Windows Update not downloading updates.

[Poppa_Meth]

One of three computers where I work is having issues updating from the Microsoft Update or Windows Update sites. It's running XP Home SP3. When visit the site it'll show updates fine but when I click to the button to install them the popup window immediately shows all updates as failed. It doesn't even appear to be trying to connect to the download servers. I've tried a variety of things I've found through google with no luck. Any insight is appreciated.

[MOVIEGEEK]

Download WinInstaller 3.1:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=889482FC-5F56-4A38-B838-DE776...displaylang=en

Another possibility is a virus,there's one floating around the net that prevents you from updating.
Turn off System Restore and run a spyware/virus scan.

[Poppa_Meth]

I have v4.5 on Windows Installer installed just last week. Same on two other PCs with no issues. Virus and Spyware scans have already been run showing a clean system.

[Faustus]

There is ap otential fix out there somewhere. It involves disabling the update service renaming a directory. Then reenabling the service.

Try that if you can find it.

[Poppa_Meth]

I did find that one. No luck with it though. It seems like the download manager isn't connecting to the download server at all.

[Poppa_Meth]

Problem fixed! I don't know what caused it but I found a little program called Dial-a-fix and ran it's Windows Update repair utility. The problem was resolved perfectly. Nice little program. Thanks for all the input.

[Faustus]

Cool stuff

*files the name of the program away in his head*
*it promptly falls out the hole in the other side*

[Ai Haibara]

...and for those who might be interested in trying it, the webpage is here: http://wiki.lunarsoft.net/wiki/Dial-a-fix
I've had it among my troubleshooting tools on a few systems, just in case I needed it.