Windows updates stall on download

Whew Lucy, what a nerve wracking exercise that was, but i got through both links, did everything, checked everything, changed what I was told, and the updates still won't download.


You can tell if you are connecting to the internet through a proxy server by checking in the IE Tools, Internet Options, Connection tab. Settings button for your dialup (or Lan Settings, , if you're on cable/DSL) then see if "use proxy server" is checked or not....NO, I'M NOT, NO FIREWALL EITHER.

How are you connecting to the internet? Regular dialup connection? .......YES.


quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Next, make sure file (open) type .JS is properly associated:WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?(IT MIGHT AS WELL BE IN GREEK)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Open action and click Edit again you will see C:\WINDOWS\System\WScript.exe as above. YES, IT WAS THERE.

Here is where I would start if I were you:
See if you have any of the programs running that are listed here.. if so, tell us which one(s): I DON'T HAVE ANY OF THEM, BUT WHILE THERE, I REMOVED 'ADAWARE' AND TRIED TO REMOVE 'POP UP STOPPER' BUT GOT AN ERROR MESSAGE SAYING "COULD NOT OPEN INSTALL LOG FILE "

WINUP-Third Party Products That Conflict with Windows Update
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=241234..I HAD NOTHING LISTED.

Next step:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=193385
WINUP: Problems When Viewing or Downloading From Windows UpdateI WENT THROUGH EVERY STEP. IT WASN'T TOO DIFFUCULT FOR ME TO FIND EVERYTHING, ONCE I STOPPED BEING TERRIFIED....IT DIDN'T HELP THAT MY SERVER REFUSED TO CONNECT ME DURING A RESTART, AND I THOUGHT I HAD WRECKED SOMETHING!!.....A CALL TO MY SERVER CONFIRMED IT WAS THEIR FAULT AND NOT MINE!

IS THIS THE END OF THE LINE? I CAN'T IMAGINE YOU HAVEN'T GIVEN ME ALL THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE, THEY WERE SO EXHAUSTIVE.......IF IT IS, I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR VERY CLEAR AND PRECISE ADVICE.AND THANK YOU FOR THE EXPLANATIONS FOR THE THINGS I DIDN'T NEED TO WORRY ABOUT....IF YOU DON'T DO THIS FOR A LIVING YOU SHOULD!

 

I am so embarassed Alice for calling you 'Lucy'.....my only excuse is that I was thinking that you were wonderful at explaining things to me......'Alice in wonderland'????? word association is how i remember names....why i switched to 'Lucy' i have no idea.....I plead' learners fatigue'!
I can hear the groans of 'suckup! suckup! from everyone viewing this........SHUT UP YOU LOT!

 

Rhonb Hi
The others here are lots better, I hope not to get in the way
but to help them and you...Hope its not to far off base,
and I know youve been over some of this.
here's some ideas gatherd here and elswhere,and some questions.

"I have windows 98 SE" ". what version of IE -details
Mine looks like this
On IE's toolbar go help about IE
Version:6.0.2800.1106____<any letters here
product ID XXXXXXXXXXX
cypher strength: 128-bit
Updateversion;
SP1;Q328970;Q324929;Q810847;Q813951;Q330994;Q813489;

What av and download programs do you have?
anything that might monitor windows and or IE ?

when was the last time you used winup?

My first guess is that you have a download utility thats monitoring IE and getting in the way--turn it off.disable browser monitoring, dont just stop it from running,with the close program diolog box, then maybe even uninstall it for now.

Do some cleanups first. Run Disk Cleanup to delete temporary internet files & cache,and windows temp.
How much free space do you have?

Are you useing an AOl, copuserve2000 browser or anything besides IE, ?
if so minumixe it hit the IE icon
or on taskbar start and use that one, then on IE's toolbar > tools > windows update.
http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp


reinstall windows update software: http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/cab/x86/ansi/iuctl.cab
save to youre desktop ,Extract the .cab file following the steps below:
1. Go to the desktop and right click the iuctl.cab file.
2. Click "Extract to. "
3. Point to a known location (like the desktop) and click "OK. "
4. Go to the location you selected and right click on the iuctl.inf file.
5. Click "Install. "
did this work ? and is winup downloads now working correctly?
=====================
another usefull link:
http://www.infinisource.com/techfiles/winup-errors.html

I suggest not useing windows autoupdate or in you're case critical update notifacation
someone else would need to describe how to turn it off.


After winup scan select only one of the newest offerd updates to download if sucsessful do it again and again always restart when pronpted.

Make very sure your pc has the correct & current date - &
local time at where you are. (just in case. Having
incorrect time
will give the W U servers/programs a hiccup.) (ie, don't
have it a day ahead or backdated)



In Internet Explorer> Tools, click Internet Options,
and then click Languages....
If this box is empty, add at least one language -- your
usual national language.
If you happen to have 2 or more, move English up on this
list.

Tools internet options advanced -use the[restore default] button
scroll to security section, place a check[X]use SSL2.0-use SSL3.0 and
useTLS 1.0, You could also uncheck if checked[ ] check for sever revocation
(requires restart) means PC. though mine is check and we have no problems.
Go back later if you want to recheck.

1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. On the Tools menu, click Internet Options.
3. On the Advanced tab, clear the Use HTTP 1.1 through proxy connections check box.
4. Select the Use HTTP 1.1
5. Attempt to use the Windows Update site again.
6. If you are still experiencing this problem you can try selecting both the HTTP 1.1 check box and the HTTP 1.1 through proxy connections check box. This may resolve the issue.


1. Open Internet Explorer
2. Click on Tools
3. Click on Internet Property from the drop down menu
4. Click on the Connection tab
5. Click on the Lan Settings button
6. Remove the check mark from automatically detect setting
7. Remove the check mark from Use automatic configuration script
Delete anything in the Automatic Configure text box
8. Click Ok and close Internet Explorer




You could also add winup to trusted sites,tools, internet options, security

Hit the trusted icon , then sites, type in and add,one at a time
http://Windowsupdate.microsoft.com
http://V4.Windowsupdate.microsoft.com
https://v4.Windowsupdate.microsoft.com (Note: The https is correct)
http://Download.Windowsupdate.com
if you're at winup at the time hit refresh.
also tools,internet options, secuity, trusted, hit [custom level] enable everthing.



You could also close anything running start run type msconfig go to the startup tab,
write down everything note what is and is not checked, uncheck all but Scanregw,
Systray, the two Load Power Profile entries, State Manager and PC Health -- restart PC -connect again and see if
problem still exists.

still problems ? try downloading from here:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows98/downloads/corporate.asp
for now just tell us if you're able OK? that it starts and sucsessfuly
places something on you're PC.

when you look at the windows update trouble shooter dont stop at what first seams to fit,certailny if first sulution doesnt work.
try reading everything
http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/troubleshoot/

Lonny

 

No problem calling me Lucy! We all have our moments

In reading Lonny's detailed recommendations, I was struck by his comment to turn off Windows Critical Update Notification. That might be very good advice!

I re-read your original posts where you first said:

and your second post:

Now you say

So then you do have a popup stopper installed? Which one, do you know? Look through your C:\Program Files for the program and see if you find a readme, help file or uninstaller. Also see if you have any plugins (dll files) or OCX related to the popup-stopper... ypou might find them in C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins, or in C:\Windows\Downloaded Program Files ... right-click each item and check Properties to see if you can identify the one associated with the popupstopper, then RENAME the \Plugins\ .dll file or right-click and REMOVE the Downloaded Program Files object.

You might also find something related to the popup stopper in msconfig, or, if you do a Ctrl/Alt/Delete, see if you can identify the running popup stopper program, and disable it, either by opening the program and finding an option to turn it off, or by removing it from the Startup list in msconfig.

I don't have the Windows Update Notification... It didn't exist for Win95.

What you MIGHT want to do is to UNINSTALL the Windows Critical Update Notification for now (it can always be reinstalled later) and just go the windowsupdate manually and scan for updates.

Then tell us what critical updates are available for your system and whether or not you can download and install from the windowsupdate site.

Here is an article I found that may help you if you want to Remove the Microsoft Windows Critical Update Notification. The first part explains how to install it from Windows Update.... look at the last part to UNinstall it)

http://support.microsoft.com/search/preview.aspx?id=kb;en-us;Q224420
======================copy/paste:================================

How to Install or Remove Windows Critical Update Notification
You can install Windows Critical Update Notification by using the Windows Update Web Site:

1. Visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
2. Click Scan for updates.
3. Under Pick updates to install, click Windows 98 and Windows 98 Second Edition.
4. Click Add to select the Windows Critical Update Notification recommended update, and then click Review and install updates.
5. Click Install Now.

Note: To remove Windows Critical Update Notification, use Add/Remove Programs as described below.

You can remove Windows Critical Update Notification by using Add/Remove Programs:

1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double-click Add/Remove Programs.
3. Click Microsoft Windows Critical Update Notification.
4. Click Add/Remove.

 

Hello Alice, Lonny (and all the rest)
Alice you have been brilliant at leading me to things you want me to try, but I reckon I have hit the WALL....
*****************************************

So then you do have a popup stopper installed? NOT THAT I COULD FIND Which one, do you know?IT WAS CALLED 'POP UP STOPPER' I THINK. Look through your C:\Program Files for the program and see if you find a readme, help file or uninstaller. Also see if you have any plugins (dll files) or OCX related to the popup-stopper... ypou might find them in C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins, or in C:\Windows\Downloaded Program Files ... right-click each item and check Properties to see if you can identify the one associated with the popupstopper, then RENAME the \Plugins\ .dll file or right-click and REMOVE the Downloaded Program Files object.I COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING THAT LOOKED LIKE IT...(.IN C:\ Program Files THERE WERE 10000 FILES!.)....I AM TOTALLY OUT OF MY DEPTH.......THERE ARE FILES GALORE, AND I JUST CAN'T GET MY HEAD AROUND ANY OF THEM....NOTHING MAKES SENSE TO ME, THEY ALL LOOK MUCH THE SAME

You might also find something related to the popup stopper in msconfig, or,........... if you do a Ctrl/Alt/Delete, see if you can identify the running popup stopper program, and disable it, either by opening the program and finding an option to turn it off, or by removing it from the Startup list in msconfig. I DID THAT. IT WASN'T THERE, BUT WHILE THERE I REMOVED THE AUTOMATIC NOTIFICATION OF CRITICAL UP DATES.

.

What you MIGHT want to do is to UNINSTALL the Windows Critical Update Notification for now......DONE..... (it can always be reinstalled later) and...... just go the windowsupdate manually and scan for updates.YES, I HAVE BEEN DOING THAT ALL WEEK, AS WELL AS GOING VIA THE NOTIFICATION MESSAGE. I DID IT BOTH WAYS AGAIN TODAY. STILL DOESN'T WORK.

Then tell us what critical updates are available for your system


813489: CULMATIVE PATCH FOR IE 6

330994 : Security update for OE 6 SPI

816093: Security update Virtual Machine (Microsoft VM)

Total 3 = 8.9 MB, 53 minutes.

SYSTEM:
windows 98 second edition. 4.10.2222A
22001-OEM-0077077-74017
61.OMB RAM
System Resource: 52 % free.

 

Hello Lonny, thanks for your help....i haven't been able to do all you suggested....I got hopelessly lost a couple of times and couldn't find my way to some things but I will tell you what I did do. Still won't download....i must have been back to the update site 1/2 dozen times today...BUT I WILL GO AGAIN WHEN I FINSH WRITING THIS....
****************************************


"I have windows 98 SE" ". what version of IE -details ...6.0 2800.1106
*******************************************

What av and download programs do you have?
anything that might monitor windows and or IE ?I DON'T THINK SO, BECAUSE WHAT i HAVE ,HAS BEEN THERE FOR AGES, AND I HAVENT ADDED ANYTHING FOR MONTHS......AND THIS UPDATE DOWNLOAD PROBLEM ONLY STARTED 2 WEEKS AGO.....THE LAST PROGRAM I DOWNLOADED WAS 'HOTBAR',ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO, AND AS SOON AS THIS PROBLEM STARTED I UNINSTALLED IT, AND TRIED THE UPDATES AGAIN, AND IT STILL DIDN'T WORK SO I RE-INSTALLED 'HOTBAR'. I HAVE DOWNLOADED UPDATES WITH HOT BAR INSTALLED BEFORE THIS PAST FEW WEEKS.

when was the last time you used winup?I DON'T KNOW IF I EVER HAVE, WHAT WOULD I USE IT FOR?

My first guess is that you have a download utility thats monitoring IE and getting in the way--turn it off.disable browser monitoring,HOW DO I DO THAT? WHERE IS IT? dont just stop it from running,with the close program diolog box, then maybe even uninstall it for now.

Do some cleanups first. Run Disk Cleanup to delete temporary internet files & cache,and windows temp.YES, I DO THAT EVERY MORNING, AND LAST NIGHT RAN DEFRAG.
How much free space do you have? 54 %

Are you useing an AOl, copuserve2000 browser or anything besides IE, ?NO.

reinstall windows update software: THIS IS WHERE I GOT LOST.....HAD WINDOWS OPEN EVERYWHERE.......A MAZE THAT TOTALLY OVERWHELMED ME, SO I CLOSED THEM ALL....http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.c.../ansi/iuctl.cab
save to youre desktop ,Extract the .cab file following the steps below:
1. Go to the desktop and right click the iuctl.cab file.
2. Click "Extract to. "
3. Point to a known location (like the desktop) and click "OK. "
4. Go to the location you selected and right click on the iuctl.inf file.
5. Click "Install. "
did this work ? and is winup downloads now working correctly?
=====================
another usefull link:
http://www.infinisource.com/techfiles/winup-errors.html

I suggest not useing windows autoupdate or in you're case critical update notifacationTHAT HAS GONE NOW. I REMOVED IT AND IT HASN'T POPPED UP FOR THE MORNING CHECK ABOUT THIS TIME....



After winup scanWHAT IS THAT, HOW DO I DO IT?.DO YOU MEAN USING THE DISK CLEANUP? select only one of the newest offerd updates to download if sucsessful do it again and again always restart when pronpted.

Make very sure your pc has the correct & current date - &
local time at where you are. (just in case. Having
incorrect time
will give the W U servers/programs a hiccup.) (ie, don't
have it a day ahead or backdated)YES, THAT IS ALL IN ORDER.



In Internet Explorer> Tools, click Internet Options,
and then click Languages....'LANGUAGES ISN'T THERE, BUT I HAVE SEEN IT SOMEWHERE ELSE, CAN'T REMEMBER WHERE BUT THE ENGLISH AMERICAN VERSION WAS TICKED.



1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. On the Tools menu, click Internet Options.
3. On the Advanced tab, clear the Use HTTP 1.1 through proxy connections check box.
4. Select the Use HTTP 1.1
5. Attempt to use the Windows Update site again.
6. If you are still experiencing this problem you can try selecting both the HTTP 1.1 check box and the HTTP 1.1 through proxy connections check box. This may resolve the issue.i DID ALL THIS, IT DIDN'T MAKE A DIFFERENCE


1. Open Internet Explorer
2. Click on Tools
3. Click on Internet Property from the drop down menu
4. Click on the Connection tab
5. Click on the Lan Settings button
6. Remove the check mark from automatically detect setting
7. Remove the check mark from Use automatic configuration script
Delete anything in the Automatic Configure text box
8. Click Ok and close Internet Explorer DID ALL THAT, BUT HAVE TO RETRY UPDATES AGAIN...IF I DON'T GET BACK TO YOU......IT DIDN'T MAKE A DIFFERENCE




You could also add winup to trusted sites,tools, internet options, security

Hit the trusted icon , then sites, type in and add,one at a time
http://Windowsupdate.microsoft.com
http://V4.Windowsupdate.microsoft.com
https://v4.Windowsupdate.microsoft.com (Note: The https is correct)
http://Download.Windowsupdate.com
if you're at winup at the time hit refresh.I DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING THAT SAID WINUP WAS THERE.
also tools,internet options, secuity, trusted, hit [custom level] enable everthing.DONE!....OH GOD, THAT MADE ME SOOOOOOOO NERVOUS. I HOPE I HAVEN'T BROKEN ANYTHING!



You could also close anything running start run type msconfig go to the startup tab,
write down everything note what is and is not checked, uncheck all but Scanregw,
Systray, the two Load Power Profile entries, State Manager and PC Health -- restart PC -connect again and see if
problem still exists.YES IT DID STILL EXIST BUT I DID THIS EARLIER

still problems ? try downloading from here:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows98/...s/corporate.asp
for now just tell us if you're able OK? that it starts and sucsessfuly
places something on you're PC.YES, IT DOWNLOADED AND INSTALLED WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS.

OK, OFF I GO TO TRY AGAIN.......IF THERE ISN'T A JOYOUS MESSAGE FOLLOWING THIS....

 

Hello again Alice & Lonny,

I think I have pre-empted your next post.....no, not the one where you say; "get lost, you're too thick "! but the one you were saving up for when you finally lost patience...

You were going to tell me if all else fails, and I was worried about my PCs vulnerabilty without the critical updates, I could go to the site and download them manually....

That's what I just did, so the 3 I mentioned are all installed now, and I have re-activated the automatic reminder, which should show me what I need in the future, and then I will install them manually.......a roundabout way to go I know, but to save my sanity, i think it will suit me, at least for now!

I can't tell you all how grateful I am for your suggestions....I have been to places on my computer I didn't know existed....I'm not saying that's a good thing

A huge bouquet to you Alice, and a nice bottle of whatever you fancy to Lonny, Jim and Lily

Now for a cup of tea, some headache tablets, a cool cloth to the head, and a good lie down!

Hoo roo from Downunder.

PS I would really like to know from what part of the world you all come from.

 

Well humm Hello
dont feel bad, some of these posts get very detailed,
and can be daunting, overwhelming at times.
I had not seen that you mentioned a popup blocker(I'm a little thick to) before my last post.

You still need to track down you're popup stopper
reinstall it and with its options turn off its ability to block popups.
search you're hard drive maybe as already suggested, or the Internet.
=====
In other words since you got the message cant find uninstall log,
you need to reinstall(the same exact one) it maybe update it then uninstall , if you choose to..read its text files for instructions,
======
why because some software even if its been uninstall-ed successfully would still block or monitor ,get in the way, some would mention this in the read me others don't.most also would require us to close all Internet explorers and outlook express'sss,before uninstalling them.

for instance I have a script blocker (analogX Script Defender)

Its readme: "If you do decide to uninstall SDefender for some reason, make *SURE* to load
it up and choose 'Remove Intercepts' before running the uninstaller - this is
the only way for it to restore your system to the state it was before you installed it. "

=====
and also be careful of free anything, especially third party Internet explorer so called helpers or improvements.always read up ,maybe check here see or ask if other people are having problems with whatever program,,
Look around this forum find a link to SpyBot maybe reinstall AdaWare also
get a better popup-blocker.stay away from shareware and freeware.
unless you see others here that use it.and read reviews.
============================================
On the other hand you were asked :
2) Disable your firewall, ad-blocker, anti virus (if any). Try each of these separately to perhaps see if one is the problem.

this was the third question, reply:Nope, no joy...
===========================================

If I wasnt able to download from winup, I would first disable
our popup blocker ability to block then add
To its list of what not to block.
http://Windowsupdate.microsoft.com
http://V4.Windowsupdate.microsoft.com
https://v4.Windowsupdate.microsoft.com (Note: The https is correct)
http://Download.Windowsupdate.com

whicth I had to do.this was included in its readme file.
which I hadn't botherd to read >duk<
You said you had adaware? was it the latest version,
seams like it would have found hotbar..If it had been run!!
http://www.doxdesk.com/parasite/HotBar.html
Just let spybot or adaware remove the leftovers.

I'm still not sure popup-blocker and hot-bar was the cause
(IS) er was.


PS go back to tools Internet options security -you should be in the general zone--green and blue gloab for anywhere except windows update(winup for short) use the default level button again then apply then the advance tab and use its default level button to[restore defaults] --please.don't use the X button up in the right corner after making any changes, always apply or OK you're way out..

Im from the good Old US near the pungent sound(WA state)
where in Aussie land you from?

 

You're right, my next post would have been to deal with it and update manually

No big deal really, installing Windows Updates "by hand ". I can't use Windows Update at all to find my critical updates so I find them at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url=/technet/security/bulletin/notify.asp the download/install by hand. I have to get the MS Java Virtual Machine 3rd-hand, either from http://www2.whidbey.com/djdenham/VM.htm (msjavwu link) or from a link a Win98 user sends me from his Windows Update.log file. You'll be in that boat soon enough when Win98 Microsoft support ends.

Now having said that,

Get rid of Hotbar! Found this with groups.google:

From: Jim Eshelman (newsgroups@aumha.org)
Subject: Re: browser limitations
Newsgroups: microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6.ieak
Date: 2002-12-28 03:15:07 PST

My guess is that you have some sort of malware problem. Any chance you've
installed Hotbar, Xupiter, Gator, or Kazaa? If so, uninstall them.

Run Ad-Aware from www.lavasoftusa.com, and see what else it can clean up.
=====end c/p

According to the link Lonny gave, Hotbar "... should be removable from 'Add/Remove Programs' on the Control Panel, under the name 'HotBar' or 'Web Tools by Hotbar'."

Either iinstall the latest version of Lavasoft's Adaware or get Spybot S&D, which is what I use. SpyBot Search and Destroy is available here:
http://security.kolla.de/

See http://www.generation.net/~hleboeuf/spyware.htm for links to more information on spyware.

Here is what I could find on Popup-stopper, which, by the way, is made by "Panicware" and doesn't seem to be spywarew or adware but nevertheless, could cause browsing problems and failure of Internet Explorer to open new windows :

If you still have Popup Stopper installed, see http://www.panicware.com/supportdisplay.html?supportid=38
How do I disable pop-up control or allow some pop-ups?

On uninstalling Popup Stopper:
=====copy/paste========

From: HarleyDude® (you_can.write.harleydude@spamgourmet.com)
Subject: Re: IE Pop Up Windows
Newsgroups: 24hoursupport.helpdesk
Date: 2002-07-06 07:00:16 PST

(snip)
It could be that you didn't do the uninstall routine as suggested from
panicware:
Uninstalling Pop-Up Stopper
If you are not happy with our software, or if you need to Uninstall
Pop-Up Stopper for any reason, please follow these instructions. To
Uninstall Pop-Up Stopper, simply uninstall it as you would any other
software. Please Exit the program from the right-click menu before
attempting to Uninstall.
Go to Control Panel, Add/Remove programs, select the program you wish
to remove and hit Remove. **key thing being to disable it first***
or that it created a hosts file that needs to be disabled. (snip)

On Sat, 6 Jul 2002 14:38:40 +0100, "Enq" <enq@enq.com> wrote

>I installed PopUp Stopper from Panicware and didn't like the software so
>decided to uninstall.
>
>Now whenever I use IE, the web pages within pop up boxes do not display at
>all. Any ideas how to rectify this would be appreciated.

c/p========

From: Laura Zhang (laurazh@online.microsoft.com)
Subject: RE: Opening 2nd Window BIG Problem
Newsgroups: microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6.ieak
Date: 2002-12-30 00:16:01 PST

Hi Kevin,

This may be caused by a program called Popup Stopper, which can be obtained
from http://www.panicware.com

If you have installed it, please disable or uninstall the Popup Stopper
program.

======copy/paste============
from
http://www.panicware.com/supportdisplay.html?supportid=10

If you have previously tried to incorrectly uninstall our software, you may receive errors.

If you are having problems removing our product, please follow these simple steps.

1. Reinstall the product you are trying to remove. Open the Pop-Up Stopper Preferences by right-clicking the hand icon and selecting "Preferences ". If your product does not have a hand icon, simply close your browser to close the toolbar.
2. On the Startup tab, please clear the check by the option to Start when Windows Starts
3. Exit the program by right-clicking the hand icon and selecting the exit option
4. Reboot your computer
5. Open the Control Panel->Add/Remove Programs and remove the software OR delete the Program Files\Panicware folder.

The program will now be removed. If you have tried to remove the program and did not exit the program before uninstalling, you will need to reboot, then delete the Program Files\Panicware folder. If the uninstall program asks you to reboot, you must allow your system to reboot to properly remove our product.

=========end c/p==========

Also, look for a HOSTS file in C:\Windows and rename it XHOSTS (to disable). Do this as a temporary measure to see if it helps with the Windows Update problem, since some legitimate programs add a HOSTS file, to either "enhance" or speed up browsing or to block certain sites. Norton Antivirus adds a HOSTS entry or did at one time, as part of it's e-mail screening feature, if I remember right.

Anyway, bottom line, if you do nothing else, screen your system for adware and spyware.

I also want to commend you for your persistence in trying to get to the bottom of this issue. If you want to stick it out, I am willing to stick it out You know your limits, so if at any point someone tells ypou to do something you're not comfortable with, just tell US to get lost

New Jersey shore area, USA !

 

I second that!!
And have to say greate work Alice and Jim

Lonny

 

RhonB--Glad to hear the good news. And who knows? One of those next "fixes" from MS may allow you to all of a sudden download directly from Windows Update again!! PC's are like that.

 

Hello all....I've restored defaults,and I will deal with the pop up stopper and hotbar in the next day or so, thanks.

I assume WA means Washington....I am from NSW (see, that tells you nothing!......New South Wales, on the east coast of Oz, actually on the border between NSW and Queensland....great place to visit and Aussies are always welcoming and friendly, and of course our Prime minister is great mates with Bush and Blair...we don't have SARS or terrorists (not yet), and you get a bargain on the money exchange rate, so come on down one day.

My name is Rhondda, Yes Jim, named after the Rhondda Valley in Wales.....my father had just read "how green Was My valley ", which he loved, and Miss Australia had just been crowned the week I was born, and her name was 'Rhondda', so....

Yes, I can be a persistant little so and so, but my limit has been reached in this case, but it was fun too!...now I'm off to the beach, followed by a seafood lunch, a pint, and an afternoon of live soft rock......better than mucking around with bloody computers!