Can't turn on automatic updates

[fn]

On my coworker's work computer with XP Pro, software updates cannot be
turned on. The entire automatic updates window is greyed out and next to
the "earth and windows icon" is a statement something like "the software
update service is unavailable." Any idea how to fix this? The computer had
several viruses, since cleaned out, and a security profile. We are using an
administrator account now but still can't turn on software update.

Thanks.

--
FN

[Mark Salloway]

Hi fn
Go to start > run and type services.msc
In the service list find 'Automatic Updates' and double click on it. Ensure
the start-up type for this service is set to automatic, if the service is
currently stopped click on the start button in this windows.

Hope that helps you

--
Mark

"fn" > wrote in message
.. .
> On my coworker's work computer with XP Pro, software updates cannot be
> turned on. The entire automatic updates window is greyed out and next to
> the "earth and windows icon" is a statement something like "the software
> update service is unavailable." Any idea how to fix this? The computer had
> several viruses, since cleaned out, and a security profile. We are using
an
> administrator account now but still can't turn on software update.
>
> Thanks.
>
> --
> FN
>

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

Some of the following might help:
The following assumes you have an actual XP CD as opposed to a restore
CD or restore partition supplied by your PC manufacturer.

Go to Start, type sfc /scannow in the run box and press enter. Note,
there is a space between sfc and the forward slash. You will be asked
for your XP CD. Be aware, upon inserting the CD the XP setup screen
may appear, this is not a part of sfc /scannow, rather it is being
invoked by autorun. Simply minimize the screen and allow sfc to
continue.

If the above fails to resolve the issue, try a repair install as
follows: Be sure you are well backed up in case there is a problem from
which you are unable to recover. NOTE, while a repair install should
leave your data files intact, if something goes wrong during the repair
install, you may be forced to start over and do a clean install of XP.
If you don't have your data backed up, you would lose your data should
that eventuality occur.

Boot from the CD. If your system is set to be able to boot from the
CD, it should detect the disk and give a brief message, during the boot
up, if you wish to boot from the CD press any key.

Once you have pressed a key, setup should begin. You will see a
reference asking if you need to load special drivers and another notice
that if you wish to begin the ASR (Automatic Recovery Console) depress
F2. Just let setup run past all of that. It will continue to load
files and drivers.

Then it will bring you to a screen. Eventually, you will come to a
screen with the option to (1) setup Windows or (2) Repair Windows
Installation using the Recovery console.

The first option, to setup Windows is the one you want and requires you
to press enter. When asked, press F8 to accept the end user agreement.
Setup will then search for previous versions of Windows. Upon finding
your version, it will ask if you wish to Repair your current
installation or install fresh. Press R, that will run a repair
installation. From there on, follow the screens.
--
Michael Solomon MS-MVP
Windows Shell/User
Backup is a PC User's Best Friend
DTS-L.Org: http://www.dts-l.org/


fn wrote:
> On my coworker's work computer with XP Pro, software updates cannot be
> turned on. The entire automatic updates window is greyed out and next
> to the "earth and windows icon" is a statement something like "the
> software update service is unavailable." Any idea how to fix this?
> The computer had several viruses, since cleaned out, and a security
> profile. We are using an administrator account now but still can't
> turn on software update.
>
> Thanks.

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

Yup, try Mark's thingy first, if that doesn't resolve it, then move on to my
post.

--
Michael Solomon MS-MVP
Windows Shell/User
Backup is a PC User's Best Friend
DTS-L.Org: http://www.dts-l.org/


Mark Salloway wrote:
> Hi fn
> Go to start > run and type services.msc
> In the service list find 'Automatic Updates' and double click on it.
> Ensure the start-up type for this service is set to automatic, if the
> service is currently stopped click on the start button in this
> windows.
>
> Hope that helps you
>
>
> "fn" > wrote in message
> .. .
> > On my coworker's work computer with XP Pro, software updates cannot
> > be turned on. The entire automatic updates window is greyed out and
> > next to the "earth and windows icon" is a statement something like
> > "the software update service is unavailable." Any idea how to fix
> > this? The computer had several viruses, since cleaned out, and a
> > security profile. We are using an administrator account now but
> > still can't turn on software update.
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> > --
> > FN