Windows Update problem

Hi. For about a month, I've been reading about a critical update that Microsoft feels everyone running the Windows operating system should get. I clicked on Windows Update, indicated that I was running Windows 98SE, and was taken to the Microsoft Windows Update page. But each time I go to this page, I'm greeted by a header that says "Administrators Only." It goes on to say that "to install items from Windows Update, you must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group." It then speaks about what to do if I'm running Windows 2000 or XP, but I'm not running either. On the left hand side of the screen, there's an option to "Pick updates to install," but it's grayed out and can't be selected. I have no idea what's going on. I've tried repeatedly to get updates, but no matter how I arrive at the Windows Updates page, I'm greeted with the same statement for Administrators only, and I'm unable to proceed. I'd welcome any suggestions. As I said, I'm running Windows 98SE.

TIA.

Cybernut

 

This might help:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;q228548

 

Thanks, bluejay, but I don't get the messages they mention
about my system administrator having disabled Windows Update.
I'm almost 100% sure that my sys admin has not done this.

Cybernut

 

Try this link and see if it will let you in.

http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/catalog/en/default.asp

 

Hey cybernut...try this...

Windows Update Troubleshooter

 

dobhar

Great Link thanks =update trouble shooter

cybernut

Is issue resolved--problem fixed yet ?
there maybe a virus involved or adware bots trojans or a nasty
involved, any other SYMPTOMS

Have you done the basics-- Installed and run spybot and adaware
updated av and run it ?
I also use online av scans once weekly have you ?

Dont rule out articles if they dont seam to exactly fit, with symtoms and couses --read them carefully ,even if not sometimes the cure works anyway
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
" "CAUSE
You may receive one of these error messages if your Original Equipment Manufacturer has restricted access to the Windows Update Web site." "

Have you ever used windows update ?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lonny

 

Thanks Jayt36 for the link. I think the problem may be that when I go there, I get a Microsoft warning box that says "An ActiveX control on this page is not safe. Your current security settings prohibit running unsafe controls on this page. As a result, this page may not display as intended." When I click OK, I get switched to the "Log on as Administrator" page that started this thread.

And thanks, dobhar, but when I clicked on that "troubleshooter" link, I saw nothing in Opera 7. In Netscape 7, I was asked whether I wanted to download a file. Well, I don't think so.

Thanks, lonnyjones1, for the suggestions. Like you, I run Ad-aware and Spybot, update my Norton Anti-Virus files every week, and do weekly virus scans. I also run The Cleaner, an anti-trojan program. So I don't think there are baddies at work.

I'm not quite sure what to do now. Probably I'll just ignore the whole business. That's one of the many things I hate about Microsoft--trying to keep their VERY buggy software updated is a PITA. On those occasions when I've been foolish enough to try, I've found that what should take 5 minutes (and DOES take 5 minutes on any other software) winds up taking an hour or two or three. I never can just download one file. First I have to download another. Then reboot. Then download another. Then reboot. Then download another. Then....you get the idea. That's one reason I don't use Internet Explorer. But while I can live without IE, I'm not yet ready to give up Windows. It's not that I like Windows--I like all the little (and big) software programs that won't run on Mac or Linux. Yes, some will, but I'm not ready to give up the ones that won't.

Anyway, thanks to all of you for your help.

Cybernut

 

cybernut--I do not know if you will be treated any better at the Windows Update Catalog, but you can try
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;323166

 

cybernut

Just My opinion(limited) IE is the best browser, Yes some updates are buggy, but thats becouse they cant design for every posiblility and combination, most IE and windows updates address vulnerabilities, simply becouse windows and IE are the most tageted. on the other hand Im not paticulurly an MS fan.



we should always turn off any third party protection when updateing any program--espesialy norton av and anything else norton, goes for installing new sofware to.goes for disk protection systems to, and uninstalling things to.

and set winup as trusted, helps to
Go ther with IE copy the address manualy or into clip-board
tools > internet options > security tab highlight trusted click [sites] put address there and choose add, tick the box if not already to require server varifacation.

I don't remember you mentioning current version, so above instruct's maybe a little differant

Dont forget to turn back on, those utilities, or just reboot.

Windows update problems


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;qq193385
>>>>>>>>>
WINUP-Third-Party Products That Conflict with Windows Update

This article was previously published under Q241234
SYMPTOMS
When connecting to the Windows Update site (<http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com>) you experience errors accessing the Product Catalog or you have download and installation failures for the items listed in the Product Catalog.
RESOLUTION
The following utilities may need to be disabled or completely uninstalled before connecting to the Windows Update site. This list will be updated as more information becomes available. For instructions on how to disable or uninstall any of the utilities listed, please contact the manufacturer of the utility.
Anti Virus Software, Norton Anti-Virus, McAfee Anti Virus, PCCILLIN, Web Accelerators or Download Assistants, NetzipAt Guard IlexiaNetgo, Get Right, Internet Boost 99, Web Cellerator
Net Sonic Pro 2.0, Micrografx Flowcharter 7, Fast Net 99, Web Turbo Internet Boost 99, Web EarlyBonzi, BuddyMicro, SurferNo More Ads, Turbo Explorer
>>>>>>>>>>
If you have NetZIP installed on your computer and are attempting to access the Windows Update Web site, you may be unable to view Web pages or download components.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;195437
>>>>>>>>
Errors Using Windows Update Through a Proxy Server or Firewall
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;241783
>>>>>>>>>>>
Regards
Lonny

 

Thanks, Lonny, for your advice. I agree with almost all of it, and already do most of what you've suggested. The one place where I disagree concerns which browser is best. I prefer the extra features, flexibility, and relative leanness of the Opera browser. And I HATE the fact that Internet Explorer keeps having new security problems and bugs. No browser is perfect, but I don't have the patience to use one that I have to keep fixing so often. It's the same with cars--I once owned a Chevy Citation that I liked, but it was always in the shop for repairs. Then I bought a Toyota Camry--what a pleasure!

Anyway, I finally did succeed in getting to the Updates site, simply by agreeing to accept some possibly dangerous ActiveX element. It was my saying NO that kept throwing me to the Administrator's page. Duh. In spite of my having downloaded any number of patches and the like in the past, the Updates feature found 8 important updates and 42 others that I should install! Yeah, right. Perhaps in another life, but in this one, I'd like to spend my time doing something other than installing updates, especially when some of them can't be uninstalled (I've heard horror stories of bad things happening as the result of some of these updates, but I don't know which.) So I guess after all this, I'm probably going to muddle on without the updates. At least if I don't run Internet Explorer, I'm less vulnerable. And hopefully Norton Anti-virus, Ad-aware Plus, Spybot, The Cleaner, and my firewall will protect me.

Thanks to everyone who tried to help. I've learned a lot. You guys are great!

cybernut

 

Hi
Wish I could get Opera , expencieve isnt it ?

If you did set winup as trusted you woulnt get prompted for any activeX downloads, or maybe this is norton warning you ?

Or manualy set security settings, tools internet options security
green globe custom level

1rst forth and fifth enable or prompt

2nd and 3rd important!!! disable

Microsoft VM medium or high

scripting near bottom three all enable'd
OK

advanced tab
If checked please remove
[ ] enable install on demand other(very important)

[x] most people disable script debugging
[ ] display a message about every script error

When useing winup we can just get what time permits
or use the catolog download just what we want, and install later.

You should get all the criticals!!!

Later and good luck
Lonny

 

I know that this is a no no. I already posted it in Internet Explorer/Outlook Express. But you can go there and read it. It is a warning about the Windows Update for Jscript v. 5.1.

 

Hi, Lonny. Thanks for all your advice and help. Right now I'm responding just to your question about the Opera browser. The ad-supported version is free. Lots of people use that version. Ads drive me nuts, so I felt it was worth paying for the ad-free version. I guess it depends on your circumstances as to whether it seems expensive. The ad-free version costs $39 US; if you're a student, you can get it for half price. I think the half-price offer also applies to senior citizens (over 60).

Hope that helps.

Cybernut