Problem with Windows Update

I am running Windows XP Pro SP2 and get the following error message when ever I try to run Windows Update or tpe an address into IExplorer.

The required lookup key was not found in any active activation context.

Can anyone help me with thie error?

 

any chance you've got your system themed/skinned? if you aren't using the native bootscreen, you can NOT install SP3 in XP and it may affect other updates. i believe there is a microsoft link for this info, but i didn't save it and couldn't find it in a quick Google, just now.

change it back, get SP3 and any other updates you need, then you can go back to whatever other bootscreen you want. in my case, i had my system themed (icons, bootscreen, logonui, skin) with TuneUp Utilities Styler. as soon as i changed my bootscreen back to the native one, i had no problems. after i got SP3 and some other things (may have also been upgrading to IE8, but not sure), i put back my desired bootscreen and haven't had any more issues with updating.

you will also need to install the Windows Validation (you do NOT need the separate Microsoft Validation/Update install) and should do that first. this is now required by MS and you will continue to fail if you don't install it.

my recommendation on updates is to do them yourself, not through the Windows Update icon in your systray. i actually have automatic updates turned off ("just tell me" is equally good) and check regularly to get only the ones i need/want through the Custom option on the update page.

 

No, I am not using a skin.

I will download the Windows Geniune Kit and SP3 and see where that leads me.

Thanks

 

Yes! That fixed everything.

Thank you.