Windows update not working from All Programs Menu

This is a new install on a new computer.XP Sp2.The shortcut does not work from the All Programs Menu.I believe it was working after the install because thats how I updated the fisrt time.There were about 50 updates,one of which messed up the sound-rolled back the driver and fixed that.So,I'm thinking something in the updates messed with this too.I can update from IE and by going to Microsoft in my browser. I can right click the shortcut and the properties window will open. I can go to the "target".I wouldn't have a clue how to find out which update messed this up.So how can I fix this.One other thing-this is an OEM version of XP.I don't know if this matters or not.This was my first build of a computer.So far everything else is ok.Now if I can just get a handle on the networking stuff-but one problem at a time. Thanks.

Allen

 

See how this goes.

Go to windows update site. Copy the address. Now right clcik on the desktop & select New/Shorcut.

Paste the address into the location then name the shortcut Test.

I don't have the original shortcut in my start menu so you will have to figure out where to put it yourself.......in the start menu. Once there, click on it. If it does what you want delete the non working shortcut & rename Test to what you like.

 

I run Firefox as my default browser and windows up date won't work on that.What your telling me to do would work but only when I have IE set as default. when I set firefox back to default it changes the link to open in firefox.Am I making this clear?Am I missing something about default browsers?

Allen

 

Only way I could figure to get around the default browser thing Is first get the shortcut going to the correct page using IE.

Once that is done go to C:\Documents and Settings\Default User\SendTo\.

Now find C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE & make a shortcut. Put it in the SendTo folder.

Now go back to the start menu. This time right click on the Update shortcut, then Send To/IEXPLORE.EXE.

Sorry that's all I got.

There should be some way to get it to open IE automatically. You'll have to keep digging.

 

I use Firefox to run my IE updates, via IE tab.

Anyway, the file in question should be called: %SystemRoot%\system32\wupdmgr.exe

Click, start, then run, then type in the above path, it should bring up windows update. IF it doesn't do a search on the filename.

If it still doesn't show, then perhaps IE7 Beta 2 refresh has something to do with my having this file. /me shrugs.