windows update problem

[blazer]

win xp home, no longer able to obtain updates, does not
finish loading page "checking for latest version of
windows update software", therefore, does not progress
beyond that point. Do not have firewall, have not added
anything new since last successful update 3 or 4 weeks
ago.

 

[Malke]

win xp home, no longer able to obtain updates, does not
finish loading page "checking for latest version of
windows update software", therefore, does not progress
beyond that point. Do not have firewall, have not added
anything new since last successful update 3 or 4 weeks
ago.

First, what does a scan with a current antivirus program (meaning a
version not earlier than 2002 and using updated virus definitions)
show? Then remove spyware with Spybot Search & Destroy from
www.safer-networking.org and Ad-aware from www.lavasoftusa.com. Be sure
to update these programs before running them. These programs are free,
so run them both since they complement each other. It is best to run
antivirus and spyware removal tools in Safe Mode. You may also need to
run CWShredder and HijackThis from
http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/index.html

Please read the instructions carefully. You should be running a
firewall. If you are sure your computer is clean, here is a link to the
Windows Update troubleshooter:

http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/troubleshoot/

You can also see what MVP Kelly says on her excellent site, here (9th
item down):

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/top10faqs.htm

Malke