Windows Update Web site crashes and restores, impossible to get any real updates (XP Pro)

I recently had a collapse of the system that I was finally able to recover using the "Last known good Configuration" option, which seemed to take me only a few minutes after my initial installation of Windows XP.

Everything is working smooth now, except for a few hiccups as a result of there being installed yet related programs Windows and trying to work I guess XP think should not be in the State they are currently.  I was hoping that through the Windows Update process causes XP then recognize my (updated) the current versions of Windows Media Player, etc., but there is a problem.  Assuming that my logic is good, that my version of Internet Explorer is not a XP expects to interact with.  I have IE 8.  To after my "Add/Remove Programs" list IE is not yet on my system.

When I try to go to update.microsoft.com and proceed past the home page there are a lot of Flash and then clicking on and then brings back me to the same page with a small bubble in the tab bar that says "this tab has been recovered.  A problem with this webpage had to close and reopen Internet Explorer tab. »

Any ideas on how I can get past this?

Thank you!

[The WinXP SP2 disc that came with your computer may be named System Recovery but it has nothing to do with the Windows system restore to not mix youself.]

912812 predates the availability of both IE8 and IE7 so there is no way that IE8 is installed correctly. So if KB912812 was installed on March 13, 2010, the resumption of 'Last good' known Configuration you did (on or just before March 13, 2010) actually had a repair installation.

Reference:

How to perform a repair of Windows XP installation, if a later version of Internet Explorer is installed
   http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/917964

Translation: Since (obviously) not uninstall you IE8 before you've done the repair facility, Windows and IE are now in a situation "confusing." This explains why IE8 is not listed in Add/Remove programs and why you are missing so many updates (including security for IE8 was last updated).

Your only recourse now is to backup your personal data (which none should be considered 100% reliable at this stage) and then format the HARD drive and do a clean install of Windows.  Please note that another repair facility (upgrade AKA on-site) will not & cannot remedy!

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 of everything on the next page before connecting the machine to the internet or one local network (i.e. other computers) otherwise 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 appropriate removal tool before installing updates, Service Packs Windows 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 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.

Wish I had better news for you. 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

Tags: Windows

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