Can't get windows updates

System Information:
OS: Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Version: 5.1 2600 Service Pack 2 Build 2600
System Mfr: Gateway
System Model: 6931

I've got several problems in Windows XP but I'll concentrate on my major concern. I've recently discovered that SP3 was no longer on my computer although I once had it. Since I had a backup file from when I had to reinstall OS last year, I searched my computer and found an Appfix package located in folders C:\Windows\security\Database and C:\My Backup\Windows\security\Database just to confirm that I had it. When I checked System Information it shows SP2. When I went to Microsoft updates page and tried to get te latest updates I received two messages, "there was a problem opening the microsoft download page" and "update your computer with Windows XP SP2 or later". Also when I use the Microsoft Fix It utility, I also receive failure error messages. I've been using Wise Registry Cleaner occasionally and have also used Avira (free) AV software which has had clean scans the last couple of weeks after my pc was plagued with viruses prior. I also recently did a scan with ANVI Smart Defender which discovered about 27 malware events last week. Like I said, my main concern for now is receiving updates and getting SP3 on my pc. I thank you for any help you can give in helping resolve this issue.

Bleeping Computer DOES NOT recommend the use of registry cleaners/optimizers for several reasons:

• Registry cleaners are extremely powerful applications that can damage the registry by using aggressive cleaning routines and cause your computer to become unbootable.
  
  The Windows registry is a central repository (database) for storing configuration data, user settings and machine-dependent settings, and options for the operating system. It contains information and settings for all hardware, software, users, and preferences. Whenever a user makes changes to settings, file associations, system policies, or installed software, the changes are reflected and stored in this repository. The registry is a crucial component because it is where Windows "remembers" all this information, how it works together, how Windows boots the system and what files it uses when it does. The registry is also a vulnerable subsystem, in that relatively small changes done incorrectly can render the system inoperable. For a more detailed explanation, read Understanding The Registry.
  
• Not all registry cleaners are created equal. There are a number of them available but they do not all work entirely the same way. Each vendor uses different criteria as to what constitutes a "bad entry". One cleaner may find entries on your system that will not cause problems when removed, another may not find the same entries, and still another may want to remove entries required for a program to work.
  
• Not all registry cleaners create a backup of the registry before making changes. If the changes prevent the system from booting up, then there is no backup available to restore it in order to regain functionality. A backup of the registry is essential BEFORE making any changes to the registry.
  
• Improperly removing registry entries can hamper malware disinfection and make the removal process more difficult if your computer becomes infected. For example, removing malware related registry entries before the infection is properly identified can contribute to system instability and even make the malware undetectable to removal tools.
  
• The usefulness of cleaning the registry is highly overrated and can be dangerous. In most cases, using a cleaner to remove obsolete, invalid, and erroneous entries does not affect system performance but it can result in "unpredictable results".

Unless you have a particular problem that requires a registry edit to correct it, I would suggest you leave the registry alone. Using registry cleaning tools unnecessarily or incorrectly could lead to disastrous effects on your operating system such as preventing it from ever starting again. For routine use, the benefits to your computer are negligible while the potential risks are great.

• Ed Bott's Webog: Why I don't use registry cleaners
• Do I need a Registry Cleaner?

Louis

Hello,

Have you tried downloading SP3 from another location then running on your own PC? Worth a try? See Windows XP SP3 Download for details on where to download from and how to install.

It may also be worth taking a look at the Free Virus Removal Software tutorial so you can consider which AV tool to use in future.

Reg Cleaners can be more troublesome than helpful. If all else fails I would consider wiping your machine and reinstalling your O/S from scratch.

Hope this helps,

Steve

Hello reid1,

I suspect that the infections you mentioned are still affecting your computer and are responsible for your problems in using Windows Update etc. Given what you've already done, please follow the instructions in ==>This Guide<== starting at Step 6. If you cannot complete a step, skip it and continue.

Once the proper logs are created, then make a NEW TOPIC and post it ==>HERE<== Please include a description of your computer issues and what you have done to resolve them.

If you can produce at least some of the logs, then please create the new topic and explain what happens when you try to create the log(s) that you couldn't get. If you cannot produce any of the logs, then still post the topic and explain that you followed the Prep. Guide, were unable to create the logs, and describe what happens when you try to create the logs.

If HelpBot replies to your topic, PLEASE follow Step One so it will report your topic to the team members.

Orange Blossom