Windows Update does not work - help!!!

Hi, I have just built my first PC. When I try to go to the Windows Update
website, internet explorer freezes and I have to close it down. The same
happens when I go to Help & Support Center to update Windows. I really need
to install the critical updates as I only have XP Pro w/ SP1. Everything else
works absolutely fine, the problem is only with Windows Update. The same
thing also happens when I try to access Automatic Updates from Control Panel
- the window freezes, but I can carry on with other things, just the
Automatic Updates window freezes. Does anyone have any ideas about what it
could be??? I am using Netgear DG834G wireless router to access internet,
Netgear USB wireless adapter, and my antivirus is F Secure Internet Security
2005 - could the antivirus be something to do with it???
Many thanks for any help

Hi Bigweed,

Try accessing Windows Update after disabling your AV program. If you still
have problems, then ensure that Automatic Updates service and Background
Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) are set to Automatic for Startup type,
and that the Service status is Started:

Go to Start>Run and key in:
services.msc
Click on OK or hit ENTER

In the Services window, double-click on Automatic Updates. If the Startup
type is not Automatic, use the drop-down picklist to select it. If the
Service status is Stopped, click on the Start button. Click on Apply then
OK.
Double-click on Background Intelligent Transfer Service. If the Startup type
is not Automatic, use the drop-down picklist to select it. If the Service
status is Stopped, click on the Start button. Click on Apply then OK.

Restart your computer, then try accessing Windows Update.

If you receive any error messages when attempting to Start either of those
services, or when you try accessing Windows Update after the restart, please
post the error message and number.



Regards,

--
Patti MacLeod
Microsoft MVP - Windows Shell/User

"Bigweed" <> wrote in message
news:65DEA810-D3A0-428B-8528-...
> Hi, I have just built my first PC. When I try to go to the Windows Update
> website, internet explorer freezes and I have to close it down. The same
> happens when I go to Help & Support Center to update Windows. I really
need
> to install the critical updates as I only have XP Pro w/ SP1. Everything
else
> works absolutely fine, the problem is only with Windows Update. The same
> thing also happens when I try to access Automatic Updates from Control
Panel
> - the window freezes, but I can carry on with other things, just the
> Automatic Updates window freezes. Does anyone have any ideas about what it
> could be??? I am using Netgear DG834G wireless router to access internet,
> Netgear USB wireless adapter, and my antivirus is F Secure Internet
Security
> 2005 - could the antivirus be something to do with it???
> Many thanks for any help