Shanta said:
I had to reformat my computer after a crash. I had
already upgraded from ME to XP. After a complete
reformat, including reinstalling XP, I am unable to
receive windows updates plus it's telling me that I must
activate the software with in a specified time. When I
first purchased XP, I registered the product then. WHat
to do? I'm overly concerned about virus threats.
Hello,
You need to expand on what does not work for this pc at Windows Update website. How far does it get?
Is there an error message onscreen?
Do take a few minutes to check on these items:
Go thru this checklist. If you have any ad-blocker program, disable or exit it before going to Windows Update; at least until after you have your situation fixed.
Make very sure your pc has the **correct & current date [MONTH DAY YEAR] & local time**.
Having incorrect date will give the W U processes a hiccup.
If you are on AOL, minimize the AOL browser; then bring up Internet Explorer & go to this site
http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com
You may get to the windows update site, but yet a setting in IE could be the blocker.
Recheck your Security & Privacy settings AND the ADVANCED settings in I.E.
1. In Internet Explorer> Tools, click Internet Options, and then click Languages....
If this box is empty, add at least one language -- your usual language.
If you happen to have 2 or more, move English up on this list.
2. Disengage your Discussion Bar in Internet Explorer: Click View on main IE menu.
Point to Explorer Bar. If "Discuss" has a check mark, click Discuss to *remove the check mark* and clear it.
You may note, if the discussion bar is active, it would appear near the bottom of IE window.
3. I. E. Tools >Internet Options > Advanced Tab > (scroll down thru the list)
These are "some" of the items that I do have CHECKed (selected):
Under HTTP 1.1 settings --
Use HTTP 1.1 (ON / Selected)
+ Enable / check to use HTTP 1.1 with proxy servers **** <<----
and under Security :
Clear (un-check) the check box next to "Check for server certificate revocation" . ( *OFF* )
Use SSL 2.0 (ON / selected)
Use SSL 3.0 (ON)
4. Internet Explorer > Tools > Internet Options > Connections Tab
Click on LAN Settings > * Uncheck* the Automatically detect settings.
Make sure _no other_ settings on this screen are enabled.
5. Internet Explorer > main menu /Tools/Internet Options >
Security Tab/ click on green icon Trusted Sites/click Sites button.
Click "Require server verification (https
for all sites in this zone" to *clear* the selection.
In the "Add this Web site to the zone:" field, add these entries to list of "Trusted Sites" --
type
http://www.download.windowsupdate.com (and then click Add )
http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com (click Add)
https://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com (yes with HTTPS)
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
http://download.windowsupdate.com
Click OK.
- - - -
Make sure you are not *disabling* any scripting capabilities in I.E.
Recheck ActiveX acceptance. Instead of disable, try using "prompt".
On the SECURITY Tab > Custom level button > recheck all entries
under Settings. Review items that you may have disabled.
You need to be sure to delete your temp internet cache files on a regular & consistent basis.
I.E. Tools>Internet Options >Advanced --scroll list.
Advanced Tab>>Security sub-section:
"Enable" (click on to activate or tick) "Empty Temporary Internet Files folder when browser is closed".
Apply changes to I.E. & exit out of it. Retry Windows Update from the main Windows Start menus.
If it still does not work, a) The update log file would indicate if & why each failed ---should have error code + some text ---again, for each 1.
You need to find & "isolate" the section of the log for that "fail date".
Use Windows' Notepad to open this log:
C:\Windows\Windows Update.log (for Win XP & Win98/Me)
Having found the "error" , then do a "search" on this MS page. See MS Windows Update Troubleshooter
http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/troubleshoot/
and B) as a last resort. type in or click this HTTPS address
https://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com
- - - -
On activation: Since you reformated the drive, then you do need to activate again. It should be no problem since it is the same pc. And this process goes pretty quick.
On antivirus: You MUST insure you are using a good AV ....PLUS keep it up to date.
