Unable to use Windows Update after SP3 install?

[Canyonero]

On two of the three machines that I've installed Windows XP SP3 on, Windows Update was unable to run afterwards. The generic error code is of little use figuring out why. If you google the code, it'll lead you off unregistering and reregistering dll's, etc. The step that actually fixes it: Install/Update Java.

Seems odd that Microsoft would have that as a dependency for Windows Update, but they do... On the second machine that happened on, I just installed Java and WU worked again. Don't need to mess around with any dll's.

http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp

[geoffinbc]

A guy at work did the same thing and his machine would not even boot up. It would keep restarting in an endless cycle.

[Canyonero]

That sounds like it might be a different issue.

[geoffinbc]

It is, but it was caused by the service pack. He cant figure it out and even called Microsoft remote assistance.

[Canyonero]

Yep, both Mac and PC, an update will always break something for someone. Could be anything. Easiest thing to do is a repair install of Windows, but of course PCs don't come with Windows CDs anymore...

[3100 MPFI]

I have not had a single problem with my lappy with SP3. It has not had any issues at all. I do need to check for updates again. My only issue with it is that I can't go to the update site using Firefox. I can only update using IE7. I personally HATE IE in all forms, but that is the only drawback.

I think there is a site I can go to for updates using firefox, and also to update bootleg copies of windows, but since my windows is legit, I never needed it.

I have had XP SP3 for a while now, but I am pretty sure mine is a beta seeing it says "Service Pack 3, v.3264"

[walterdude]

To use Windows Update with Firefox you need an extension like IE Tab https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1419 There are others that do the same thing, I only have experience with IE Tab tho....... There is a site called Windiz Update that works just like Windows Update,,, but,,, they have stopped adding new patches/updates. There is also Auto Patcher. It's a little tricky to figure out initially, but really isn't bad. You gotta use the update utility to download a Database (ALL of the updates/patches). Then you run the main program, works like Windows Update except you don't need Internet access. When you update the Database it only downloads the newest updates/patches..... It aint perfect,,,, I can't afford to be choosey tho.... My copy of XP,,,, well you know......
Tom

[Canyonero]

Yeah, I used IE Tab for a while. It just uses IE to render pages within FF for those pages that only work in IE.