Larry said:
I cannot get Windows update to work any longer.
I am running XP PRO SP1.
I had GhostSurfer installed to limit personal info.
I started getting this message
--------------
"Thank you for your interest in Windows Update
Windows Update is the online extension of Windows that
helps you get the most out of your computer.
You must be running a Microsoft Windows operating system
in order to use Windows Update."
--------------
Obviously GhostSurfer did something that makes Windows
Update think I am not running Windows.
Since uninstalling the software did not help, I am not
sure what it might be.
Hello Larry,
Mind you, I hadn't heard of GhostSurfer before; but I imagine it may have hidden (masked) the version of your Windows ( a no-no at Windows Update because it has to customize the list of fixes "to your version of Windows") or it masked the version of Internet Explorer.
Be certain you have removed all traces of Ghostsurfer.
Review this set of tips; most highly encourage you to add Microsoft sites into Trusted sites list; Post back with results.
Following is usual, standard advice (with **disabling popup ad-removers** & **verifying antivirus / firewall settings** also needed ! )
A browser add-on, such as AdShield, is only the latest current example of a utility causing a blockage.
IF that's what you have, then, add Microsoft update site onto its exclusion list (similar to a safe sites list).
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.
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