unable to update winXP - error 0x80096004

I'm using Windows XP SP3 professional and am unable to access the
microsoft update page. I get the error message(not in the help and
support page) :-


"[Error number: 0x80096004]
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. "


--
Thanks,
Steve O.

Is this a sudden, new problem or an ongoing one? Did you just reinstall
WinXP for some reason?

0x80096004 = TRUST_E_CERT_SIGNATURE
The signature of the certificate cannot be verified.

You receive a "Windows Update has encountered an error and cannot display
the requested page" error message when you try to install an update [ignore
the cited error number]
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=883614

Error message when you try to install updates from the Windows Update Web
site on a Windows XP-based computer: "Windows Update has encountered an
error and cannot display the requested page" [ditto]
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/914226

Tip: IE Tools | Internet Options | Security | Trusted Sites | Sites: Add
MICROSOFT.COM to Trusted Sites zone.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

steve oates wrote:
> I'm using Windows XP SP3 professional and am unable to access the
> microsoft update page. I get the error message(not in the help and
> support page) :-
>
>
> "[Error number: 0x80096004]
> 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. "

PA Bear [MS MVP] wrote:
> Is this a sudden, new problem or an ongoing one? Did you just reinstall
> WinXP for some reason?
>
> 0x80096004 = TRUST_E_CERT_SIGNATURE
> The signature of the certificate cannot be verified.
>
> You receive a "Windows Update has encountered an error and cannot
> display the requested page" error message when you try to install an
> update [ignore the cited error number]
> http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=883614
>
> Error message when you try to install updates from the Windows Update
> Web site on a Windows XP-based computer: "Windows Update has encountered
> an error and cannot display the requested page" [ditto]
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/914226
>
> Tip: IE Tools | Internet Options | Security | Trusted Sites | Sites: Add
> MICROSOFT.COM to Trusted Sites zone.

I haven't re-installed XP - I noticed that I hadn't received any
automatic updates recently.
Also I've noticed that if I download any software from microsoft
downloads(eg defender, malicious software removal) I get the message
"The publisher could not be verified when I try and install"
"The file does not have a valid digital signature that verifies it's
publisher"
I'll try your suggestions.

--
Thanks,
Steve O.