Windows Update hangs while attempting to review

[Lcarvone]

I was given an older computer running Windows ME that one of my kids now uses for minor games and web surfing. When I attempt to use the Windows Update utility it scans fine and lists the number of Critical and Windows ME updates available. However when I click on Review and Install updates it just hangs for about 30 seconds then I get a generic IE error page saying it can't display the page.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

 

[ranjan2001]

In my case when this happened, it was my firewall Zone alarm stopping some activeX to run, shut down that & you will be able to update it.

 

[Lcarvone]

Well I currently only have the integrated firewall on my router active and no software firewall.

 

[yukichigai]

Sometimes firewalls can specifically block ActiveX. (Netgear in particular) I don't find that very likely, but it could happen.

Also, try updating logged in as an Administrator if you haven't already. Windows Update checks the registry for various things, and if it can't access them it'll generate errors like the one you describe. There may be keys that are only administrator accessable.

If that doesn't work you may have to go into regedt32 and take ownership, then permission of all the keys you don't have permissions to. Propigation is damn useful for this. Check the TypeLib and Interface keys and all subkeys; those are the most commonly borked ones that I've found. (had to fix 4 machines with that problem)

 

[Lcarvone]

OK....so I formatted the hard drive and installed a fresh copy of Windows 98SE instead of the preinstalled Windows ME. I am getting the same "hanging" result. So my guess is it must be in my wireless connection.....any thoughts??