Re: Can't access Windows Update, no error code

(Unfortunately, I now have a problem reinstalling Zone Alarm, so until that is fixed I feel somewhat exposed when I post to this message board.)

I've worked on systems that could not even *connect* to the net due to ZA's sloppy uninstall routine.
There are many situations where Zone Alarm does *not* uninstall correctly. It will leave a driver in use and the only way to remove it, on XP Home, is to boot to Safe Mode and take Ownership of it, then delete it.
Check the Services console to see if there is still a Zone Alarm service still present.
That is the most likely culprit for the inability to reinstall ZA and the systems inability to successfully negotiate a connection with WU.
The above is not my opinion, it's from my experience working on systems that had issues when ZA was uninstalled.


If you are happy with Windiz, then by all means use it. I'm not the
" Lord of the Internet " who attempts to dictate how people utilize their systems. IMHO, obtaining updates from 3rd parties is not Safe Hex.
http://www.claymania.com/safe-hex.html

ALL Critical Security updates that MS issues can be found somewhere on the MS site.
The Microsoft Download Center is one place:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/Search.aspx?displaylang=en

The links from the Security Bulletins go to the Download Center. Check out the Sec Bulletins either late in the day when they come out or the day after [all scheduled updates come out the second Tueday of the month. "out of band" releases of Critical Security updates are issued when MS determines that there is a significant threat due to a PoC being released for a critical vulnerability and said PoC is being *actively* utilized] - http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/current.aspx

Plus, one can always use Automatic Updates to obtain them. Of course, AU must be enabled for that to happen.


MowGreen [MVP 2003-2007]
===============
*-343-* FDNY
Never Forgotten
===============


John69 wrote:

Hi MowGreen,

Thanks, but still no success. Again, I don't understand why you asked me to uninstall Zone Alarm, given that even when Zone Alarm was not in memory the problem persisted. However, I've now totally uninstalled Zone Alarm (and also AVG to totally eliminate it as a possible cause) and when I access the Windows update site the same problem exists. This means you were wrong to blame Zone Alarm, doesn't it? Given that Windiz works fine in identifying and installing needed Windows updates, it would be reasonable to conclude the problem is actually with the Microsoft site which refuses to do the same task, wouldn't it? I also notice others have posted similar problems without response from anyone, so it appears I'm not alone. (Unfortunately, I now have a problem reinstalling Zone Alarm, so until that is fixed I feel somewhat exposed when I post to this message board.)

You've said you wouldn't use Windiz. That's a fine stance in theory (although I've only heard positive things about the site), but at the moment I have no alternative unless I wish to be exposed to known critical security holes within Windows. I'm not keen on playing Russian Roulette with malware.

What should I do?

Regards,

"MowGreen [MVP]" wrote:


Zone Alarm Free is the cause of the issue. Advise you to either uninstall it or consult their web forums -
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/support/userForum/userForum_agreement.jsp?dc=12bms&ctry=US&lang=en
Haven't used it in awhile but I do *know* for certain that it may/will cause issues connecting to WU and/or prevent the proper install of the ActiveX software if not properly configured.

As far as recommending the site you posted ... I can not. They have an unsigned plugin or their " WindizUpdate installation program " that then scans the system for needed updates.
If you Trust them to do the right thing, then allow them to.
I would not.
The issue your system is experiencing is not due to MS or the OS, but due to the presence of 3rd party software ... in this case, Zone Alarm.


MowGreen [MVP 2003-2007]
===============
*-343-* FDNY
Never Forgotten
===============


John69 wrote:


Hi Mow Greeen,

I don't understand the relevance of your question as when I closed both these programs, the problem persisted. But the details you've requested are shown below.

Using Firefox and going to http://windowsupdate.62nds.com/ I've now been able to secure my system with the latest updates. A much better interface, plus more functionality. It has annoyed me that M/S unreasonably forced me to use IE (rather than Firefox) for updates anyway, so finding this site was a bonus. Do you see any downsides with this method? Should I just dump efforts to use the Microsoft site for updating, and do you expect that my ongoing inability to access this Microsoft screen prevent auto updates from working?

Thanks,

Firewall
ZoneAlarm Free (personal) version
ZoneAlarm version:6.5.737.000
TrueVector version:6.5.737.000
Driver version:6.5.737.000

Antivirus
AVG Antivirus 7.1
Program version: 7.1.408
Virus base 268.13.9/490 released 20/10/06

"MowGreen [MVP]" wrote:



Which firewall and which antivirus programs are installed and what versions ?

MowGreen [MVP 2003-2007]
===============
*-343-* FDNY
Never Forgotten
===============


John69 wrote:



Thanks, MowGreen,

I made the changes to Privacy & Security, and even after shutting down my virus scanner & firewall experienced the same problem at the microsoft site. Any other ideas?

Cheers,

"MowGreen [MVP]" wrote:




Open Internet Options in the Control Panel.
Click the Privacy tab
Click the Settings button under Pop-up Blocker

Down towards the bottom, Under Notifications and Filter Level,
put a check in the "Show Information Bar when a pop-up is blocked" box
Click Close
Click the Security tab
Click the Trusted sites icon
Click the Sites button
Uncheck the box next to " Require server verification ... "
In the " Add thie Web site to the zone " field type in

htttp://update.microsoft.com

Click the Add button
Click OK
Now click the Custom Level button
Under "ActiveX controls and plug-ins" -

Automatic prompting for ActiveX controls - Enable
Binary and script behaviors - Enable
Download signed ActiveX controls - Enable
Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins - Enable
Script ActiveX controls marked safe for scripting - Enable

Scroll down to the Scripting heading
Active scripting - Enable

Click OK
Click Apply, OK

Revisit Windows Update.
If there is a component of the installed Antivirus software that blocks scripting or ActiveX controls, then go into the softwares options/preferences to allow the software controls at Windows Update to run.

MowGreen [MVP 2003-2007]
===============
*-343-* FDNY
Never Forgotten
===============


John69 wrote:




When attempting to access Windows Update, the following screen appears, with no error message, and fails to progress to a different screen:

"Checking if your computer has the latest version of Windows updating software for use with the website…

The website uses ActiveX controls to determine which version of the software your computer is running. If you see an ActiveX warning, make sure the control is digitally signed by Microsoft before installing it or allowing it to run. "

The address for this screen is:
http://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us

How do I fix this?

Thanks in advance.

.