Microsoft is Taking This Update Issue Seriously

Hi all,

I just attempted to reach the Windows Update site, but this time I was not
taken to the page that scans for updates.

Rather, as has been happening more often in the past five or six days, I
received the message: "Get the latest Windows Update software. We've made
improvements to our website. To download the new version of the software and
begin using Windows Update, please click Install Now."

When I clicked the Install Now button, it copied files, reached 100 %, and
began the installation. Then I was informed that: "[Error number:
0x800A138F] The website has encountered a problem and cannot display the
page you are trying to view. The options provided below might help you solve
the problem."

Until maybe an hour ago my choices were: "Frequently Asked Questions; Find
Solutions; and Windows Update Newsgroup."

Now I'm noticing a new option -- if it was there before, then this post in
NOT news after all, and I REALLY need to have my eyes checked soon :> --
that says: "For assisted support options: Microsoft Online Assisted Support
(no-cost for Windows Update issues)."

When I clicked on the Microsoft Online Assisted Support link, I was taken to
a Web Form that gave me the option to have my PC scanned, and the ability to
have certain files transmitted back to Microsoft, with my permission.

There was also a statement that I'll be contacted by Microsoft via Email,
regarding this problem. At the end of the process I was given a Confirmation
Number.

So it seems that Microsoft is very aware of the recent problems that many
people are having with Updates. Let's hope for a relatively easy fix.

Alan

Assuming WinXP SP2:

1. First install the newly released 'standalone' version of Windows Update
Agent 3.0, v7.0.6000.374
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/932494

Direct Download links:

x86-based versions of Windows (most users)
http://download.windowsupdate.com/v7...gent30-x86.exe

x64-based versions of Windows
http://download.windowsupdate.com/v7...gent30-x64.exe

Itanium-based versions of Windows
http://download.windowsupdate.com/v7...ent30-ia64.exe

2. Now (re)install this (updated) fix:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927891

NB: Windows Update/Automatic Updates started offering 927891 on 22 May-07.
If "Update for Windows XP (KB927891)" is listed in Add/Remove Programs (make
sure Show Updates box is checked), it's already installed. cf.
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sec...ry/927891.mspx

3. Reboot.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If problems persist...

1. Stop the Automatic Updates service:

Click Start, Choose Run.
In the Run box, type services.msc.
Click OK.
Right-click the Automatic Updates service.
Click Stop.
Stopping the service will take a moment.

2. Delete the contents of the Download folder:

Click Start. Choose Run.
In the Run box, type %windir%\SoftwareDistribution
Click OK.
Open the Download folder.
Delete all contents of the Download folder.
Close the window.

3. Start the Automatic Updates service:

Click Start. Choose Run.
In the Run box, type services.msc.
Click OK.
Right-click the Automatic Updates service.
Click Start.
Starting the service will take a moment.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If still no joy, repeat Steps 1, 2 & 3 directly above, this time deleting
the Software Distribution folder itself.

NB: Deleting the Software Distribution folder will remove your Update
History at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)
AumHa VSOP & Admin; DTS-L.org


Alan wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> I just attempted to reach the Windows Update site, but this time I was not
> taken to the page that scans for updates.
>
> Rather, as has been happening more often in the past five or six days, I
> received the message: "Get the latest Windows Update software. We've made
> improvements to our website. To download the new version of the software
> and
> begin using Windows Update, please click Install Now."
>
> When I clicked the Install Now button, it copied files, reached 100 %, and
> began the installation. Then I was informed that: "[Error number:
> 0x800A138F] The website has encountered a problem and cannot display the
> page you are trying to view. The options provided below might help you
> solve
> the problem."
>
> Until maybe an hour ago my choices were: "Frequently Asked Questions; Find
> Solutions; and Windows Update Newsgroup."
>
> Now I'm noticing a new option -- if it was there before, then this post in
> NOT news after all, and I REALLY need to have my eyes checked soon :> --
> that says: "For assisted support options: Microsoft Online Assisted
> Support
> (no-cost for Windows Update issues)."
>
> When I clicked on the Microsoft Online Assisted Support link, I was taken
> to
> a Web Form that gave me the option to have my PC scanned, and the ability
> to
> have certain files transmitted back to Microsoft, with my permission.
>
> There was also a statement that I'll be contacted by Microsoft via Email,
> regarding this problem. At the end of the process I was given a
> Confirmation
> Number.
>
> So it seems that Microsoft is very aware of the recent problems that many
> people are having with Updates. Let's hope for a relatively easy fix.
>
> Alan

Yes, I am running XP Home with SP2.

I went to http://support.microsoft.com/kb/932494 and downloaded
WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe to my hard drive.

As soon as I tried installing it, I got this message: "Install failed with
the following error number: 0x80070020"

If I'm not mistaken, that's one of the error numbers that I've received when
I've tried to install the "new" Window Update software at the Windows Update
site.

Alan

"PA Bear" <> wrote in message
news:...
> Assuming WinXP SP2:
>
> 1. First install the newly released 'standalone' version of Windows Update
> Agent 3.0, v7.0.6000.374
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/932494
>
> Direct Download links:
>
> x86-based versions of Windows (most users)
> http://download.windowsupdate.com/v7...gent30-x86.exe
>
> x64-based versions of Windows
> http://download.windowsupdate.com/v7...gent30-x64.exe
>
> Itanium-based versions of Windows
> http://download.windowsupdate.com/v7...ent30-ia64.exe
>
> 2. Now (re)install this (updated) fix:
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927891
>
> NB: Windows Update/Automatic Updates started offering 927891 on 22 May-07.
> If "Update for Windows XP (KB927891)" is listed in Add/Remove Programs
> (make sure Show Updates box is checked), it's already installed. cf.
> http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sec...ry/927891.mspx
>
> 3. Reboot.
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> If problems persist...
>
> 1. Stop the Automatic Updates service:
>
> Click Start, Choose Run.
> In the Run box, type services.msc.
> Click OK.
> Right-click the Automatic Updates service.
> Click Stop.
> Stopping the service will take a moment.
>
> 2. Delete the contents of the Download folder:
>
> Click Start. Choose Run.
> In the Run box, type %windir%\SoftwareDistribution
> Click OK.
> Open the Download folder.
> Delete all contents of the Download folder.
> Close the window.
>
> 3. Start the Automatic Updates service:
>
> Click Start. Choose Run.
> In the Run box, type services.msc.
> Click OK.
> Right-click the Automatic Updates service.
> Click Start.
> Starting the service will take a moment.
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> If still no joy, repeat Steps 1, 2 & 3 directly above, this time deleting
> the Software Distribution folder itself.
>
> NB: Deleting the Software Distribution folder will remove your Update
> History at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com.
> --
> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
> MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)
> AumHa VSOP & Admin; DTS-L.org
>
>
> Alan wrote:
>> Hi all,
>>
>> I just attempted to reach the Windows Update site, but this time I was
>> not
>> taken to the page that scans for updates.
>>
>> Rather, as has been happening more often in the past five or six days, I
>> received the message: "Get the latest Windows Update software. We've made
>> improvements to our website. To download the new version of the software
>> and
>> begin using Windows Update, please click Install Now."
>>
>> When I clicked the Install Now button, it copied files, reached 100 %,
>> and
>> began the installation. Then I was informed that: "[Error number:
>> 0x800A138F] The website has encountered a problem and cannot display the
>> page you are trying to view. The options provided below might help you
>> solve
>> the problem."
>>
>> Until maybe an hour ago my choices were: "Frequently Asked Questions;
>> Find
>> Solutions; and Windows Update Newsgroup."
>>
>> Now I'm noticing a new option -- if it was there before, then this post
>> in
>> NOT news after all, and I REALLY need to have my eyes checked soon
>> :> --
>> that says: "For assisted support options: Microsoft Online Assisted
>> Support
>> (no-cost for Windows Update issues)."
>>
>> When I clicked on the Microsoft Online Assisted Support link, I was taken
>> to
>> a Web Form that gave me the option to have my PC scanned, and the ability
>> to
>> have certain files transmitted back to Microsoft, with my permission.
>>
>> There was also a statement that I'll be contacted by Microsoft via
>> Email,
>> regarding this problem. At the end of the process I was given a
>> Confirmation
>> Number.
>>
>> So it seems that Microsoft is very aware of the recent problems that many
>> people are having with Updates. Let's hope for a relatively easy fix.
>>
>> Alan
>

Then we'll assume 932494 is already installed.

Now try the next section(s) in my previous reply.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)
AumHa VSOP & Admin; DTS-L.org

Alan wrote:
> Yes, I am running XP Home with SP2.
>
> I went to http://support.microsoft.com/kb/932494 and downloaded
> WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe to my hard drive.
>
> As soon as I tried installing it, I got this message: "Install failed with
> the following error number: 0x80070020"
>
> If I'm not mistaken, that's one of the error numbers that I've received
> when
> I've tried to install the "new" Window Update software at the Windows
> Update
> site.
>
> Alan
>
> "PA Bear" <> wrote in message
> news:...
>> Assuming WinXP SP2:
>>
>> 1. First install the newly released 'standalone' version of Windows
>> Update
>> Agent 3.0, v7.0.6000.374
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/932494
>>
>> Direct Download links:
>>
>> x86-based versions of Windows (most users)
>> http://download.windowsupdate.com/v7...gent30-x86.exe
>>
>> x64-based versions of Windows
>> http://download.windowsupdate.com/v7...gent30-x64.exe
>>
>> Itanium-based versions of Windows
>> http://download.windowsupdate.com/v7...ent30-ia64.exe
>>
>> 2. Now (re)install this (updated) fix:
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927891
>>
>> NB: Windows Update/Automatic Updates started offering 927891 on 22
>> May-07.
>> If "Update for Windows XP (KB927891)" is listed in Add/Remove Programs
>> (make sure Show Updates box is checked), it's already installed. cf.
>> http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sec...ry/927891.mspx
>>
>> 3. Reboot.
>> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>> If problems persist...
>>
>> 1. Stop the Automatic Updates service:
>>
>> Click Start, Choose Run.
>> In the Run box, type services.msc.
>> Click OK.
>> Right-click the Automatic Updates service.
>> Click Stop.
>> Stopping the service will take a moment.
>>
>> 2. Delete the contents of the Download folder:
>>
>> Click Start. Choose Run.
>> In the Run box, type %windir%\SoftwareDistribution
>> Click OK.
>> Open the Download folder.
>> Delete all contents of the Download folder.
>> Close the window.
>>
>> 3. Start the Automatic Updates service:
>>
>> Click Start. Choose Run.
>> In the Run box, type services.msc.
>> Click OK.
>> Right-click the Automatic Updates service.
>> Click Start.
>> Starting the service will take a moment.
>> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>> If still no joy, repeat Steps 1, 2 & 3 directly above, this time deleting
>> the Software Distribution folder itself.
>>
>> NB: Deleting the Software Distribution folder will remove your Update
>> History at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com.
>> --
>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
>> MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)
>> AumHa VSOP & Admin; DTS-L.org
>>
>>
>> Alan wrote:
>>> Hi all,
>>>
>>> I just attempted to reach the Windows Update site, but this time I was
>>> not
>>> taken to the page that scans for updates.
>>>
>>> Rather, as has been happening more often in the past five or six days, I
>>> received the message: "Get the latest Windows Update software. We've
>>> made
>>> improvements to our website. To download the new version of the software
>>> and
>>> begin using Windows Update, please click Install Now."
>>>
>>> When I clicked the Install Now button, it copied files, reached 100 %,
>>> and
>>> began the installation. Then I was informed that: "[Error number:
>>> 0x800A138F] The website has encountered a problem and cannot display the
>>> page you are trying to view. The options provided below might help you
>>> solve
>>> the problem."
>>>
>>> Until maybe an hour ago my choices were: "Frequently Asked Questions;
>>> Find
>>> Solutions; and Windows Update Newsgroup."
>>>
>>> Now I'm noticing a new option -- if it was there before, then this post
>>> in
>>> NOT news after all, and I REALLY need to have my eyes checked soon
>>>>> --
>>> that says: "For assisted support options: Microsoft Online Assisted
>>> Support
>>> (no-cost for Windows Update issues)."
>>>
>>> When I clicked on the Microsoft Online Assisted Support link, I was
>>> taken
>>> to
>>> a Web Form that gave me the option to have my PC scanned, and the
>>> ability
>>> to
>>> have certain files transmitted back to Microsoft, with my permission.
>>>
>>> There was also a statement that I'll be contacted by Microsoft via
>>> Email,
>>> regarding this problem. At the end of the process I was given a
>>> Confirmation
>>> Number.
>>>
>>> So it seems that Microsoft is very aware of the recent problems that
>>> many
>>> people are having with Updates. Let's hope for a relatively easy fix.
>>>
>>> Alan

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/883825
You receive a "0x80070020 The process cannot access the file because it
is being used by another process" error message when you try to download
an update from Windows Update or from Microsoft Update

> CAUSE
> This problem occurs when your computer has an antivirus program that uses real-time
> scanning.

Whichever antivirus software is installed is interfering with the
installation of the Windows Update Agent and, most likely, all updates.

0x800A138F
You cannot view updates on the Windows Update site using secure socket layer
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326253

The KB article is dated. First check the time and date of the system for
accuracy. If those are correct I'd bet that this is also related to the
security software/antivirus. Most likely a proxy set up by the AV to
scan email.

MowGreen [MVP 2003-2007]
===============
*-343-* FDNY
Never Forgotten
===============


Alan wrote:

> Yes, I am running XP Home with SP2.
>
> I went to http://support.microsoft.com/kb/932494 and downloaded
> WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe to my hard drive.
>
> As soon as I tried installing it, I got this message: "Install failed with
> the following error number: 0x80070020"
>
> If I'm not mistaken, that's one of the error numbers that I've received when
> I've tried to install the "new" Window Update software at the Windows Update
> site.
>
> Alan
>
> "PA Bear" <> wrote in message
> news:...
>
>>Assuming WinXP SP2:
>>
>>1. First install the newly released 'standalone' version of Windows Update
>>Agent 3.0, v7.0.6000.374
>>http://support.microsoft.com/kb/932494
>>
>>Direct Download links:
>>
>>x86-based versions of Windows (most users)
>>http://download.windowsupdate.com/v7...gent30-x86.exe
>>
>>x64-based versions of Windows
>>http://download.windowsupdate.com/v7...gent30-x64.exe
>>
>>Itanium-based versions of Windows
>>http://download.windowsupdate.com/v7...ent30-ia64.exe
>>
>>2. Now (re)install this (updated) fix:
>>http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927891
>>
>>NB: Windows Update/Automatic Updates started offering 927891 on 22 May-07.
>>If "Update for Windows XP (KB927891)" is listed in Add/Remove Programs
>>(make sure Show Updates box is checked), it's already installed. cf.
>>http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sec...ry/927891.mspx
>>
>>3. Reboot.
>>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>>If problems persist...
>>
>>1. Stop the Automatic Updates service:
>>
>>Click Start, Choose Run.
>>In the Run box, type services.msc.
>>Click OK.
>>Right-click the Automatic Updates service.
>>Click Stop.
>>Stopping the service will take a moment.
>>
>>2. Delete the contents of the Download folder:
>>
>>Click Start. Choose Run.
>>In the Run box, type %windir%\SoftwareDistribution
>>Click OK.
>>Open the Download folder.
>>Delete all contents of the Download folder.
>>Close the window.
>>
>>3. Start the Automatic Updates service:
>>
>>Click Start. Choose Run.
>>In the Run box, type services.msc.
>>Click OK.
>>Right-click the Automatic Updates service.
>>Click Start.
>>Starting the service will take a moment.
>>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>>If still no joy, repeat Steps 1, 2 & 3 directly above, this time deleting
>>the Software Distribution folder itself.
>>
>>NB: Deleting the Software Distribution folder will remove your Update
>>History at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com.
>>--
>>~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
>>MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)
>>AumHa VSOP & Admin; DTS-L.org
>>
>>
>>Alan wrote:
>>
>>>Hi all,
>>>
>>>I just attempted to reach the Windows Update site, but this time I was
>>>not
>>>taken to the page that scans for updates.
>>>
>>>Rather, as has been happening more often in the past five or six days, I
>>>received the message: "Get the latest Windows Update software. We've made
>>>improvements to our website. To download the new version of the software
>>>and
>>>begin using Windows Update, please click Install Now."
>>>
>>>When I clicked the Install Now button, it copied files, reached 100 %,
>>>and
>>>began the installation. Then I was informed that: "[Error number:
>>>0x800A138F] The website has encountered a problem and cannot display the
>>>page you are trying to view. The options provided below might help you
>>>solve
>>>the problem."
>>>
>>>Until maybe an hour ago my choices were: "Frequently Asked Questions;
>>>Find
>>>Solutions; and Windows Update Newsgroup."
>>>
>>>Now I'm noticing a new option -- if it was there before, then this post
>>>in
>>>NOT news after all, and I REALLY need to have my eyes checked soon
>>>:> --
>>>that says: "For assisted support options: Microsoft Online Assisted
>>>Support
>>>(no-cost for Windows Update issues)."
>>>
>>>When I clicked on the Microsoft Online Assisted Support link, I was taken
>>>to
>>>a Web Form that gave me the option to have my PC scanned, and the ability
>>>to
>>>have certain files transmitted back to Microsoft, with my permission.
>>>
>>>There was also a statement that I'll be contacted by Microsoft via
>>>Email,
>>>regarding this problem. At the end of the process I was given a
>>>Confirmation
>>>Number.
>>>
>>>So it seems that Microsoft is very aware of the recent problems that many
>>>people are having with Updates. Let's hope for a relatively easy fix.
>>>
>>> Alan
>>
>
>

Hi MowGreen and PA Bear,

After I tried PA Bear's 'next section' in his earlier reply, I still had no
success in reaching the Windows Update site.

I couldn't get back to PA Bear last night because right after I posted we
had some severe lightning storms move through my area, and I powered down
my PC.

When I logged on this morning, I saw I received an email from someone at
Microsoft Support. I haven't read it in detail yet, but I'll try the many
steps and suggestions offered.

I'll let you all know whether or not the problem has been fixed.

Alan

"MowGreen [MVP]" <> wrote in message
news:...
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/883825
> You receive a "0x80070020 The process cannot access the file because it is
> being used by another process" error message when you try to download an
> update from Windows Update or from Microsoft Update
>
>> CAUSE
>> This problem occurs when your computer has an antivirus program that uses
>> real-time scanning.
>
> Whichever antivirus software is installed is interfering with the
> installation of the Windows Update Agent and, most likely, all updates.
>
> 0x800A138F
> You cannot view updates on the Windows Update site using secure socket
> layer
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326253
>
> The KB article is dated. First check the time and date of the system for
> accuracy. If those are correct I'd bet that this is also related to the
> security software/antivirus. Most likely a proxy set up by the AV to scan
> email.
>
> MowGreen [MVP 2003-2007]
> ===============
> *-343-* FDNY
> Never Forgotten
> ===============
>
>
> Alan wrote:
>
>> Yes, I am running XP Home with SP2.
>>
>> I went to http://support.microsoft.com/kb/932494 and downloaded
>> WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe to my hard drive.
>>
>> As soon as I tried installing it, I got this message: "Install failed
>> with the following error number: 0x80070020"
>>
>> If I'm not mistaken, that's one of the error numbers that I've received
>> when I've tried to install the "new" Window Update software at the
>> Windows Update site.
>>
>> Alan
>>
>> "PA Bear" <> wrote in message
>> news:...
>>
>>>Assuming WinXP SP2:
>>>
>>>1. First install the newly released 'standalone' version of Windows
>>>Update Agent 3.0, v7.0.6000.374
>>>http://support.microsoft.com/kb/932494
>>>
>>>Direct Download links:
>>>
>>>x86-based versions of Windows (most users)
>>>http://download.windowsupdate.com/v7...gent30-x86.exe
>>>
>>>x64-based versions of Windows
>>>http://download.windowsupdate.com/v7...gent30-x64.exe
>>>
>>>Itanium-based versions of Windows
>>>http://download.windowsupdate.com/v7...ent30-ia64.exe
>>>
>>>2. Now (re)install this (updated) fix:
>>>http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927891
>>>
>>>NB: Windows Update/Automatic Updates started offering 927891 on 22
>>>May-07. If "Update for Windows XP (KB927891)" is listed in Add/Remove
>>>Programs (make sure Show Updates box is checked), it's already installed.
>>>cf. http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sec...ry/927891.mspx
>>>
>>>3. Reboot.
>>>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>>>If problems persist...
>>>
>>>1. Stop the Automatic Updates service:
>>>
>>>Click Start, Choose Run.
>>>In the Run box, type services.msc.
>>>Click OK.
>>>Right-click the Automatic Updates service.
>>>Click Stop.
>>>Stopping the service will take a moment.
>>>
>>>2. Delete the contents of the Download folder:
>>>
>>>Click Start. Choose Run.
>>>In the Run box, type %windir%\SoftwareDistribution
>>>Click OK.
>>>Open the Download folder.
>>>Delete all contents of the Download folder.
>>>Close the window.
>>>
>>>3. Start the Automatic Updates service:
>>>
>>>Click Start. Choose Run.
>>>In the Run box, type services.msc.
>>>Click OK.
>>>Right-click the Automatic Updates service.
>>>Click Start.
>>>Starting the service will take a moment.
>>>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>>>If still no joy, repeat Steps 1, 2 & 3 directly above, this time deleting
>>>the Software Distribution folder itself.
>>>
>>>NB: Deleting the Software Distribution folder will remove your Update
>>>History at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com.
>>>--
>>>~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
>>>MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)
>>>AumHa VSOP & Admin; DTS-L.org
>>>
>>>
>>>Alan wrote:
>>>
>>>>Hi all,
>>>>
>>>>I just attempted to reach the Windows Update site, but this time I was
>>>>not
>>>>taken to the page that scans for updates.
>>>>
>>>>Rather, as has been happening more often in the past five or six days, I
>>>>received the message: "Get the latest Windows Update software. We've
>>>>made
>>>>improvements to our website. To download the new version of the software
>>>>and
>>>>begin using Windows Update, please click Install Now."
>>>>
>>>>When I clicked the Install Now button, it copied files, reached 100 %,
>>>>and
>>>>began the installation. Then I was informed that: "[Error number:
>>>>0x800A138F] The website has encountered a problem and cannot display the
>>>>page you are trying to view. The options provided below might help you
>>>>solve
>>>>the problem."
>>>>
>>>>Until maybe an hour ago my choices were: "Frequently Asked Questions;
>>>>Find
>>>>Solutions; and Windows Update Newsgroup."
>>>>
>>>>Now I'm noticing a new option -- if it was there before, then this post
>>>>in
>>>>NOT news after all, and I REALLY need to have my eyes checked soon
>>>> > --
>>>>that says: "For assisted support options: Microsoft Online Assisted
>>>>Support
>>>>(no-cost for Windows Update issues)."
>>>>
>>>>When I clicked on the Microsoft Online Assisted Support link, I was
>>>>taken to
>>>>a Web Form that gave me the option to have my PC scanned, and the
>>>>ability to
>>>>have certain files transmitted back to Microsoft, with my permission.
>>>>
>>>>There was also a statement that I'll be contacted by Microsoft via
>>>>Email,
>>>>regarding this problem. At the end of the process I was given a
>>>>Confirmation
>>>>Number.
>>>>
>>>>So it seems that Microsoft is very aware of the recent problems that
>>>>many
>>>>people are having with Updates. Let's hope for a relatively easy fix.
>>>>
>>>> Alan
>>>
>>

PA Bear's solution is right on the money! Tried it step by step and it
solved this same issue for me on XP Pro SP2. Thanks for the time taken to
post those detailed instructions!



"Alan" wrote:

> Hi all,
>
> I just attempted to reach the Windows Update site, but this time I was not
> taken to the page that scans for updates.
>
> Rather, as has been happening more often in the past five or six days, I
> received the message: "Get the latest Windows Update software. We've made
> improvements to our website. To download the new version of the software and
> begin using Windows Update, please click Install Now."
>
> When I clicked the Install Now button, it copied files, reached 100 %, and
> began the installation. Then I was informed that: "[Error number:
> 0x800A138F] The website has encountered a problem and cannot display the
> page you are trying to view. The options provided below might help you solve
> the problem."
>
> Until maybe an hour ago my choices were: "Frequently Asked Questions; Find
> Solutions; and Windows Update Newsgroup."
>
> Now I'm noticing a new option -- if it was there before, then this post in
> NOT news after all, and I REALLY need to have my eyes checked soon :> --
> that says: "For assisted support options: Microsoft Online Assisted Support
> (no-cost for Windows Update issues)."
>
> When I clicked on the Microsoft Online Assisted Support link, I was taken to
> a Web Form that gave me the option to have my PC scanned, and the ability to
> have certain files transmitted back to Microsoft, with my permission.
>
> There was also a statement that I'll be contacted by Microsoft via Email,
> regarding this problem. At the end of the process I was given a Confirmation
> Number.
>
> So it seems that Microsoft is very aware of the recent problems that many
> people are having with Updates. Let's hope for a relatively easy fix.
>
> Alan
>
>
>
>
>

Thanks for the fix, worked perfectly,
You were previously helping me in the internetexplorer group with
spuninst.exe and roll back to IE6
The fix over there worked perfectly and now I am here to get the fix for
windows update. 5 machines, 2 no problem today 3 needed the fix Windows
update agent

Thanks
Bob

"PA Bear" <> wrote in message
news:...
> Assuming WinXP SP2:
>
> 1. First install the newly released 'standalone' version of Windows Update
> Agent 3.0, v7.0.6000.374
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/932494
>
> Direct Download links:
>
> x86-based versions of Windows (most users)
> http://download.windowsupdate.com/v7...gent30-x86.exe
>
> x64-based versions of Windows
> http://download.windowsupdate.com/v7...gent30-x64.exe
>
> Itanium-based versions of Windows
> http://download.windowsupdate.com/v7...ent30-ia64.exe
>
> 2. Now (re)install this (updated) fix:
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927891
>
> NB: Windows Update/Automatic Updates started offering 927891 on 22 May-07.
> If "Update for Windows XP (KB927891)" is listed in Add/Remove Programs
> (make sure Show Updates box is checked), it's already installed. cf.
> http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sec...ry/927891.mspx
>
> 3. Reboot.
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> If problems persist...
>
> 1. Stop the Automatic Updates service:
>
> Click Start, Choose Run.
> In the Run box, type services.msc.
> Click OK.
> Right-click the Automatic Updates service.
> Click Stop.
> Stopping the service will take a moment.
>
> 2. Delete the contents of the Download folder:
>
> Click Start. Choose Run.
> In the Run box, type %windir%\SoftwareDistribution
> Click OK.
> Open the Download folder.
> Delete all contents of the Download folder.
> Close the window.
>
> 3. Start the Automatic Updates service:
>
> Click Start. Choose Run.
> In the Run box, type services.msc.
> Click OK.
> Right-click the Automatic Updates service.
> Click Start.
> Starting the service will take a moment.
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> If still no joy, repeat Steps 1, 2 & 3 directly above, this time deleting
> the Software Distribution folder itself.
>
> NB: Deleting the Software Distribution folder will remove your Update
> History at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com.
> --
> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
> MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)
> AumHa VSOP & Admin; DTS-L.org
>
>
> Alan wrote:
>> Hi all,
>>
>> I just attempted to reach the Windows Update site, but this time I was
>> not
>> taken to the page that scans for updates.
>>
>> Rather, as has been happening more often in the past five or six days, I
>> received the message: "Get the latest Windows Update software. We've made
>> improvements to our website. To download the new version of the software
>> and
>> begin using Windows Update, please click Install Now."
>>
>> When I clicked the Install Now button, it copied files, reached 100 %,
>> and
>> began the installation. Then I was informed that: "[Error number:
>> 0x800A138F] The website has encountered a problem and cannot display the
>> page you are trying to view. The options provided below might help you
>> solve
>> the problem."
>>
>> Until maybe an hour ago my choices were: "Frequently Asked Questions;
>> Find
>> Solutions; and Windows Update Newsgroup."
>>
>> Now I'm noticing a new option -- if it was there before, then this post
>> in
>> NOT news after all, and I REALLY need to have my eyes checked soon
>> :> --
>> that says: "For assisted support options: Microsoft Online Assisted
>> Support
>> (no-cost for Windows Update issues)."
>>
>> When I clicked on the Microsoft Online Assisted Support link, I was taken
>> to
>> a Web Form that gave me the option to have my PC scanned, and the ability
>> to
>> have certain files transmitted back to Microsoft, with my permission.
>>
>> There was also a statement that I'll be contacted by Microsoft via
>> Email,
>> regarding this problem. At the end of the process I was given a
>> Confirmation
>> Number.
>>
>> So it seems that Microsoft is very aware of the recent problems that many
>> people are having with Updates. Let's hope for a relatively easy fix.
>>
>> Alan
>

YW & thanks for the feedback, JWL.

JWL wrote:
> PA Bear's solution is right on the money! Tried it step by step and it
> solved this same issue for me on XP Pro SP2. Thanks for the time taken to
> post those detailed instructions!
>
> "Alan" wrote:
>> I just attempted to reach the Windows Update site, but this time I was
>> not
>> taken to the page that scans for updates.
>>
>> Rather, as has been happening more often in the past five or six days, I
>> received the message: "Get the latest Windows Update software. We've made
>> improvements to our website. To download the new version of the software
>> and begin using Windows Update, please click Install Now."
>>
>> When I clicked the Install Now button, it copied files, reached 100 %,
>> and
>> began the installation. Then I was informed that: "[Error number:
>> 0x800A138F] The website has encountered a problem and cannot display the
>> page you are trying to view. The options provided below might help you
>> solve the problem."
>>
>> Until maybe an hour ago my choices were: "Frequently Asked Questions;
>> Find
>> Solutions; and Windows Update Newsgroup."
>>
>> Now I'm noticing a new option -- if it was there before, then this post
>> in
>> NOT news after all, and I REALLY need to have my eyes checked soon
>> :> --
>> that says: "For assisted support options: Microsoft Online Assisted
>> Support
>> (no-cost for Windows Update issues)."
>>
>> When I clicked on the Microsoft Online Assisted Support link, I was taken
>> to a Web Form that gave me the option to have my PC scanned, and the
>> ability to have certain files transmitted back to Microsoft, with my
>> permission.
>>
>> There was also a statement that I'll be contacted by Microsoft via
>> Email,
>> regarding this problem. At the end of the process I was given a
>> Confirmation Number.
>>
>> So it seems that Microsoft is very aware of the recent problems that many
>> people are having with Updates. Let's hope for a relatively easy fix.
>>
>> Alan

YW & thanks for the feedback, Bob.

Leanin' Cedar wrote:
> Thanks for the fix, worked perfectly,
> You were previously helping me in the internetexplorer group with
> spuninst.exe and roll back to IE6
> The fix over there worked perfectly and now I am here to get the fix for
> windows update. 5 machines, 2 no problem today 3 needed the fix Windows
> update agent
>
> Thanks
> Bob
>
> "PA Bear" <> wrote in message
> news:...
>> Assuming WinXP SP2:
>>
>> 1. First install the newly released 'standalone' version of Windows
>> Update
>> Agent 3.0, v7.0.6000.374
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/932494
>>
>> Direct Download links:
>>
>> x86-based versions of Windows (most users)
>> http://download.windowsupdate.com/v7...gent30-x86.exe
>>
>> x64-based versions of Windows
>> http://download.windowsupdate.com/v7...gent30-x64.exe
>>
>> Itanium-based versions of Windows
>> http://download.windowsupdate.com/v7...ent30-ia64.exe
>>
>> 2. Now (re)install this (updated) fix:
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927891
>>
>> NB: Windows Update/Automatic Updates started offering 927891 on 22
>> May-07.
>> If "Update for Windows XP (KB927891)" is listed in Add/Remove Programs
>> (make sure Show Updates box is checked), it's already installed. cf.
>> http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sec...ry/927891.mspx
>>
>> 3. Reboot.
>> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>> If problems persist...
>>
>> 1. Stop the Automatic Updates service:
>>
>> Click Start, Choose Run.
>> In the Run box, type services.msc.
>> Click OK.
>> Right-click the Automatic Updates service.
>> Click Stop.
>> Stopping the service will take a moment.
>>
>> 2. Delete the contents of the Download folder:
>>
>> Click Start. Choose Run.
>> In the Run box, type %windir%\SoftwareDistribution
>> Click OK.
>> Open the Download folder.
>> Delete all contents of the Download folder.
>> Close the window.
>>
>> 3. Start the Automatic Updates service:
>>
>> Click Start. Choose Run.
>> In the Run box, type services.msc.
>> Click OK.
>> Right-click the Automatic Updates service.
>> Click Start.
>> Starting the service will take a moment.
>> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>> If still no joy, repeat Steps 1, 2 & 3 directly above, this time deleting
>> the Software Distribution folder itself.
>>
>> NB: Deleting the Software Distribution folder will remove your Update
>> History at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com.
>> --
>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
>> MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)
>> AumHa VSOP & Admin; DTS-L.org
>>
>>
>> Alan wrote:
>>> Hi all,
>>>
>>> I just attempted to reach the Windows Update site, but this time I was
>>> not
>>> taken to the page that scans for updates.
>>>
>>> Rather, as has been happening more often in the past five or six days, I
>>> received the message: "Get the latest Windows Update software. We've
>>> made
>>> improvements to our website. To download the new version of the software
>>> and
>>> begin using Windows Update, please click Install Now."
>>>
>>> When I clicked the Install Now button, it copied files, reached 100 %,
>>> and
>>> began the installation. Then I was informed that: "[Error number:
>>> 0x800A138F] The website has encountered a problem and cannot display the
>>> page you are trying to view. The options provided below might help you
>>> solve
>>> the problem."
>>>
>>> Until maybe an hour ago my choices were: "Frequently Asked Questions;
>>> Find
>>> Solutions; and Windows Update Newsgroup."
>>>
>>> Now I'm noticing a new option -- if it was there before, then this post
>>> in
>>> NOT news after all, and I REALLY need to have my eyes checked soon
>>>>> --
>>> that says: "For assisted support options: Microsoft Online Assisted
>>> Support
>>> (no-cost for Windows Update issues)."
>>>
>>> When I clicked on the Microsoft Online Assisted Support link, I was
>>> taken
>>> to
>>> a Web Form that gave me the option to have my PC scanned, and the
>>> ability
>>> to
>>> have certain files transmitted back to Microsoft, with my permission.
>>>
>>> There was also a statement that I'll be contacted by Microsoft via
>>> Email,
>>> regarding this problem. At the end of the process I was given a
>>> Confirmation
>>> Number.
>>>
>>> So it seems that Microsoft is very aware of the recent problems that
>>> many
>>> people are having with Updates. Let's hope for a relatively easy fix.
>>>
>>> Alan