Receiving XP Updates

My computer is an IBM R40 laptop with XP Professional and SP1 & 2 installed. For some time I have not received an XP Update when Microsoft checks the computer for what it needs to download. On the right hand side of the update page, I'm informed that there is an SP 1 & 2 update available, but I've been unable to get it. I wonder why not.

The update page asks me to make sure there are no ActiveX controls besides Microsoft's, but I don't know about that. Where can we find what ActiveX controls are in place, if any. I'm not sure whether this is a software issue or a malware issue, but I'll try here.

I find consulting Microsoft is so difficult on any issue. If they can make a simple matter complicated, why make it simple? If they lump too many issues together, we also can't sort them out to know what applies. Their information pages are like an extension of a zoo. You feed hay into the cage and wait to see whether a tiger comes to feed. On the other hand, I might see before me a meat-eating sheep. I hope Microsoft reads Major Geeks, because you get all the questions.they should be answering because they got the money. If you developed a Major Geeks operating system, I'm sure we'd get the needed answers and therefore would want to buy it. How about it?

 

Hi

Are you getting no updates at all ? There are normally some at least once a week. Try using Microsoft UPdate (as opposed to windows update).

I think the message you are reading on the right (Updates are now only available for SP1 and SP2 if I remember rightly) is just telling you that you can only use microsoft update if you have at least sp1 installed. (This may have changed now since MS stopped support for sp 1 I think).

Matt

 

Thanks, Matt. I haven't been getting any updates from Microsoft, but just remembered that if my computer is set to automatic, maybe I just don't know anything came in. With my anti-virus, I do know that the update came in,but maybe I wouldn't know that with Microsoft. I do have SP 1 and 2 installed.

 

even if you have automatic updates on you will see the little yellow shield in the system tray. (an your computer asking to reboot). To check I suggest you goto Microsoft Update and select custom instead of automatic and this will give you a list of available critical and optional updates.

Matt

 

OK, Matt, that sounds like a good plan. Thanks. Janette

 

in order to check your windows updates,
Open Control Panel (Start - Control Panel) - Add or Remove programs
Click the check box on "show updates" - located on center, top of the page.
It should list all your updates that are downloaded and installed (even if automated).
The last critical update from microsoft was, i think:
Security Update for Windows XP (KB917537)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...3a-97fc-4e22-8ecc-9416ebc993c4&DisplayLang=en