Windows Update Problem

[Joe McGuire]

I cannot seem to get Windows Update (the website) to work. Several times
now I have entered the site, clicked to allow it to check for updates. The
checking for updates seems to run forever--15, 20 minutes, and eventually I
get some goofy message about a problem (wish I saved it!). I do not want to
use the Automatic Update feature, which, I suppose is why Microsoft is
punishing me. Is there a way to check for updates for XP SP2?

 

[Maincat]

I cannot seem to get Windows Update (the website) to work. Several times
now I have entered the site, clicked to allow it to check for updates. The
checking for updates seems to run forever--15, 20 minutes, and eventually I
get some goofy message about a problem (wish I saved it!). I do not want
to use the Automatic Update feature, which, I suppose is why Microsoft is
punishing me. Is there a way to check for updates for XP SP2?

You're not on your own. I've had tremendous trouble updating this month on
three machines. Errors as you describe. Updated today with less trouble.
Guess it pays to update a day after our American cousins.

 

[Joe McGuire]

The eventual error is:

The website has encountered a problem and cannot display the page you are
trying to view. Take the following steps to try solving the problem:
a.. Refresh the page.
b.. In Internet Explorer, delete your Temporary Internet Files by going to
the Tools menu and clicking Internet Options.
c.. Close and then re-open Internet Explorer.

Internet Explorer (Add-ons Disabled) mode only prevents the use of ActiveX
controls, including those used by the Microsoft Update website. To get
updates using this browser mode, you need to turn on Automatic Updates on
your computer or visit the Windows Update website.

If these steps don't work, try visiting the site later or using the
resources provided below.

 

[Joe McGuire]

I was trying to do so a day or two after my American bretheren. Used to be
pretty simple.

 

[Maincat]

The eventual error is:

The website has encountered a problem and cannot display the page you are
trying to view. Take the following steps to try solving the problem:
a.. Refresh the page.
b.. In Internet Explorer, delete your Temporary Internet Files by going
to the Tools menu and clicking Internet Options.
c.. Close and then re-open Internet Explorer.

Internet Explorer (Add-ons Disabled) mode only prevents the use of ActiveX
controls, including those used by the Microsoft Update website. To get
updates using this browser mode, you need to turn on Automatic Updates on
your computer or visit the Windows Update website.

If these steps don't work, try visiting the site later or using the
resources provided below.

Yep, had that one here. Updated the next day after clearing the temporary
internet files.

 

[PA Bear]

How to troubleshoot Windows Update, Microsoft Update, and Windows Server
Update Services installation issues:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=906602

1. See the "Need more help? Tell us what problem you are having" section of
http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=ph;en-us;6527

2. You cannot install some updates or programs
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;822798

3a. Check Windowsupdate.log (%windir%\Windowsupdate.log) for errors
associated with the download/install.

How to read the Windowsupdate.log file
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/902093

3b. Compare errors to those listed here:
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/archive/windows_update_codes.htm and/or go to
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com > click on Help and Support link in left
pane > Solve problems on your own.

4. Windows Update Checklist:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/updtcl.htm

5. Windows Update-specific newsgroup:
news://msnews.microsoft.com/mi­crosoft.public.windowsupdate

Archive of Windows Update newsgroup:
http://groups-beta.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsupdate

 

[Joe McGuire]

Thanks!

How to troubleshoot Windows Update, Microsoft Update, and Windows Server
Update Services installation issues:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=906602

1. See the "Need more help? Tell us what problem you are having" section
of http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=ph;en-us;6527

2. You cannot install some updates or programs
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;822798

3a. Check Windowsupdate.log (%windir%\Windowsupdate.log) for errors
associated with the download/install.

How to read the Windowsupdate.log file
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/902093

3b. Compare errors to those listed here:
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/archive/windows_update_codes.htm and/or go to
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com > click on Help and Support link in
left pane > Solve problems on your own.

4. Windows Update Checklist:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/updtcl.htm

5. Windows Update-specific newsgroup:
news://msnews.microsoft.com/mi­crosoft.public.windowsupdate

Archive of Windows Update newsgroup:
http://groups-beta.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsupdate

 

[Joe McGuire]

Dumb question: Where are the Temporary Internet Files? I searched and fot
about a half-dozen folders, the most recent of which was at least 2 months
old. Will the real Temporary Internet Files folder please stand up?

 

[PA Bear]

IE Tools > Internet Options > General > Temporary Internet Files (IE6) or
Browsing History (IE7) > ...