Windows Update Problem

[spamsk8r]

I just reinstalled Windows XP Pro, and when I go to Windows Update it gives me an error: 0x800A138F

Does anyone know how to fix this? It doesn't even scan my computer to find updates, nor does it find any. Is Windows Update down?

 

[bacillus]

Is Windows Update down?

nope, works for me!

 

[ginfest]

After the trouble with the "Blaster" worm, MS started using "Akamai" to serve the updates.
Win Update was working fine for me for quite awhile than suddenly I was getting the error code that you mentioned.
I use the "Hosts" file to block a lot of sites I don't want to get thru-Akamai serves a lot of ads on the web-anyway, by process of elimination i found that by letting Akamai in WU started working again.
Check and see if you are blocking Akamai either in your Hosts file or with some ad-blocking software.



Mike G

 

[spamsk8r]

I don't use Internet Explorer (other than to download updates) and so I haven't changed any of the hosts settings nor have I installed any ad-blocking software. Hmmm, still doesn't work. I've never had this problem before, and I've installed WinXP on this computer multiple times. I did notice, however, that Windows Update usually installs 2 pieces of software, and last night it only installed one. Is there any way I could force it to install both, possibly by removing the one that is already installed?

 

[Baldy18]

I'm having the same problem. It started occuring for me when windows update locked up when installing a new version of the software. Does anyone know how I can uninstall windows update software and reinstall it again?

 

[101918001]

I had the same problem that finally ended a few weeks ago thru using #15 below, but I went thru them all. I think the problem was caused from a Windows update. Here you go & good luck! ......................

Disable your Discussion Bar in Internet Explorer:
1. On the "View" menu,point to "Explorer Bar".
3. Click "Discuss" to remove the check mark and disable this option.

Otherwise try these:
****Sections changed 27 August 2003****
POST BACK WITH THE EXACT INFORMATION FROM STEP 18 if all else fails.

1. Reboot computer then try updates one at a time if issue involved
multiple updates.

2. Check Date/Time

3. If you use AOL, minimize AOL and open Windows Update:
Start/All Programs/Windows Update

4. What version?
Right click My Computer, click Properties?
What EXACTLY does it say?

5. Disable firewall

6. Disable antivirus

7. (Windows XP):
Reboot computer.
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=326815
Don't forget steps 6-9 catroot2 file.
Do this whether SP1 is the issue or not.

Another way to do #7:
Reboot, login to an Administrator account.
Double click My Computer.
Double click C drive.
Double click Windows file.
Double click System32 file.
Right click catroot2, click rename, type "catroot2old"
ENTER
Reboot

8. (Windows XP)
Go to Control Panel.
Click Windows Update on the left panel

9. Go to Internet Options in the Control Panel:
Delete Cookies
Delete Files (check box "Delete all offline content")
Clear History

10. Set a language in Internet Explorer:
To check the language setting in Internet Explorer:
(1.) Click "Tools" and then select "Internet Options".
(2.) Click "Languages".button
(3.) Make sure at least one language is listed in the "Language
Options" dialog box.

11. Disable the options "Automatically detect settings" and "Use
automatic configuration script."
To do this:
(1.) Open Internet Explorer.
(2.) Click "Tools," and then click "Internet Options."
(3.) Click "Connections," and then click "LAN Settings."
(4.) Make sure the check boxes for "Automatically detect settings" and
"Use automatic configuration script" are not selected.

12. Open Internet Explorer
Click Tools
Click Internet Options
Click Security tab.
Click "Internet Zone"
Click Default
Click OK and follow prompts.

13.
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=319585

14. Upgrade to Internet Explorer Service Pack 1 if not already
installed:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/critical/ie6sp1/default.asp

15. Start/Run
Type "msconfig" ENTER
Click Start-up tab and make a note of what is checked and unchecked.
Go back to General tab.
Select Selective Start-up (unless already selected).
Uncheck "Load Start-up group items".
Click OK, follow prompts and reboot.
Try windows Update again.
When done, go back to MSCONFIG.
Recheck Start-up tab items and place to normal Start-up if that was
original configuration.
Click OK and follow prompts.

16. Change the URL from "http..." to "https...".

17. http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=193385

18. Check the Windows Update Log in the "C:\Windows\Windows
Update.log" for the exact error message.
See if something here fits
http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/troubleshoot/

 

[TheBoyBlunder]

I had the same problem and the language fix 101918001 mentioned fixed it for me.