Windows Update does not start in Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, or Windows 2000

Article ID: 2497281 - View products that this article applies to.
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When you try to start Windows Update from the Start menu, the Windows Update window is blank or does not open. If you can’t access the Windows Update website
(http://www.update.microsoft.com/)
, try the following solutions.

Resolution

If you don’t have the latest Windows service pack

If you are running one of the following operating systems, make sure that you have the latest service pack installed. If you don't have the latest service pack installed, click the following link for the appropriate operating system to install the service pack.

If you already have the latest Windows service pack

Turn on Automatic Updates

To fix this problem automatically, click the Fix it button or link. Then click Run in the File Download dialog box, and follow the steps in the Fix it wizard.


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Fix this problem
(http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9787446)

Microsoft Fix it 50777
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Notes
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  • This wizard may be in English only. However, the automatic fix also works for other language versions of Windows.
  • If you are not on the computer that has the problem, save the Fix it solution to a flash drive or a CD and then run it on the computer that has the problem.
  • We would appreciate your feedback. To provide feedback or to report any issues with this solution, please leave a comment on the "Fix it for me
    (http://blogs.technet.com/fixit4me/)
    " blog or send us an email
    (mailto:fixit4me@microsoft.com?Subject=KB)
    message.
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To turn on Automatic Updates manually, follow these steps:
  1. Exit all programs that are running.
  2. Click Start, click Run, type sysdm.cpl, and then click OK.
  3. On the Automatic Updates tab, click Automatic (Recommended), and then click OK.
  4. Click Start, click Run, type cmd, and then click OK.
  5. Type wuauclt /detectnow, and then press Enter.
After you turn on Automatic Updates, wait one hour, and then scan for updates again.

Download the latest version of the Windows Update Agent

Exit all programs that are running, and then download the latest Windows Update Agent
(http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949104)
.

After you install the latest Windows Update agent, wait one hour, and then scan for updates again.

Contact Microsoft Support

If these solutions do not resolve your problem, contact Microsoft Support
(http://support.microsoft.com/contactus)
.

Properties

Article ID: 2497281 - Last Review: July 31, 2013 - Revision: 32.0
Applies to
  • Microsoft Windows Update
Keywords: 
kbcip kbfixme kbmsifixme consumertargetwinfy13 KB2497281
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