Automatic update disabled

I hope somebody can help me. I'm running XP Home SP2. I noticed recently that my Windows Update settings were disabled. After a bit of searching, I found that this is not an uncommon problem, and there were many solutions available. Long story short, I've tried just about all of them, and nothing has worked. The most common fix is to change or delete the keys HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU\AUOptions and HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU\NoAutoOpdate. Both of these values are set to 1 in my Registry. But when I try to change or delete them, the change appears to take effect, until I reexamine the key. Then the value is back to 1. If I delete one of these sub-keys, it looks like it's gone, until I look at the key again. Then the sub-key is there once more. I'm thinking there's a policy set on my machine that's preventing me from changing or deleting these values. Any ideas?

 

>> I hope somebody can help me. I'm running XP Home SP2. I noticed recently that my Windows Update settings were disabled. I'm thinking there's a policy set on my machine that's preventing me from changing or deleting these values. Any ideas? teeare <<

This happened to me, as well - quite ironically after one of the more recent Windows Updates. For some odd reason, my computer froze during the updating process and my Windows Update settings were then disabled!

One thing you might try is using System Restore Utility to restore your computers settings to an earlier time.

(1) Go To: Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore.
(2) Then, from the "Welcome to System Restore" screen of the System Restore Wizard select "Restore my computer to an earlier time."
(3) In the next window that appears; all of the restore points that were created on the selected dates are then listed by name in the list box to the right of the calendar. Select a date when an earlier restore point was created from the calendar in the "Select a Restore Point" screen.

If using System Restore doesn't work the first time you try this - can also try choosing an earlier date.

Important Note:
If you are unfamiliar with System Restore - go here first: FAQ Regarding System Restore in Windows XP

Good Luck!

 

Unfortunately, I also discovered at the same time that my Restore Points were not being saved. I think I've since fixed that problem, but it certainly doesn't help me with this one!