Windows XP Microsoft Update web page continuous reload loop

Question

So I go to update.microsoft.com. Run the ActiveX, and then the page loads, and says Done on the status bar. However, nothing happens. Windows updater does not run on the page. I have isntalled the latest MS Update agent. Tried it in IE 7 and 8, and cannot get Win to update.

Answer 1

You need to use http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ at first; after that, you can use the updater that's installed on your operating system by visiting that link. Please note that Windows XP no longer updates through a website, but rather on your computer in the control panel.

Answer 2

This error was in my WindowsUpdate.log file, suggesting that the Windows Update web component was out of date:

FATAL: Update required for C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuweb.dll: target version = 7.2.6001.788, required version = 7.6.7600.256

The other methods suggested didn't work for me, but running the fixit tool from MS support did: http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9767096

You can also go to: http://support2.microsoft.com/fixit/

Answer 3

Tom, that's not true for Windows XP.

The only workaround I've found that works consistently is to use the French update site to reinstall a working version of Microsoft Update. http://www.update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=fr (Then you can reload update.microsoft.com normally)