window, and the
box to tick for auto update, but it won't register.
Strangely, when I check on Auto Update in my Control Panel, it shows
as 'on' but I can't get rid of this possibly spurious Security
warning. Any measures I can take?

I would recommended you try PC Tools Spyware Doctor.
http://www.pctools.com/spyware-doctor/

i would also recommended to try threatfire to protect your computer
from future attacks
http://www.download.com/ThreatFire-AntiVirus-Free-Edition/3000-2239_4-10726873.html

 

[Kit]

I had the same problem ... that and a red warning in Spybiot telling me
Microsoft.WindowsSecurity disabled. I went into START, CONTROL PANEL,
ADMINISTRATIVE TOOLS, COMPUTER MANAGEMENT, SERVICES AND APPLICATIONS,
SERVICES that list function as auto, enable or disable. You can fix the
problem there and see if that works ... and also go under LOCAL SECURITY
POLICY, SECURITY OPTIONS and see your status.