Windows update finally ran! - unable to update DirectX

Windows update normally runs fine for me - Just shut down ZoneAlarm Pro and
it works without problem. This month was different. After shutting down ZAP,
it refused to budge. Windows update site loaded OK and seemed to take the
normal amount of time to check through then PC to see what was required then
it came to a full-stop. After much fiddling with security setting,
including return to default, it finally did what it should and I'm now
downloading updates. HOWEVER:



I also tried to update DirectX from the DirectX download page. The Explorer
information bar on the page showed: "Your security settings do not allow web
sites to use ActiveX controls installed on your computer. This page may not
display correctly. Click for options." Clicking the "Click here for
options" produced only help "Understanding the Internet Explorer
Information bar".



Back to the page, when I clicked [Continue], a security alert popped up:
"Your current security settings do not allow you to send HTML forms." Time
to test WGA, I thought. So, I clicked the 'genuine Microsoft Windows'
hyperlink. On this page, I clicked the [Validate Now] button . nothing
resulted.



I presume something about WGA is not working. Any clues where I might track
the problem?





Steve

(My mind's not on my work at all
When I'm cleanin' windows - George Formby)