You cannot access the Windows Update website on a computer that is running Windows XP

Article ID: 2606456 - View products that this article applies to.
Expand all | Collapse all

On This Page

Collapse this imageExpand this image
sbs_small
This is a step-by-step
(http://support.microsoft.com/)
article.
Back to the top | Give Feedback

SYMPTOMS

On a computer that is running Windows XP, when you try to access the Windows Update
(http://www.update.microsoft.com/)
page, you are redirected to the http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2497281
(http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2497281)
page.
Back to the top | Give Feedback

CAUSE

This issue can occur if your version of Windows is no longer compatible with the Windows Update website.
Back to the top | Give Feedback

RESOLUTION

Method 1: Use Automatic Updates


Step 1: Close all running programs

Close any programs that you have running on your computer including any Internet Explorer or other web browser windows and then continue to step 2.


Step 2: Enable Automatic Updates

To enable Automatic Updates, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, and then click Run.

    Collapse this imageExpand this image


  2. Type sysdm.cpl, and then click OK.

    Collapse this imageExpand this image


  3. Click the Automatic Updates tab, click Automatic (Recommended), and then click OK.

    Collapse this imageExpand this image

Step 3: Ensure a self-update happens right away

  1. Click Start, and then click Run.

    Collapse this imageExpand this image


  2. Type wuauclt/detectnow, and then click OK.

    Collapse this imageExpand this image



Note: If you do not wish to leave Automatic Updates turned on, you can repeat the steps in Step 2 and the set Automatic Updates to one of the following:
  • Download updates for me, but let me choose when to install them.
  • Notify me but don't automatically download or install them.
  • Turn off Automatic Updates.


If this method does not resolve the problem, go to Method 2.

Back to the top | Give Feedback

Method 2: Install Windows Update Agent 3.0


Step 1: Download Windows Update Agent 3.0


  1. Click the following link to download the Windows Update Agent 3.0 installation file.


    Collapse this tableExpand this table
    Collapse this imageExpand this image
    		To determine which version of the service pack that you are running, follow these steps:

    1. Click Start.
    2. Click My computer, and then right-click Properties.
    3. Under System, you can see the version of the service pack that you are running

  2. In the File Download - Security Warning dialog box, click Save.

    Collapse this imageExpand this image


  3. Select Drive C in the drop-down list, and then click Save.

    Collapse this imageExpand this image

    Collapse this tableExpand this table
    Collapse this imageExpand this image
    		Do not change the file name when you save the file.

Step 2: Install Windows Update Agent 3.0

To install Windows Update Agent 3.0, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, and then click Run.

    Collapse this imageExpand this image


  2. Type C:\WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe /wuforce, and then click OK.

    Collapse this imageExpand this image


  3. In the Open File-Security Warning window, click Run.

    Collapse this imageExpand this image


  4. In the Windows Update Agent Installer window, click Next.

    Collapse this imageExpand this image


  5. Select the Accept check box, and then click Next.

    Collapse this imageExpand this image


  6. Click Finish when the installation is complete. Check whether the problem is fixed.

    Collapse this imageExpand this image


Back to the top | Give Feedback

MORE INFORMATION

If you are not running the latest service pack of Windows XP, click the following link to learn how to install Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3):
How to obtain the latest Windows XP service pack
(http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389)

Back to the top | Give Feedback

Properties

Article ID: 2606456 - Last Review: April 16, 2012 - Revision: 3.0
APPLIES TO
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Keywords: 
kbstepbystep kbtshoot kbvideocontent KB2606456
Back to the top | Give Feedback

Give Feedback

 
Back to the topBack to the top