Windows update fails on old reinstall

[OSProf]

As a result of perpetual blue screens, I needed to re-install Windows XP on
my 3-year-old Dell from the manufacturer's installation CD.

Previously, I had kept everything up to date with Windows updates. However,
the re-installation caused Windows and Internet Explorer to revert to their
old versions (IE 6 and SP2, without any of the security updates of the last
three years). After installation, I tried to update to SP3; it downloaded the
update successfully, but the installation failed.

Therefore, I tried "Custom updates." It downloaded 96 updates successfully,
including the IE7 installer, but none of them successfully installed. I
uninstalled a bunch of software, including Norton Internet Security and
Google Desktop, but this did not help.

What should I do?

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Automatic Updates and WindowsUpdate Reset tool
http://www.codeplex.com/aureset


--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows Desktop Experience -
Windows Vista Enthusiast

---------------------------------------------------------------

As a result of perpetual blue screens, I needed to re-install Windows XP on
my 3-year-old Dell from the manufacturer's installation CD.

Previously, I had kept everything up to date with Windows updates. However,
the re-installation caused Windows and Internet Explorer to revert to their
old versions (IE 6 and SP2, without any of the security updates of the last
three years). After installation, I tried to update to SP3; it downloaded the
update successfully, but the installation failed.

Therefore, I tried "Custom updates." It downloaded 96 updates successfully,
including the IE7 installer, but none of them successfully installed. I
uninstalled a bunch of software, including Norton Internet Security and
Google Desktop, but this did not help.

What should I do?

 

[Unknown]

Whenever reinstalling Windows, disconnect all devices except keyboard,
mouse, display and anything internal to the computer such as a CD..

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

CrystalBall© sez...

Updates are not installed successfully from Windows Update, from Microsoft
Update, or by using Automatic Updates after you perform a new Windows XP
installation or you repair a Windows XP installation
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144

 

[OSProf]

Carey's link to the WindowsUpdate Reset tool did the trick. All is well now.

OSProf