Article ID: 273574 - Last Review: March 1, 2007 - Revision: 3.2

Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 Ignores Windows Update Policy

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This article was previously published under Q273574

SYMPTOMS

When the "Disable and remove links to Windows Update" local computer policy is enabled in Windows 2000, by design, the Windows Update command on the Start menu and on the Tools menu in Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 are hidden from view. Also, users who try to connect to the Microsoft Windows Update Web site by using the Wupdmgr.exe tool are denied access, and receive the following error message:

Windows Update was disabled by your system administrator.

However, when a user tries to connect to the Windows Update Web site by typing the Web address in the Address box in Internet Explorer 5.5, the user is able to connect to the Windows Update Web site. The ability to connect to the Windows Update Web site should not exist when the "Disable and remove links to Windows Update" local computer policy is enabled in Windows 2000. Instead, access to the Windows Update Web site should be blocked, and the user should receive the following error message or one that is similar to this error message:

Microsoft Windows Update
Thank you for your interest in Windows Update

Your organization has decided to provide software updates internally rather that through Windows Update. To download updates for your Windows Computer, please see your network administrator.

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CAUSE

This problem occurs because Internet Explorer version 5.00.3103.1000 (Windows 2000 SP1 release) and Internet Explorer version 5.50.4134.0600 ignore the "Disable and remove links to Windows Update" local computer policy in Windows 2000 and Windows 2000 Service Pack 1. Note that this problem does not occur with the version of Internet Explorer that is included with Windows 2000 (Internet Explorer version 5.00.2920.0000).

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