Re: Vista IE-7 Strange Behavior

[Crossposted to Windows Update newsgroup]

Just a question, not a recommendation or suggestion: Is Vista SP1 installed?

What anti-spyware applications (other than Defender) are installed (e.g.,
Spybot; Ad-Aware; Spyware Doctor)?

What third-party firewall is installed (if any)? Is Microsoft ISA Firewall
Client in use?...

Windows Vista Help: Windows Update error 8024402C:
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Win...504611033.mspx

You may receive a "0x8024402C" error message when you scan for updates on
the Windows Update Web site:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/900936
--
~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/


Harry Sherman wrote:
> Running Vista HP . Following 2 problems surfaced sometime around 18-20
> April.
>
> 1. On any site that requires a sign-on, after I click Sign-In icon, the
> "IE
> cannot display this website" page appears instantly. (Varied sites
> including Amazon, US Mint, and Vista TechNet Forums). It appeared that
> this
> was probably a security or IE add-on problem, so I tried disabling
> add-ons,
> turning off UAC, Defender, and Avast anti-virus. Nothing changed and the
> problem remains.
>
>
> 2. Problems with Windows Update. (I have it set to auto) Last updates
> were:
>
> 4/18 Defender definitions (1.31.8982.0) Successful
> 4/23 Defender definitions (1.31.9142.0) Failed with error code
> 8024402C
> 4/27 Realtek AC97 Audio Update Successful
>
> When I check for updates, I get the red box stating "Windows could not
> search for new updates" and giving error code 80090305. Can't find this
> error code anywhere; it is not shown in Help error code listings..
>
> It seems that these problems are somehow linked since they appeared at the
> same time, but
> for the life of me I can't see the connection or cause. Would appreciate
> any advice.

Sorry about the posting to wrong newsgroup; somehow I missed subscribing to
Update newsgroup and was unaware it existed.

In answer to questions from PA Bear: The problem may be related to SP-1.
It is shown on WU as an available update. I had forgotten that I did start
a download of SP-1 but cancelled it since after 10 minutes it showed only 1%
complete and I figured it would take over 12 hours on my dialup connection
(56K). And the problems did start shortly after that. Any suggestions?

Have no other firewall or spyware apps installed.

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" <> wrote in message
news:...
> [Crossposted to Windows Update newsgroup]
>
> Just a question, not a recommendation or suggestion: Is Vista SP1
> installed?
>
> What anti-spyware applications (other than Defender) are installed (e.g.,
> Spybot; Ad-Aware; Spyware Doctor)?
>
> What third-party firewall is installed (if any)? Is Microsoft ISA
> Firewall Client in use?...
>
> Windows Vista Help: Windows Update error 8024402C:
> http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Win...504611033.mspx
>
> You may receive a "0x8024402C" error message when you scan for updates on
> the Windows Update Web site:
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/900936
> --
> ~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/
>
>
> Harry Sherman wrote:
>> Running Vista HP . Following 2 problems surfaced sometime around 18-20
>> April.
>>
>> 1. On any site that requires a sign-on, after I click Sign-In icon, the
>> "IE
>> cannot display this website" page appears instantly. (Varied sites
>> including Amazon, US Mint, and Vista TechNet Forums). It appeared that
>> this
>> was probably a security or IE add-on problem, so I tried disabling
>> add-ons,
>> turning off UAC, Defender, and Avast anti-virus. Nothing changed and
>> the
>> problem remains.
>>
>>
>> 2. Problems with Windows Update. (I have it set to auto) Last updates
>> were:
>>
>> 4/18 Defender definitions (1.31.8982.0) Successful
>> 4/23 Defender definitions (1.31.9142.0) Failed with error code
>> 8024402C
>> 4/27 Realtek AC97 Audio Update Successful
>>
>> When I check for updates, I get the red box stating "Windows could not
>> search for new updates" and giving error code 80090305. Can't find this
>> error code anywhere; it is not shown in Help error code listings..
>>
>> It seems that these problems are somehow linked since they appeared at
>> the
>> same time, but
>> for the life of me I can't see the connection or cause. Would appreciate
>> any advice.
>

> Sorry about the posting to wrong newsgroup; somehow I missed subscribing
> to
> Update newsgroup and was unaware it existed.

Don't worry about it. As long as you reply to my posts, everything will be
crossposted to both newsgroups automatically [1].

I suspect that if we can resolve your Windows Update problems, we'll also
resolve the "sign-in" problem in IE.

Since you mention that you're on dial-up, let me ask you this: Have you
installed any software from your ISP (westel.com) and does this software
include a "web accelerator" [2] (e.g., PROPEL, AKA PropelAC.EXE; typically
located in C:\PROGRAM FILES\Westel\PropelAC.exe)?

If not, is there any chance that another "web accelerator" might be
installed (e.g., Google Web Accelerator)?

=======================
[1] If you accessed this and other MS newsgroups in Windows Mail newsreader
using the free MS newsserver instead of the one provided by your ISP, the
Windows Update newsgroup might be available to you. No passwords or
subscriptions; posts appear within seconds and are archived on the
newsserver for a minimum of 90 days.

Setting up Windows Mail (Vista) to access Microsoft newsgroups
http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/mi...-windows-mail/

[2] What's a "web accelerator"? See
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_accelerator
--
~PA Bear


Harry Sherman wrote:
> Sorry about the posting to wrong newsgroup; somehow I missed subscribing
> to
> Update newsgroup and was unaware it existed.
>
> In answer to questions from PA Bear: The problem may be related to SP-1.
> It is shown on WU as an available update. I had forgotten that I did
> start
> a download of SP-1 but cancelled it since after 10 minutes it showed only
> 1%
> complete and I figured it would take over 12 hours on my dialup connection
> (56K). And the problems did start shortly after that. Any suggestions?
>
> Have no other firewall or spyware apps installed.
>
> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" <> wrote in message
> news:...
>> [Crossposted to Windows Update newsgroup]
>>
>> Just a question, not a recommendation or suggestion: Is Vista SP1
>> installed?
>>
>> What anti-spyware applications (other than Defender) are installed (e.g.,
>> Spybot; Ad-Aware; Spyware Doctor)?
>>
>> What third-party firewall is installed (if any)? Is Microsoft ISA
>> Firewall Client in use?...
>>
>> Windows Vista Help: Windows Update error 8024402C:
>> http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Win...504611033.mspx
>>
>> You may receive a "0x8024402C" error message when you scan for updates on
>> the Windows Update Web site:
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/900936
>> --
>> ~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/
>>
>>
>> Harry Sherman wrote:
>>> Running Vista HP . Following 2 problems surfaced sometime around 18-20
>>> April.
>>>
>>> 1. On any site that requires a sign-on, after I click Sign-In icon, the
>>> "IE
>>> cannot display this website" page appears instantly. (Varied sites
>>> including Amazon, US Mint, and Vista TechNet Forums). It appeared that
>>> this
>>> was probably a security or IE add-on problem, so I tried disabling
>>> add-ons,
>>> turning off UAC, Defender, and Avast anti-virus. Nothing changed and
>>> the
>>> problem remains.
>>>
>>>
>>> 2. Problems with Windows Update. (I have it set to auto) Last updates
>>> were:
>>>
>>> 4/18 Defender definitions (1.31.8982.0) Successful
>>> 4/23 Defender definitions (1.31.9142.0) Failed with error code
>>> 8024402C
>>> 4/27 Realtek AC97 Audio Update Successful
>>>
>>> When I check for updates, I get the red box stating "Windows could not
>>> search for new updates" and giving error code 80090305. Can't find this
>>> error code anywhere; it is not shown in Help error code listings..
>>>
>>> It seems that these problems are somehow linked since they appeared at
>>> the
>>> same time, but
>>> for the life of me I can't see the connection or cause. Would
>>> appreciate
>>> any advice.

No, I don't have any web accelerators installed.

Windows Update newsgroup is available from my ISP...I just overlooked it
when subscribing to Vista newsgroups. It's OK now.

In the past when faced with large downloads, I just let the auto update take
care of it by downloading in the background when I was connected, and when
the download was complete (sometimes several days!) WU would notify me and I
would install it. Is SP-1 different in this respect? If it requires an
uninterrupted download, I may have caused the problem by stopping the
download. What's your take on this?

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" <> wrote in message
news:...
>> Sorry about the posting to wrong newsgroup; somehow I missed subscribing
>> to
>> Update newsgroup and was unaware it existed.
>
> Don't worry about it. As long as you reply to my posts, everything will
> be crossposted to both newsgroups automatically [1].
>
> I suspect that if we can resolve your Windows Update problems, we'll also
> resolve the "sign-in" problem in IE.
>
> Since you mention that you're on dial-up, let me ask you this: Have you
> installed any software from your ISP (westel.com) and does this software
> include a "web accelerator" [2] (e.g., PROPEL, AKA PropelAC.EXE; typically
> located in C:\PROGRAM FILES\Westel\PropelAC.exe)?
>
> If not, is there any chance that another "web accelerator" might be
> installed (e.g., Google Web Accelerator)?
>
> =======================
> [1] If you accessed this and other MS newsgroups in Windows Mail
> newsreader using the free MS newsserver instead of the one provided by
> your ISP, the Windows Update newsgroup might be available to you. No
> passwords or subscriptions; posts appear within seconds and are archived
> on the newsserver for a minimum of 90 days.
>
> Setting up Windows Mail (Vista) to access Microsoft newsgroups
> http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/mi...-windows-mail/
>
> [2] What's a "web accelerator"? See
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_accelerator
> --
> ~PA Bear
>
>
> Harry Sherman wrote:
>> Sorry about the posting to wrong newsgroup; somehow I missed subscribing
>> to
>> Update newsgroup and was unaware it existed.
>>
>> In answer to questions from PA Bear: The problem may be related to SP-1.
>> It is shown on WU as an available update. I had forgotten that I did
>> start
>> a download of SP-1 but cancelled it since after 10 minutes it showed only
>> 1%
>> complete and I figured it would take over 12 hours on my dialup
>> connection
>> (56K). And the problems did start shortly after that. Any suggestions?
>>
>> Have no other firewall or spyware apps installed.
>>
>> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" <> wrote in message
>> news:...
>>> [Crossposted to Windows Update newsgroup]
>>>
>>> Just a question, not a recommendation or suggestion: Is Vista SP1
>>> installed?
>>>
>>> What anti-spyware applications (other than Defender) are installed
>>> (e.g.,
>>> Spybot; Ad-Aware; Spyware Doctor)?
>>>
>>> What third-party firewall is installed (if any)? Is Microsoft ISA
>>> Firewall Client in use?...
>>>
>>> Windows Vista Help: Windows Update error 8024402C:
>>> http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Win...504611033.mspx
>>>
>>> You may receive a "0x8024402C" error message when you scan for updates
>>> on
>>> the Windows Update Web site:
>>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/900936
>>> --
>>> ~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/
>>>
>>>
>>> Harry Sherman wrote:
>>>> Running Vista HP . Following 2 problems surfaced sometime around 18-20
>>>> April.
>>>>
>>>> 1. On any site that requires a sign-on, after I click Sign-In icon,
>>>> the
>>>> "IE
>>>> cannot display this website" page appears instantly. (Varied sites
>>>> including Amazon, US Mint, and Vista TechNet Forums). It appeared that
>>>> this
>>>> was probably a security or IE add-on problem, so I tried disabling
>>>> add-ons,
>>>> turning off UAC, Defender, and Avast anti-virus. Nothing changed and
>>>> the
>>>> problem remains.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> 2. Problems with Windows Update. (I have it set to auto) Last updates
>>>> were:
>>>>
>>>> 4/18 Defender definitions (1.31.8982.0) Successful
>>>> 4/23 Defender definitions (1.31.9142.0) Failed with error code
>>>> 8024402C
>>>> 4/27 Realtek AC97 Audio Update Successful
>>>>
>>>> When I check for updates, I get the red box stating "Windows could not
>>>> search for new updates" and giving error code 80090305. Can't find
>>>> this
>>>> error code anywhere; it is not shown in Help error code listings..
>>>>
>>>> It seems that these problems are somehow linked since they appeared at
>>>> the
>>>> same time, but
>>>> for the life of me I can't see the connection or cause. Would
>>>> appreciate
>>>> any advice.
>

Harry, was a Norton or McAfee application ever installed on the machine?

==================

I'd recommend getting the Vista SP1 installation squared away first, Harry.
Your best bet IMHO would be to avail yourself of the free support option:

Unlimited installation and compatibility support for Vista SP1 is available
at no charge through 18 Mar-09
• US:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...4&gprid=500921

• CA:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...4&gprid=500921

• Other: http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx | select Windows
Vista | select Windows Vista Service Pack 1
--
~PA Bear


Harry Sherman wrote:
> No, I don't have any web accelerators installed.
>
> Windows Update newsgroup is available from my ISP...I just overlooked it
> when subscribing to Vista newsgroups. It's OK now.
>
> In the past when faced with large downloads, I just let the auto update
> take
> care of it by downloading in the background when I was connected, and when
> the download was complete (sometimes several days!) WU would notify me and
> I
> would install it. Is SP-1 different in this respect? If it requires an
> uninterrupted download, I may have caused the problem by stopping the
> download. What's your take on this?
>
> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" <> wrote in message
> news:...
>>> Sorry about the posting to wrong newsgroup; somehow I missed subscribing
>>> to
>>> Update newsgroup and was unaware it existed.
>>
>> Don't worry about it. As long as you reply to my posts, everything will
>> be crossposted to both newsgroups automatically [1].
>>
>> I suspect that if we can resolve your Windows Update problems, we'll also
>> resolve the "sign-in" problem in IE.
>>
>> Since you mention that you're on dial-up, let me ask you this: Have you
>> installed any software from your ISP (westel.com) and does this software
>> include a "web accelerator" [2] (e.g., PROPEL, AKA PropelAC.EXE;
>> typically
>> located in C:\PROGRAM FILES\Westel\PropelAC.exe)?
>>
>> If not, is there any chance that another "web accelerator" might be
>> installed (e.g., Google Web Accelerator)?
>>
>> =======================
>> [1] If you accessed this and other MS newsgroups in Windows Mail
>> newsreader using the free MS newsserver instead of the one provided by
>> your ISP, the Windows Update newsgroup might be available to you. No
>> passwords or subscriptions; posts appear within seconds and are archived
>> on the newsserver for a minimum of 90 days.
>>
>> Setting up Windows Mail (Vista) to access Microsoft newsgroups
>> http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/mi...-windows-mail/
>>
>> [2] What's a "web accelerator"? See
>> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_accelerator
>> --
>> ~PA Bear
>>
>>
>> Harry Sherman wrote:
>>> Sorry about the posting to wrong newsgroup; somehow I missed subscribing
>>> to
>>> Update newsgroup and was unaware it existed.
>>>
>>> In answer to questions from PA Bear: The problem may be related to
>>> SP-1.
>>> It is shown on WU as an available update. I had forgotten that I did
>>> start
>>> a download of SP-1 but cancelled it since after 10 minutes it showed
>>> only
>>> 1%
>>> complete and I figured it would take over 12 hours on my dialup
>>> connection
>>> (56K). And the problems did start shortly after that. Any suggestions?
>>>
>>> Have no other firewall or spyware apps installed.
>>>
>>> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" <> wrote in message
>>> news:...
>>>> [Crossposted to Windows Update newsgroup]
>>>>
>>>> Just a question, not a recommendation or suggestion: Is Vista SP1
>>>> installed?
>>>>
>>>> What anti-spyware applications (other than Defender) are installed
>>>> (e.g.,
>>>> Spybot; Ad-Aware; Spyware Doctor)?
>>>>
>>>> What third-party firewall is installed (if any)? Is Microsoft ISA
>>>> Firewall Client in use?...
>>>>
>>>> Windows Vista Help: Windows Update error 8024402C:
>>>> http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Win...504611033.mspx
>>>>
>>>> You may receive a "0x8024402C" error message when you scan for updates
>>>> on
>>>> the Windows Update Web site:
>>>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/900936
>>>> --
>>>> ~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/
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Harry Sherman wrote:
>>>>> Running Vista HP . Following 2 problems surfaced sometime around
>>>>> 18-20
>>>>> April.
>>>>>
>>>>> 1. On any site that requires a sign-on, after I click Sign-In icon,
>>>>> the
>>>>> "IE
>>>>> cannot display this website" page appears instantly. (Varied sites
>>>>> including Amazon, US Mint, and Vista TechNet Forums). It appeared that
>>>>> this
>>>>> was probably a security or IE add-on problem, so I tried disabling
>>>>> add-ons,
>>>>> turning off UAC, Defender, and Avast anti-virus. Nothing changed and
>>>>> the
>>>>> problem remains.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 2. Problems with Windows Update. (I have it set to auto) Last
>>>>> updates
>>>>> were:
>>>>>
>>>>> 4/18 Defender definitions (1.31.8982.0) Successful
>>>>> 4/23 Defender definitions (1.31.9142.0) Failed with error code
>>>>> 8024402C
>>>>> 4/27 Realtek AC97 Audio Update Successful
>>>>>
>>>>> When I check for updates, I get the red box stating "Windows could not
>>>>> search for new updates" and giving error code 80090305. Can't find
>>>>> this
>>>>> error code anywhere; it is not shown in Help error code listings..
>>>>>
>>>>> It seems that these problems are somehow linked since they appeared at
>>>>> the
>>>>> same time, but
>>>>> for the life of me I can't see the connection or cause. Would
>>>>> appreciate
>>>>> any advice.

OK, I followed your advice and called MS for the free SP-1 tech help.
After going through the basic troubleshooting steps, the tech rep also
concluded it must be some problem with my cancellation of the SP-1 download.
She then suggested a system restore in safe mode (I had already tried system
restore in normal mode twice and it failed both times). We did this,
restoring system to the day of last successful update. This solved
both problems. I can now check for updates, and can access secure sites for
logins.
Thanks much for your time and advice

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" <> wrote in message
news:OoYN%...
> Harry, was a Norton or McAfee application ever installed on the machine?
>
> ==================
>
> I'd recommend getting the Vista SP1 installation squared away first,
> Harry. Your best bet IMHO would be to avail yourself of the free support
> option:
>
> Unlimited installation and compatibility support for Vista SP1 is
> available at no charge through 18 Mar-09
> • US:
> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...4&gprid=500921
>
> • CA:
> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...4&gprid=500921
>
> • Other: http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx | select Windows
> Vista | select Windows Vista Service Pack 1
> --
> ~PA Bear
>
>
> Harry Sherman wrote:
>> No, I don't have any web accelerators installed.
>>
>> Windows Update newsgroup is available from my ISP...I just overlooked it
>> when subscribing to Vista newsgroups. It's OK now.
>>
>> In the past when faced with large downloads, I just let the auto update
>> take
>> care of it by downloading in the background when I was connected, and
>> when
>> the download was complete (sometimes several days!) WU would notify me
>> and I
>> would install it. Is SP-1 different in this respect? If it requires an
>> uninterrupted download, I may have caused the problem by stopping the
>> download. What's your take on this?
>>
>> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" <> wrote in message
>> news:...
>>>> Sorry about the posting to wrong newsgroup; somehow I missed
>>>> subscribing
>>>> to
>>>> Update newsgroup and was unaware it existed.
>>>
>>> Don't worry about it. As long as you reply to my posts, everything will
>>> be crossposted to both newsgroups automatically [1].
>>>
>>> I suspect that if we can resolve your Windows Update problems, we'll
>>> also
>>> resolve the "sign-in" problem in IE.
>>>
>>> Since you mention that you're on dial-up, let me ask you this: Have you
>>> installed any software from your ISP (westel.com) and does this software
>>> include a "web accelerator" [2] (e.g., PROPEL, AKA PropelAC.EXE;
>>> typically
>>> located in C:\PROGRAM FILES\Westel\PropelAC.exe)?
>>>
>>> If not, is there any chance that another "web accelerator" might be
>>> installed (e.g., Google Web Accelerator)?
>>>
>>> =======================
>>> [1] If you accessed this and other MS newsgroups in Windows Mail
>>> newsreader using the free MS newsserver instead of the one provided by
>>> your ISP, the Windows Update newsgroup might be available to you. No
>>> passwords or subscriptions; posts appear within seconds and are archived
>>> on the newsserver for a minimum of 90 days.
>>>
>>> Setting up Windows Mail (Vista) to access Microsoft newsgroups
>>> http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/mi...-windows-mail/
>>>
>>> [2] What's a "web accelerator"? See
>>> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_accelerator
>>> --
>>> ~PA Bear
>>>
>>>
>>> Harry Sherman wrote:
>>>> Sorry about the posting to wrong newsgroup; somehow I missed
>>>> subscribing
>>>> to
>>>> Update newsgroup and was unaware it existed.
>>>>
>>>> In answer to questions from PA Bear: The problem may be related to
>>>> SP-1.
>>>> It is shown on WU as an available update. I had forgotten that I did
>>>> start
>>>> a download of SP-1 but cancelled it since after 10 minutes it showed
>>>> only
>>>> 1%
>>>> complete and I figured it would take over 12 hours on my dialup
>>>> connection
>>>> (56K). And the problems did start shortly after that. Any
>>>> suggestions?
>>>>
>>>> Have no other firewall or spyware apps installed.
>>>>
>>>> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" <> wrote in message
>>>> news:...
>>>>> [Crossposted to Windows Update newsgroup]
>>>>>
>>>>> Just a question, not a recommendation or suggestion: Is Vista SP1
>>>>> installed?
>>>>>
>>>>> What anti-spyware applications (other than Defender) are installed
>>>>> (e.g.,
>>>>> Spybot; Ad-Aware; Spyware Doctor)?
>>>>>
>>>>> What third-party firewall is installed (if any)? Is Microsoft ISA
>>>>> Firewall Client in use?...
>>>>>
>>>>> Windows Vista Help: Windows Update error 8024402C:
>>>>> http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Win...504611033.mspx
>>>>>
>>>>> You may receive a "0x8024402C" error message when you scan for updates
>>>>> on
>>>>> the Windows Update Web site:
>>>>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/900936
>>>>> --
>>>>> ~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/
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Harry Sherman wrote:
>>>>>> Running Vista HP . Following 2 problems surfaced sometime around
>>>>>> 18-20
>>>>>> April.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 1. On any site that requires a sign-on, after I click Sign-In icon,
>>>>>> the
>>>>>> "IE
>>>>>> cannot display this website" page appears instantly. (Varied sites
>>>>>> including Amazon, US Mint, and Vista TechNet Forums). It appeared
>>>>>> that
>>>>>> this
>>>>>> was probably a security or IE add-on problem, so I tried disabling
>>>>>> add-ons,
>>>>>> turning off UAC, Defender, and Avast anti-virus. Nothing changed
>>>>>> and
>>>>>> the
>>>>>> problem remains.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 2. Problems with Windows Update. (I have it set to auto) Last
>>>>>> updates
>>>>>> were:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 4/18 Defender definitions (1.31.8982.0) Successful
>>>>>> 4/23 Defender definitions (1.31.9142.0) Failed with error code
>>>>>> 8024402C
>>>>>> 4/27 Realtek AC97 Audio Update Successful
>>>>>>
>>>>>> When I check for updates, I get the red box stating "Windows could
>>>>>> not
>>>>>> search for new updates" and giving error code 80090305. Can't find
>>>>>> this
>>>>>> error code anywhere; it is not shown in Help error code listings..
>>>>>>
>>>>>> It seems that these problems are somehow linked since they appeared
>>>>>> at
>>>>>> the
>>>>>> same time, but
>>>>>> for the life of me I can't see the connection or cause. Would
>>>>>> appreciate
>>>>>> any advice.
>

Excellent news & thanks very much for your feedback, Harry. You're most
welcome.
--
~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/

Harry Sherman wrote:
> OK, I followed your advice and called MS for the free SP-1 tech help.
> After going through the basic troubleshooting steps, the tech rep also
> concluded it must be some problem with my cancellation of the SP-1
> download.
> She then suggested a system restore in safe mode (I had already tried
> system
> restore in normal mode twice and it failed both times). We did this,
> restoring system to the day of last successful update. This solved
> both problems. I can now check for updates, and can access secure sites
> for
> logins.
> Thanks much for your time and advice
<snip>

Thread history:
http://groups.google.com/group/micro...c351ca949c82ef