Windows update fails on Dell P4.

[Youlanda]

I was asked to see if I could get a machine at work up to date. Usually I can handle most computer problems with ease but this one seems to have got me stumped. I've run two different virus scans, spybot search and destroy, emptied the cache, and tried again and again and I can't seem to get several windows update items to install correctly on this computer.

Belarc Advisor says the following (taken from Installed Microsoft Hotfixes) items need to be reinstalled:
KB839643-DIRECTX9
KB834707-IE6SP1-20040929.091901
Q828026
WM828026
Q828026
Q322011
Q328310
Q329115
Q329170
Q329390
Q329441
Q329834
KB810217
KB810243
Q810565
Q810577
Q810833
Q811493
Q811630
Q814033
Q814995
Q815021
Q817287
Q817606
KB817778
Q819696
KB820291
KB821253
KB821557
KB822603
KB823182
KB823559
KB824105
KB824141
KB825119
KB826939
KB826942
KB828035
KB833998
KB837001
KB839645
KB840315
KB840374
KB840987
KB841356
KB841533
KB841873

I'm completely baffled about what to do. I tried to check the Knowledge Base but I couldn't find anything that seemed to be very helpful (there is so much crap that comes up with the search function).

I'm tempted to nuke the entire computer. This machine initially had a Windows ME install. I have an unused legal update of Windows XP, but I don't know if I can wipe and install just the upgrade without the ME first being installed. The ME install disks aren't here, no one knows where they are. I think I'm going to go ahead and nuke the machine.

Any thoughts/suggestions/etc?

 

[Youlanda]

I forgot, here is some information about the machine. (It may or may not be useful.)

Machine is running Intel Pium 4 CPU at 1.5ghz with 128mb ram. Is a Dell Dimension 4300.
Processor is x86 Fanukt 15 Model 0 Stepping 10.

Running Windows XP SP1 Build 2600.

 

[Ali147gta]

in my opinion only, i would suggest that you forget the reinstall of ME/upgrade procedure and go and purchase a full copy of Windows XP. Windows ME is easily the worst OS that MS released. Upgrading is a no no in most cases

I might suggest that you purchase another 128mb of ram as well. or perhaps doing away with you current 128mb and purchasing a stick of 512mb

 

[bcastner]

You can clean install XP with the Upgrade version. It will at some point ask you to insert "qualifying media", which is the CD from any qualifying copy of Windows. You do not have to take the step of installing the older version first.

 

[gagreen]

My best advise is "USE CARE" upgrading, be especially wary of SP2.

1. DELL Support will confirm they already know of
problems, such as DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_....forcing
you to retreat to SP1 or use debug mode
constantly. I hate the 'bash'...so being positive
let me advise you this way:

Gold Tech Dell Support - has had numerous users
with tech problems upgrading. It seems a
"plain-vanilla" WindowsXP doesn't have near
the problems of one where the user has
installed other software, updates, etc.

Therefore, I'd contact Dell Support and see if
and of the specific details with DELL have
been resolved.

 

[linney]

Are there any strange errors in the Event Viewer?

Has there in the past been a failed attempt at installing SP2?

Try some of the links or ideas here.

WinXp Home Edition and update
thread779-1005714

As everybody else suggests a clean install is the most obvious solution, if you can't find your old ME CD, borrow someones 9x or ME CD and use that as your Qualifying Product.