Windows Update for XP SP1

I just reformatted my hard drive on my desktop computer. I am trying to
download SP2 but that requires that I download all the current updates. But
when I go to
http://update.microsoft.com/microsof....aspx?ln=en-us (the MS
update home page) and click the "Express" download button it goes to Checking
for the latest updates for your computer and the green bar goes back and
forth. It's checks for hours!!! It checked all night and nothing else will
pop up. I can not download any updates at all.

Ignore the title:

Updates are not installed successfully from Windows Update, from Microsoft
Update, or by using Automatic Updates after you repair a Windows XP
installation
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144
--
~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/


Josh wrote:
> I just reformatted my hard drive on my desktop computer. I am trying to
> download SP2 but that requires that I download all the current updates.
> But
> when I go to
> http://update.microsoft.com/microsof....aspx?ln=en-us (the
> MS
> update home page) and click the "Express" download button it goes to
> Checking for the latest updates for your computer and the green bar goes
> back and forth. It's checks for hours!!! It checked all night and nothing
> else will pop up. I can not download any updates at all.

This issue can be caused by the following factors:

1. The Windows Update service has been stopped.
2. Corrupted Windows Update Temporary folder.
3. Incorrect Internet connection settings.

We will address some of the more common causes of this issue. It is
important that we attempt to connect to the Windows Update web site after
each step to confirm whether the resolution has worked. This will prevent us
from having to proceed with additional troubleshooting steps and provide us
with valuable feedback to further develop our support resolutions for you and
our future customers. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

NOTE: Some third party programs can also affect the Windows Update service.
If you are running any third party applications such as Spyblocker, Internet
or web accelerators (programs designed to boost the speed of the Internet
connection), security or anti-virus programs (Norton, McAfee, etc.), I
recommend we temporarily disable or shut them down and then try accessing the
Windows Update site later. Please be sure to enable them again after
completing the update process.

Step 1: Verify the relevant Windows Update services
=======================================
1. Click "Start", click "Run", type "services.msc" (without quotation marks)
in the open box and click "OK".
2. Double click the service "Background Intelligent Transfer Service".
3. Click on the "General" tab; make sure the "Startup Type" is "Automatic"
or "Manual". Then please click the "Start" button under "Service Status" to
start the service.

4. Please repeat the above steps with another service:

Automatic Updates

You can also temporarily stop these services, restart the computer, and then
start these services again. If one of the two services is missing, please let
me know.

Let’s now try Windows Update again and see if the issue has been resolved.
Please let us know if this step has resolved your issue. If it has not lets
proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Rename the Windows Update Softwaredistribution folder
================================================
One possible cause is that the temporary folder for Windows Update contains
corrupted files. This step will help us clear the Windows Update Temporary
folder “SoftwareDistribution�, which contains Windows Update History data
(DataStore.edb file), downloaded updates’ installation files, and other
Windows Update components' files. After renaming this folder, it will be
re-created automatically with most files, except the Windows Update History
data and downloaded updates’ installation files.

1. Click "Start", "Run", type: "cmd" (without quotations) and press "Enter".
Please run the following command in the open window.

Net stop WuAuServ

2. Click "Start", "Run", type: "%windir%" (without quotations) and press
"Enter".
3. In the opened folder, rename the folder SoftwareDistribution to Sdold.
4. Click "Start", "Run", type: "cmd" (without quotations) and press "Enter".
Please run the following command in the open window.

Net start WuAuServ

Note: After resolving this Windows Update issue, please feel free to delete
the Sdold file. However, if you would like to keep the Windows Update History
data, please copy the DataStore.edb file under C:\Windows\Sdold\DataStore,
and paste it to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore.

Let’s now try Windows Update again and see if the issue has been resolved.
Please let us know if this step has resolved your issue. If it has not lets
proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Rename CatRoot2 folder
========================
1. Click "Start", "Run", type: "notepad C:\remove.bat" (without quotations)
and press Enter. Choose "Yes" when you are prompted.
2. Copy the following commands and then paste them into the opened Notepad
window.

net stop CryptSvc
ren %windir%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start CryptSvc

3. After you paste the above commands, please close the "Notepad" window.
Choose "Yes" when you are prompted to save the file.
4. Click "Start", "Run", type: "C:\remove.bat" (without quotations) and
press "Enter" to run the commands that were pasted.