Microsoft Update loops XP Pro SP3

Similar Questions

• Impossible to update Windows XP Pro SP3 x 32

  When I try to update W XP Pro I now have a message asking "I want to install this program?" with two buttons, "Install" & "do not install". The program name is "Microsoft Update". By clicking on buttons causes the button appear depressed but is not coming back 'out' and everything freezes for some time before another message saying there was a problem with the web page then it repeats once again. Center of Microsoft Fixit says it has solved the problem, but it still does not work. The first message box only began to appear last week, already the update just went forward without any problem since I had XP (since its release). I've tried many 'cure', but nothing seems to work. I would really appreciate some help with what I want to keep everything up-to-date. Thank you for your help.

  Hi chatrick,

  Thanks for the post
  you don't have to search for them :)
  You have to type these commands on the command prompt
  Step 1.
  1. go to start > run > cmd

  type and press on enter each command line:

  net stop cryptsvc

  Ren %systemroot%\System32\Catroot2 oldcatroot2

  net start cryptsvc

  output

  Step 2.

  2. rename the folder c:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution

  go to start > run > cmd

  type and press on enter each command line:

  Net stop wuauserv

  CD %SystemRoot%\System32

  Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

  Net start wuauserv

  output

  then try again to install updates

  Thus, you need to reset IE

  Open Internet Explore go to tools > internet options > Advanced tab > reset >

  redo the updates.
  See you soon!
  Makoi

• Impossible to install the latest version of Microsoft Update, WIN XP Pro SP 2, get the error number 0 x 80240036

  The website has encountered a problem and cannot display the page you are trying to view. I just reinstalled my OS on a Dell Latitude D820 using the reinstall OS drive came with my laptop, but I can't install the updates mainly due to failures and Service Windows Installer error messages when you try to use Windows Update.

  It was a mistake to install IE8 before SP3. You have to uninstall it and go back to IE6!

  It is quite possible that your SP3 download had corrupted. Delete and re-upload the file .exe from this page:

  http://www.Microsoft.com/en-US/Download/details.aspx?ID=24

  It is the name of the file you need:

  WindowsXP-KB936929-SP3 - x 86 - ENU.exe

  Size: 316.4 MB

  Value of SHA1:

  c81472f7eeea2eca421e116cd4c03e2300ebfde4

  If you need a utility to determine the value of SHA1, I recommend HashCalc:

  http://www.SlavaSoft.com/HashCalc/

  Once you have confirmed that your installation of SP3 folder is perfect, THEN you can install it (preferably while physically disconnected from the Internet). You will first need to set up a clean boot:
  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/310353
  If you need the IE8 Setup file, you can download that from this page:
  http://www.Microsoft.com/en-US/Download/details.aspx?displaylang=en&ID=43
  Yet once, upgrade to SP3, first of all, THEN to update IE6 to IE8. :-)

• framework 4 update failed (XP Pro SP3)

  The website has encountered a problem and cannot display the page you are trying to view. The options provided below may help you solve the problem. For self-help options: Frequently asked Questions Find Solutions Windows Update Newsgroup To support options: Microsoft online assisted support (no cost for Windows Update issues)

  Using the above error number, I found the following thread:

  http://answers.Microsoft.com/en-us/Windows/Forum/windows_vista-windows_update/Windows-Update-error-number0x80070424/95998d7e-9e38-4599-a6cd-fd201447fa92

  I followed the instructions and it fixed my problem.  Download updates while I'm typing this.

  Thanks to push in the right direction!

• Can not access the updates Windows XP Pro SP3, IE8

  Internet Explorer has closed this Web page to protect your computer
  	An add-on defective or malicious caused Internet Explorer close this webpage.
  	What you can do:
  	Go to the homepage
  	Try to return to microsoft.com
  	More information

  Internet Explorer has closed this Web page to protect your computer. An add-on defective or malicious caused Internet Explorer close this webpage.

  This thread may help you:

  http://answers.Microsoft.com/en-us/IE/Forum/IE8-windows_other/Internet-Explorer-has-closed-this-webpage-to-help/22e76f86-34CE-4a0e-86be-de79fe338e1c

• The error code automatic updates - Win XP Pro SP3 - 126 and 8007041 D

  I just got rid of a trojan/virus.  I'm clean now.  But WU has been broken in this clean-up operation.  Here's what I've done so far:

  1. I'm in Services.msc try to start the automatic updates service.  It returns an error code 126 - the specified module could not be found.
  2. Try to update via the Win Update Web site gives a 8007041D error.  BITS is running.
  3. I find a sequence of several - staggered for re-registration of components to WU.  Attempt to regsvr32 mshtm.dll, that fails with mshtml.dll was loaded, but the DllRegisterServer entry point was not found.  The file cannot be saved.

  I hope someone here can point me in some direction that everything I've tried so far heading an impasse.

  Thank you.

  H

  [1] q: A Norton free trial or a test of free McAfee [a] came pre-installed on your computer when you bought it? (No matter if you have never used or activated).
  A: No....

  [2] ... I notice Explorer (not IE) runs very slowly.

  A1. Did you do a clean install of Windows XP or Windows XP was preinstalled by the OEM when you purchased the computer?

  A2. How did you determine that Windows Explorer [EXPLORER. [EXE] "running very slowly?  It was sudden, new behavior or...?

  3. when (exact date) has been Updated for Windows XP (KB971029) installed in Add/Remove programs?

  4. is Firefox, Chrome or any other alternative browser installed?

  5. have you already had the opportunity to do a Repair Installation or a clean installation of Windows XP for some reason any?

  6. are you familiar with "Registry cleaners" (e.g., Registry Mechanic;) System Mechanic; RegCure; Advanced SystemCare. AVG PC TuneUp. Norton Registry Cleaner; PCTools optimizer; SpeedUpMyPC; CCleaner)?

  [note2self:FixIt & SScan]

• Windows XP Pro SP2 32-bit: when Microsoft Updates downloads SP3 and install it. How can I fix it? Thanking you in advance.

  I have Windows XP PRO 32-bit SP2, and when Microsoft Updates downloads SP3 for me and I install it, it stops at about 1/3 of the way and says: "unable to load the catalog files. He also partially installed SP3 and Windows XP PRO may not work correctly. I tried to install SP3 several times and always, he stops at the same point and said the same thing, "failed to load the catalog files. How can I solve this problem?

  Yes, this is the same computer as in the other thread. Thanks a lot for answering my question and come to my aid. I had the SP3 for XP update to install by doing a full installation of microsoft IT. Before your answer another suggested answer. Once again thank you!

  P.S. I installed kb971029 as you suggested, I also got malware & spyware, I have anti-virus Protection

• I signed on XP Pro SP3 as an administrator but you cannot change the timing of Windows Update to 03:00. All options are not enabled. How can I change the time, updates are made? __

  I signed on XP Pro SP3 as an administrator but you cannot change the timing of Windows Update to 03:00.  All options are not enabled.  How can I change the time that updates are made?

  Hi imoffshore,

   

  Welcome to Microsoft Answers Forums.

  We would like to get some more information from you to help solve your problem. You better, please answer the following questions.

  ·         When was the last time it worked?

  ·         Remember to make changes to the computer recently?

  ·         You have security software installed on the computer?

  ·         You get the error message?

  When you open the tab automatic updates in the control panel or My Computer property sheet, all options of configuration of the automatic updates may be grayed out. This happens due to one of the following reasons:

  1. You are not logged as administrator (or equivalent)
  2. Strategy of automatic updates is enabled
  3. Automatic updates (and Windows Update) access is blocked by group policy

  The options available for automatic updates.

  You must make some changes in the windows registry.

  Important: this section, method, or task contains steps that tell you how to modify the registry. However, serious problems can occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you proceed with caution. For added protection, back up the registry before you edit it. Then you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry, click on the number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

  How to back up and restore the registry in Windows

  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/322756

  • Click Start, run and type REGEDIT to . EXE
  • Go to this location:

  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE-SOFTWARE-policies-Microsoft-Windows------WindowsUpdate------AU

  • In the right pane, delete the two values AUOptions and NoAutoUpdate
  • Go to this location:

  HKEY_CURRENT_USER-SOFTWARE-Microsoft-Windows-CurrentVersion------policies------WindowsUpdate

  • In the right pane, delete the DisableWindowsUpdateAccess value

  Using the Group Policy Editor - for Windows XP Professional

  • Click Start, run and type gpedit.msc
  • Navigate to the following location:

  => Configuration of the computer
  ==> Administrative templates
  ===> Windows components
  ===> Windows Update

  • In the right pane, double-click Configure automatic updates and set it to not configured
  • Next, go to this location:

  => User configuration
  ==> Administrative templates
  ===> Windows components
  ===> Windows Update

  • In the right pane, set to remove access to all Windows Update features on not configured

  Change how Windows installs or notifies you of updates

  http://Windows.Microsoft.com/en-us/Windows-Vista/change-how-Windows-installs-or-notifies-you-about-updates

  Halima S - Microsoft technical support.

  Visit our Microsoft answers feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

• Windows xp pro sp3 can not get updates - don't stop to check updates and nothing happens.

  For the past 2 weeks I can't get windows on windows xp pro sp3 updates. The green bar that runs while the verification of updates just keeps running and running and does'nt stop until I have stop. No error codes at all.
  Run the fix it tool and indicates "registration for the service is missing or corrupted" and it offers a solution for the problem of the does'nt.
  What is the reference for this?

  I had the same problem and you will spend one day trying many suggestions, including various Microsoft Fix - its, which none worked, and which some worse messing with the BITs service (that I then had to restore, losing even more time).

  In the end, I found that the problem was related to the update of Cumulative security for Internet Explorer 8. There is a kind of incompatibility with previous versions of this update that causes IE stuck when he tries to check the updates.

  The solution for me was to download and install the * last * IE Cumulative Security Update * manually * before you try to run Windows Update to get the other patches. Here's how:

  (1) using the Internet Explorer, I visited the current MS security bulletin page

  http://TechNet.Microsoft.com/en-us/security/bulletin

  (2) from there, I went to the latest summary (November 2013) and found the update of IE at the top of the list: "Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer (2888505).

  (3) I couldn't see direct links for just this update, so I copied the number of the Knowledge Base - 2888505 - and google for "Download KB2888505" (Bing didn't work by the way). This gave me the direct download link:

  http://www.Microsoft.com/en-US/Download/details.aspx?ID=41074

  (4) I have downloaded and run the update installer and then restarted (as required by the software update).

  Microsoft/Windows Update restart worked. I repeated the same process on a second computer with the same problem and it worked also.

• Win XP pro SP3. Windows software update will not download

  An accident on a Win XP PC ruinning legacy backup/restore S/W had failed. (3rd party stuff).  Installed a Virgin of Windows XP Pro SP3 (32-bit) on a new blank HD.  Connected, activated Windows.  It worked.  Tried to run Windows Update.  A clean installation is the first thing that update is download the Windows Updater S/W so we can understand what you need.  That the download failed.  Me hunting to a page that says nothing specific about why it did not work and gave me some links to try to solve the problem.  Follow the links and has begun to try stuff.  Some links are broken.  Find a suggestion to update IE ver 6 to ver 8.  Downloaded IE8.  only IE Ver 8 worked and updated.  Does not solve the problem of Windows Updater download.  I tried Fix - it.  He has ran, said he fixed some files, any info on what it fixes.  Does not solve the problem of Windows Updater download.  Found a few references to run a .bat file to rename files, a .bat file to force certain registry entries.  No one who has solved the problem of Windows Updater download.  Found several threads to download "iuctl.cab.  Each of these links has more, with a 404 error.  Never found the .cab.

  Win XP support ends soon and I need to get a clean update on this legacy machine.  Where should I go from here?

  An accident on a Win XP PC ruinning legacy backup/restore S/W had failed. (3rd party stuff).  Installed a Virgin of Windows XP Pro SP3 (32-bit) on a new blank HD.  Connected, activated Windows.  It worked.  Tried to run Windows Update.  A clean installation is the first thing that update is download the Windows Updater S/W so we can understand what you need.  That the download failed.  Me hunting to a page that says nothing specific about why it did not work and gave me some links to try to solve the problem.  Follow the links and has begun to try stuff.  Some links are broken.  Find a suggestion to update IE ver 6 to ver 8.  Downloaded IE8.  only IE Ver 8 worked and updated.  Does not solve the problem of Windows Updater download.  I tried Fix - it.  He has ran, said he fixed some files, any info on what it fixes.  Does not solve the problem of Windows Updater download.  Found a few references to run a .bat file to rename files, a .bat file to force certain registry entries.  No one who has solved the problem of Windows Updater download.  Found several threads to download "iuctl.cab.  Each of these links has more, with a 404 error.  Never found the .cab.

  Win XP support ends soon and I need to get a clean update on this legacy machine.  Where should I go from here?

  Go to start > run > wuaucpl.cpl > disable automatic updates > apply (if the setting is changed) > OK

  To disable the horse notification that appears in the status bar on automatic updates is turned off.

  Go to start > Control Panel > Security Center > resources > change the way Security Center alerts me > uncheck automatic updates

  There is a known issue with Windows Update that address priority before you visit Windows Update

  Manually download and install the latest cumulative security update for IE8 and restart before

  visit windows update via the shortened link in your Start menu.

  When you have Win XP SP3 and IE8, it will be the necessary file

  http://download.Microsoft.com/download/1/9/A/19A6AC47-9EA0-455F-B918-A44D25B5304C/IE8-WindowsXP-KB2898785-x86-enu.exe

  It often happens that the installation of SP3 will break the windows update feature by not properly installing the windows update agent.  An older version of the windows update agent can be downloaded and saved in the C directory and installed by an execution command.

  Windows update agent is available during one of the linked pages

  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/943144

  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/946928

  Start > run > C:\WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe /wuforce

  For the 64-bit version, change the command run 86 read 64

  In the alternative, there is a troubleshooting tool that can work to accomplish the same thing

  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/949104/en-us

  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/2714434/en-us

  A reboot is probably a good idea after each intervention.

  Now connect to windows update manually through your browser using the shortcut in the start menu link and your chances are better that it will work.

  When the latest version of windows and to connect to Windows Update will detect the old version of Windows update agent installed update agent will be installed after consenting to the ActiveX installation.  It will be the first thing that happens when connecting to Windows update if things continue normally.

  If there are still problems with Windows update try this utility.

  It is the #25 element in the repair tool to be implemented.

  http://www.tweaking.com/content/page/windows_repair_all_in_one.html

• Try to update XP Pro sp3 and receive 0x8024400A error message

  Trying to update XP Pro sp3 and receive error 0x8024400A service package need to run MSE.  I'll have to do this because my computer has been infected by win32/caphaw.h!

  Original title: urgent update problems!

  Hello

  1 did you change on your computer before this problem?

  2. this problem occurs only with this particular update?

  You can follow the suggestions and check out them.

  Method 1

  You can run a full antivirus scan by using the Microsoft Safety Scanner.

  Microsoft safety scanner

  http://www.Microsoft.com/security/scanner/en-AU/default.aspx

  Note: The Microsoft Safety Scanner ends 10 days after being downloaded. To restart a scan with the latest definitions of anti-malware, download and run the Microsoft Safety Scanner again. He also does the disk check, and you may lose the amount of data.

   

  Method 2

  You can follow the procedure in the article.

  Temporary connection related errors may occur when you use Windows Update or Microsoft Update

  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/836941

  Note: Software antivirus and firewall can help protect your computer against viruses and other security threats. In most cases, you should not disable your antivirus software. If you do not disable temporarily to install other software, you must reactivate as soon as you are finished. If you are connected to the Internet or a network during the time that your antivirus software is disabled, your computer is vulnerable to attack.

   

  Method 3

  You can follow the procedure in the article.

  How to troubleshoot an installation fails on Windows XP Service Pack 3

  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/950718

  Note: Software antivirus and firewall can help protect your computer against viruses and other security threats. In most cases, you should not disable your antivirus software. If you do not disable temporarily to install other software, you must reactivate as soon as you are finished. If you are connected to the Internet or a network during the time that your antivirus software is disabled, your computer is vulnerable to attack.

   

  Method 4

  Step 1: Place the computer in a clean boot state. How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" State

  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/310353

  Note: After you have used the boot is a way to solve your problem, you can follow these steps to configure Windows XP to start normally.

  a. click Startand then click run.

  b. type msconfigand click OK.
  The System Configuration utility dialog box appears.

  c. click on the general tab, click Normal Startup - load all device drivers and servicesand then click OK.

  d. When you are prompted, click restart to restart the computer.

   

  Step 2:

  Download and install SP3 manually.

  Windows XP Service Pack 3 network installation Package for IT professionals and developers

  http://www.Microsoft.com/en-US/Download/details.aspx?ID=24

  See also:

  Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3

  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/950717

  How to obtain the latest Windows XP service pack

  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/322389

• Windows update fails on XP Pro SP3 with 0x8007F064 error code.

  Windows update fails repeatedly on XP Pro SP3 with 0x8007F064 error code:

  Update security for Windows XP (KB2661637)
  A security update cumulative for Internet Explorer 8 for Windows XP (KB2647516)
  Update security for Windows XP (KB2660465)

  Update works fine until yesterday. Microsoft tool ran (no change), reloaded Windows Update (no change), a tool for malware own virus check comes to nothing. Any ideas?

  Since it is a Dell computer, chances are a Norton or McAfee free trial is preinstalled. When you have done the clean install, the free trialware would have ALSO reinstalled (but not valid now).  Let's see if the execution of two removal tools & a few tweaks resolves the behavior.

  [You can print these instructions for reference offline. [If a step said to restart, restart! ]

  1. click right on the following link to download the Norton removal tool, save it to your desktop: ftp://ftp.symantec.com/public/english_us_canada/removal_tools/Norton_Removal_Tool.exe

  1B. right click on the following link to download the tool McAfee Consumer Product Removal, save it to your desktop: http://download.mcafee.com/products/licensed/cust_support_patches/MCPR.exe

  2. close all open applications (that is, anything with an icon on the taskbar).

  3. double-click on the file that you saved in # 1 a above, to run the utility. DO TAP not your keyboard until the race ends, then restart.

  3. double-click the file that you saved in # 1 b above to run the utility. DO TAP not your keyboard until the race ends, then reboot again.

  4 start | Settings | Control Panel | Add/Remove programs. Set Program Access and Defaults: select (check) the CUSTOM [<>] configuration option, and then click the arrows pointing to the far-right | Browser: select "Internet Explorer" here (to not "use my current... »). [1]

  Illustration: http://teamtutorials.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/set-program-access-defaults-02.jpg

  If you return to check the out parameter #1 above, it'll be "Use my current..." "but now it's going to be"point"to IE so that you don't need to change anything or reset. [Think of it.]

  5. now check your settings here: IE tools | Internet Options | Programs | Default web browser: If the make default button is NOT dimmed, click/press it.

  6. open Internet Explorer (only!) to http://support.microsoft.com/kb/923737 & run the difficulty.

  Note => for best results, check the option Remove personal settings .

  7. IMPORTANT - don't SKIP THIS STEP! Open Internet Explorer (only!) to http://support.microsoft.com/kb/910336 of => [ignore the title & symptoms].

  7B. do disappear/close the troubleshooter automatic pop - up; then...

  7 c. run difficulty he 50202 in DEFAULT modes and AGGRESSIVE. [2]

  8 restart once more.

  9. open Internet Explorer (only!) at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com . Select CUSTOM and scan | See if you can install all the available now security updates (i.e., KB2660465, KB2647516 or KB2661637).

  -Online if an update of root certificates is listed under the category of updates software optional on the left side of the window of scan results, install it to enjoy greater security of IE8. [3]

  Tip: Do NOT install any other updates software optional or any updated material in option .

  10. in response to this post with a status report.

  Good luck!

  ==================================================
  [1] once you get the missing updates installed, do not hesitate to make Firefox default browser.

  [2] full Disclosure: the difficulty operating in AGGRESSIVE mode will remove your update history but not list the updates installed in Add/Remove programs.

  [3] MS provided the distribution of a new version of update root certificates on Tuesday, 28 Feb-12. Until then, the update root certificates , released on 22 Nov-11 will be offered. MS usually new versions of root certificates update releases every 3 or 4 months.

  [Last updated - 24 Feb-12, 19:47 UTC]

• After recommending the bios update, hp dv6131od running xp pro sp3 will not load windows - is there a wa

  After installing an update of the bios recommended on the hp website my dv6131od running xp pro sp3 will not load windows

  Update does not seem to have problems - failure, lack of time for flash, backup, etc.

  boot sequence seems normal (finds it a bootable cd in the drive, etc.), but windows won't load in safe or other mode

  next steps?  is there a way to access the BIOS?

  Thank you

  There is a simple solution to this problem.  The HP Online Crash Analysis Team has finally responded to my email after 34 days.  I had given up hearing from them despite several requests to repeat.

  I had completely disassembled the laptop trying to find the bios setting the jumpers on the motherboard in response to an idea contained in one of the PM, I sent... all to nothing does not...

  OCAT told me to look in the BIOS under "system configuration" for the Native SATA support.  The last update of the BIOS resets this point 'activated', but that only works for Vista & Win 7.  This must be set to "disabled" for XP and previous operating system.

  I hope that this post will save someone having to wait 5 weeks invest hours of work for a solution that took 3 minutes!

• 0x80072EFF when you perform the update from Microsoft for windows XP PRO. Microsoft Windows would load--not Internet (there!)

  I kept getting error 0X80072EFF whenever I run Microsoft Update for my Dell latitude XP pro. Windows Update would not, saying no connection, although it is. I tried some of the solutions proposed, including the installation and execution of Malwaebytes (836941), Trend Micro PRO sets a trojan virus. I also tried running ' services.msc in "-I did as suggested, but there is NO update of windows, or microsoft update services listed; the automatic update, the background intelligent transfer service and the support services are all enabled. I also download and run Microsoft FIX IT, running "DIFFICULTY IT for me. NOTHING WORKED! PLEASE HELP - I'M DESPERATE NOW. In ADDITION, whenever I search for "microsoft download" and click on it, Internet Explorer displays this web site AND other window on the home page! For Mozilla, it says. UNLISTED URL. WHAT NOW? PLS HELP!

  I finally solved the problem with the help of the people behind the software "ExterminateIt", suggested by one of the people in this forum. That software has not fixed the problem, but the engineer of the manufacturer told Envoy tool removing a software application TDSS rootkit (TDSS version 2.4.4.0) kaspersky Lab ZAO. The problem go away, and I was able to download the Microsoft Update. "Windows update also works now, and Mozilla Firefox does not display the"URL not FOUND"or: INVALID URL ', and he stopped this regular cliqueti sound from my laptop. Internet Explorer stopped showing double the home page windows, when the download window comes out. I was really impressed! Trend Micro Pro, malwarebytes and ExterminateIt, and others of CNET has failed!

  Thanks for all your suggestions!

• I can't install the SP3 from Microsoft Update Center

  I can't install the SP3 from Microsoft Update Center.So I contacted Microsoft Support and ran diagnostic scan tool and sent the results. They send e-mail attachment reset_subinacle. It's done. FAILED. I tried 3 times and 2 days later... still cannot copy beethov9.wma. file. So now what should I do to get this SP3 on my son's computer? My son has enough disk space for SP3 and I made sure and prepared for this installation. Does anyone know what I need to do? Help!

  Ideas:

  • You have problems with programs
  • Error messages
  • Recent changes to your computer
  • What you have already tried to solve the problem

  jneen420

  Yes, I'm familiar with your recent discussions on this particular computer as well as the fact that he gave to your son as a used computer. Be so familiar with the history of this computer, I feel confident in saying he was already infected when he gave your son.

  I fear that the only way to get this computer secure and fully patched to Windows Update will be formatting the hard drive - and then do a clean install of Windows.

  Since you don't have the disks that originally came with the computer (and assuming that the original owner would have given them to you when gave you the computer if there were), we must assume (or at least to cross our fingers and hope) that there is a hidden restore partition that could be used to return the computer to the condition it was before first it left the factory. I can assure you that can support Dell & will help you, if not directly through the Dell Community forum:http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/desktop/f/3514.aspx

  Follow the instructions below:

  Personal data backup (which none should be considered 100% reliable at this point) then format the HARD disk and do a clean install of Windows.  Please note that a repair installation (upgrade AKA on-site) won't fix this!

  HOW to do a clean install of Windows XP: see method 1 and http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html#steps in http://support.microsoft.com/kb/978307

  Once installed the clean, you will have the equivalent of a "new computer" in order to take care ofeverything on the next page before otherwise connect the machine to the internet or one local network (i.e. other computers) and before using a flash drive or the SD card that is not brand new, or has not been freshly formatted:

  4 steps to help protect your new computer before going online
       http://www.Microsoft.com/security/pypc.aspx

  Other useful references include:

  HOW to get a computer that is running Windows XP Gold (no Service Pack) fully patched (after a clean install)
  http://groups.Google.com/group/Microsoft.public.windowsupdate/MSG/3f5afa8ed33e121c

  HOW TO get a computer that is running Windows XP SP1 (a) or SP2 fully patched (after a clean install)
  http://groups.Google.com/group/Microsoft.public.WindowsXP.General/MSG/a066ae41add7dd2b

  Tip: After getting the computer fully patched, download/install KB971029 manually:http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971029

  NB: No matter what Norton or McAfee free trial which is preinstalled on the computer when you bought will be reinstalled (but invalid) when Windows is reinstalled. You MUST uninstall the trial for free AND download/run the removal tool appropriate prior to installing the updates, Windows Service Packs or IE upgrades AND BEFORE installing your new anti-virus application (which will require WinXP SP3 must be installed).

  Norton Removal Tool
       FTP://ftp.Symantec.com/public/english_us_canada/removal_tools/Norton_Removal_Tool.exe

  McAfee Consumer product removal tool
       http://download.McAfee.com/Products/Licensed/cust_support_patches/MCPR.exe

  If you need extra help (in addition to that provided in the Dell forum), please start a new thread in this forum MS:http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/xprepair/threads

  If these procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, good reputation and stand-alone computer (that is, not BigBoxStoreUSA or Geek Squad) repair facility. Expect to pay about $150 USD (or more) for this service.

  [Yes, times are tight for all of us right now. [You might find a computer local club or a technical school that could do this work for you free of charge.]

  Wish I had better news for you, Jeannine. Good luck!

  ~ Robear Dyer (PA Bear) ~ MS MVP (that is to say, mail, security, Windows & Update Services) since 2002 ~ WARNING: MS MVPs represent or work for Microsoft