Windows update

When trying to windows update, I receive this message. "The web site encountered a problem and cannot display the page you are trying to view" I have Windows XP Sp2 with IE 7. FF is my default browser. How can I update. Thanks in advance

 

Download Windows XP SP3 here:

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=24

and install. That should start the updates process for you. Only SP3 is still being supported by Microsoft, so XP versions with only SP2 don't qualify for updates.

 

I also use the Microsoft Update page for updates beyond the SP3 installation. You can only access it through IE though.

If you select custom install at the site, you'll get a list of High Priority updates that are in your best interest to install and some Optional Updates that you can select individually.

 

after download, "windows cannot open this file"
windows xp-kb936929-sp3-x86 exe is not valid

 

I don't have an answer here. Hope someone else has some idea of what might be causing this. The only thing I can think of to suggest is to try the version from here at MG located here:

http://majorgeeks.com/Microsoft_Windows_XP_Service_Pack_3_d4323.html

Can't imagine why it would be a different file, but if you really need an answer for this quickly, I guess it could be worth a try.

EDIT:
I did just find this:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

Perhaps you have some of the updates mentioned that block the installation.

They are:
Microsoft Shared Computer Toolkit
Remote Desktop Connection (RDP) 6.0 MUI pack (Update 925877 for Windows XP)

 

This could have the answer, although it's not about the exact error you are receiving:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377

 

One more here at MG:

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=70571

Especially posts 17, 21, and 22....

 

There is an ISO image file for XP SP3 available here. Burn the .iso to a CD and try installing SP3 via the CD. It's quite possible that the file you had downloaded (316 MB) had become corrupted.

 

don't know whats going on. the down load does good, the install goes to the windows splash, the goes to dos and says" We apology for the inconvience but windows did not start successfully. a recent hardware or software change might have caused this. the options on the dos screen are: safe mode; safe mode with network, save mode with command prompts. no matter what options i choose it goes back to dos. i even uninstalled my printer to see if that would help

 

As things are, does the PC boot into Windows after being turned off or are you now unable to get into Windows?

If you can get back into Windows, it would help to see if you can install something else. If there is a program you have thought about adding, you could test to see if it will install or install something like an uninstaller program such as Revo or Comodo Programs Manager...

 

Are you running any antivirus or anti-spyware apps under SP2? These will have to be turned off before attempting to install SP3. They block the installation process. I had to turn off Spybot S&D and AVG when I tried to install SP3 on my old Dell Dimension 4500S.

 

I tried downloading an installing Revo all ok, I disabled all anti ,still windows tries to install but goes to dos screen

 

sparkyrhett...

Have you checked to see if you have the most up to date version of your BIOS? While you're at it, check to see if there is a chipset driver for your PC too...

Also, what is the computer model and what processor?

 

If the computer works, I wouldn't bother checking the bios. Unless you read the (Change Notes).

 

So, windows update does not work? Try this windows fix-it: http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9730795

 

Hello theefool...I was thinking that it might be a good idea in this case to update the BIOS and the chipset (mostly the chipset) because of something I found concerning multiple cores (failed full XP SP3 installation) and also a BIOS setting (see here):

http://forums.cnet.com/7723-7591_102-520513/xp-pro-sp3-won-t-install-with-apic-enabled/

Hate to boast on someone's problems, but this one was strange. The user seems smart enough in the thread, but the problem wasn't solved or at least no follow up was posted...

 

theefool: tried your link http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9730795 only works with SP3 and of course thats my issue

 

At this point in time, I'm beginning to wonder about some type of malware that's preventing the installation of SP3.

You've downloaded and tried to run the standalone SP3 installer (316 MB), you've downloaded, burned to CD and tried to run the SP3 setup (543 MB) from the CD (correct?) all to no avail.

I'm suggesting you head over to the Malware Removal Section of the forum and follow the instructions in Read and Run Me First and then post a new thread there according to the instructions.

 

Or, Clear the event viewer logs, reboot. Try to install the update that fails. Go back into event view and check what is causing the problem.

 

Sadly, I don't have my drive hooked up yet, to test this on xp. Hopefully, soon, I'll have this ready. But, I'd recommend checking the event logs.

Click START, then, RUN, type in: eventvwr.msc

I'd check both system and application, look for yellow (typically you can ignore) or red (bad, post here) and post that info here.

 

I need help. I have Windows 7 32 bit running on a Lenovo G555 and cannot get my windows update to work. I keep getting a 'windows could not search for new updates' message with error code 80073701. I follow all recommended procedures to solve problem but they do not work. I check the update security update fixes for this issue and they are all installed but I still cannot download updates.

Any suggestions? Mike::