trouble with windows update in XP

restoring nephews computer to factory install... he had viruses and malware and the files were too badly corrupted... wiped it all out..formatted hard drive then did fresh install... Dell Latitude D620 XP Pro. It connects to MY wireless and HIS Alltel mobile...no problems... good signal...I have downloaded the AVAST and PCtools firewall... when checking for windows updates...it says there is no connection... but there is... in a new window I can go to Microsoft's webpage... I can go anywhere...EXCEPT windows update. I have tried turning off the firewall and Avast and then tried to access...same results. fresh boot makes no difference. scratching my head as this is the last hurdle before I send HIS computer back to him... any ideas what to check next?:confused I have the updates turned on, but nothing comes up... please someone help me?

 

What browser are you using? I have had trouble in the past with accessing Windows Update with Firefox. I either have to use IE or use the Firefox addon for IE

 

IE6.... it will not open ANY page that has to do with Microsoft updates, downloads or any files that might help me...says there is no connection but there is...where can I look to see where this is being blocked?

 

Tried Microsoft update? Haven't messed with services? Start>Run>services.msc. Automatic Updates set to Automatic, BITS set to manual? What service pack are you running? start>run>winver. Hope it isn't an SP3 issue. If it is SP3 this fix might work..http://en.kioskea.net/faq/sujet-255-no-windows-update-with-windows-xp-sp3 taskmgr, regedit and msconfig will all run? Have never tried Windows Update in safe mode with networking so I can't suggest that. Checked system logs for errors? Sounds like an easy fix as you have internet access...:confused

 

Sp2 something is blocking or missing...ANYTHING to do with the url address having microsoft updates, troubleshooting, downloads etc is blocked and the message says the page cannot be displayed and I have no connection...it is only on Microsoft to do with this... I can surf just fine till I try to access an microsoft page...

 

nope cannot do... I am on line, but ANYTHING or URL that has Microsoft in the address comes up as I am not connected. and I know I am as I go to the page from another I was on when I am connected... where in the world can it have blocked the word microsoft...I have not done anything to it. it has all references to anything Internet unblocked and given full access... this is puzzling...