How do I get Windows Updates??

[jsteph]

Every time I go to the Microsoft Update or Windows Update or whatever, it first says (something like):

Checking for the lastest update software...

Then...I'm *assuming* I have the lastest because it moves on to the screen that has two buttons "Express" and "Custom".

Anyway, I then choose custom...and it hangs. For-friggin-ever. Always. I have let it sit overnight, I've tried and tried, and it never, ever has gone to the screen I used to get where it would show a list and I could choose and install.

I do not want to do 'automatic updates', nor express. Is there a better way...that is, a way that works? If I could just go to some valid MS site and find the .exe's or .msi's or whatever, for each update, I'd download them and install them. This automatic thing has never worked for me and I don't know why. Thanks for any help.
--Jim

 

[bcastner]

Troubleshooter:

http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/troubleshoot/

Download Hotfixes:

http://support.microsoft.com/defaul...port/kb/articles/Q296/8/61.ASP&NoWebContent=1

 

[linney]

All windows updates can be downloaded from this link -

http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/catalog/en/default.asp

Click on Find updates for Microsoft Windows operating systems and select your operating systems.

 

[Irish1957]

It may be worth looking at this

http://www.majorgeeks.com/AutoPatcher_XP_Full_d4901.html

 

[linney]

RyanVM's Windows XP Post-SP2 Update Pack 2.1.1

http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/OS-Enhancements/RyanVM-Windows-XP-Post-SP2-Update-Pack.shtml

 

[Nelviticus]

You say that you don't want to do automatic updates, but did you know that it's possible to configure it to download the updates automatically but to ask you before installing them? You can then opt to skip any you don't want.

Regards

Nelviticus

 

[jsteph]

bcastner,
Thanks, those links are helpful, especially the Hotfix one.

linney, that first one is just the standard microsoft update site--the one that hangs for me, but the Ryan's cd hotfix looks promising for my re-install cd.

nelviticus, that looks like what I'll end up doing, it's a pretty reasonable setup.
--Jim

 

[linney]

That first link of mine should allow you to choose updates manually. The fact that you say you were offered "Express" or "Custom" indicates that part of the update process is working if not the remaining part. This link further explains about manually downloading if you ever get it to work fully.

How to download Windows updates and drivers from the Windows Update Catalog

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;323166&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

Personally I would be concerned if part of my System had never functioned correctly and would try to fix the problem.

Have you tried Microsoft Online or Phone Support, it is probably free for update issues?

As you have not been able to download much in the way of updates you wouldn't lose too much by attempting a repair install.

Try running ChkDsk to check your drive for errors. Right-click your Drive icon/ Properties/ Tools/ Error Checking. Select both boxes.

Run the System File Checker program from the Run Box by typing.....Sfc /Scannow in it and have your XP CD handy.

HOW TO: Verify Unsigned Device Drivers in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q308/5/14.asp

If they don't work you could try repairing windows by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

Dump Windows Update, use alternatives

http://windowssecrets.com/comp/060629/

Genuine Advantage is Microsoft spyware

http://windowssecrets.com/comp/060615/

To auto-update or not to auto-update

http://windowssecrets.com/comp/060525

When Automatic Updates can be harmful

http://windowssecrets.com/comp/060511

http://windowssecrets.com/

A check for malware may be beneficial too.

Removing adware & spyware
faq608-4650