Fixing Windows Update so WE and MAIL work

I recently used windows update. Last update was in October. Every time I
use update something changes in my computer that prevents me from connecting
to the internet or receive / send email.

This last update there were 37 files. How do I figure out which one is
blocking what was a good connection before the update?

On a broader note, why does microsoft put out updates that dont work with
their own programs?

[crosspost to IE General and OE General]

> Every time I
> use update something changes in my computer that prevents me from
> connecting
> to the internet...

A1. Error message after you install a Windows Internet Explorer 7 update
from Windows Update or from Microsoft Update: "Webpage cannot be displayed":
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/942818

If tweaking your third-party firewall's settings don't help, try the
following:

1. Disable your anti-virus application, any real-time protection provided by
an anti-spyware application (except for Windows Defender; includes Spybot
Tea Timer, SpySweeper Guards, AVG AS guard.exe, etc.), disable any
third-party firewall AND enable the Windows Firewall.

NB: You're "working without a net" now: Don't to ANYTHING else online (e.g.,
browsing; reading email; chatting) except #4 below until your anti-virus
application has been re-enabled! If you're running ZA Free firewall, you
may need to uninstall it instead of disabling it.

2. Uninstall [the most recent "Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer
7"] via Add/Remove Programs (make sure Show Updates box is checked at top
right) and reboot.

3. Re-do #1 above.

4. Go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and install any Critical Updates
offered. If "Root Certificates" update is listed in the Optional Updates
category, you might install it, too, to take full advantage of IE7's
additional security.

5. Reboot > Make sure everything in #1 above is enabled again and, if
applicable, disable the Windows Firewall and enable your third-party
firewall.

> ...or receive / send email.

A2. Crystall Ball© sez:

Microsoft Outlook updates change the default mail handler to Microsoft
Outlook
http://www.oehelp.com/OETips.aspx#13

1. http://www.oehelp.com/oedef.aspx; then...

2a. http://www.oehelp.com/oelnk.aspx

2b. (WinXP) [Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs >] Set Program Access and
Defaults > Email > ...

If still no joy, see:

SendTo and E-mail Links Do Not Work Using Outlook Express as Default
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=306098
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

DHinKILLEEN wrote:
> I recently used windows update. Last update was in October. Every time I
> use update something changes in my computer that prevents me from
> connecting
> to the internet or receive / send email.
>
> This last update there were 37 files. How do I figure out which one is
> blocking what was a good connection before the update?
>
> On a broader note, why does microsoft put out updates that dont work with
> their own programs?