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I am running winXP Home SP2; recently an update from Windows added a new icon
to my Control Panel, "Auto Updates". I am now unable to change any settings
on the Auto Updates dialogue; neither through the Auto Updates icon nor
through the Security Center page; nor by using Run - sysdm.cpl.
The setting is stuck on Automatic; all buttons are greyed out; nothing I do
can change the settings. All updates download and install.
Automatic Updates has ALWAYS been part of Control Panel in WinXP.
Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315
Run a /thorough/ check for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis log
to an appropriate forum.
Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_R...:_Introduction
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware
When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
(http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use.
It will help you to both identify and remove any hijackware/spyware with
assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30,
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html, or other appropriate forums for review
by an expert in such matters, not here.**
If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this
isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA) computer repair shop.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/
murykken wrote:
> I am running winXP Home SP2; recently an update from Windows added a new
> icon to my Control Panel, "Auto Updates". I am now unable to change any
> settings on the Auto Updates dialogue; neither through the Auto Updates
> icon nor through the Security Center page; nor by using Run - sysdm.cpl.
>
> The setting is stuck on Automatic; all buttons are greyed out; nothing I
> do
> can change the settings. All updates download and install.
murykken wrote:
> I am running winXP Home SP2; recently an update from Windows added a new icon
> to my Control Panel, "Auto Updates". I am now unable to change any settings
> on the Auto Updates dialogue; neither through the Auto Updates icon nor
> through the Security Center page; nor by using Run - sysdm.cpl.
>
> The setting is stuck on Automatic; all buttons are greyed out; nothing I do
> can change the settings. All updates download and install.
What security software do you have installed?
Check for any registry entries in the keys described here:
<http://technet2.microsoft.com/WindowsServer/en/library/75ee9da8-0ffd-400c-b722-aeafdb68ceb31033.mspx?mfr=true>
And run gpedit.msc and see if there is any policy defined under Computer
Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, Windows Update.
Actually I can't remember whether this functionality is available on home
edition. If gpedit.msc isn't on your system, you can skip this step.
Harry.
murykken wrote:
> I am running winXP Home SP2; recently an update from Windows added a new icon
> to my Control Panel, "Auto Updates". I am now unable to change any settings
> on the Auto Updates dialogue; neither through the Auto Updates icon nor
> through the Security Center page; nor by using Run - sysdm.cpl.
And ... are you logged in as an administrator?
Harry.
"Harry Johnston [MVP]" wrote:
>
In answer to your next question regarding Administrator Privilege, yes, I do
have. That has never been a problem.
> What security software do you have installed?
ZoneAlarm; AVG8
>
> Check for any registry entries in the keys described here:
>
> <http://technet2.microsoft.com/WindowsServer/en/library/75ee9da8-0ffd-400c-b722-aeafdb68ceb31033.mspx?mfr=true>
>
I followed the instructions in this tech reply, and have now turned OFF
automatic updates, only through regedit however. The setting is now "Notify,
but don't download or install".
However, the whole panel is still greyed out. Resorting to regedit is not
the way to go.
> And run gpedit.msc and see if there is any policy defined under Computer
>
As you say, it is not installed with XP Home.
>
So, I can now change the Update settings, but only through regedit; is there
no way to remove the whole Security Settings/Update module and re-install it
to regain full operation?
Ken
murykken wrote:
>> What security software do you have installed?
>
> ZoneAlarm; AVG8
I'm not very familiar with these; someone else may know whether they have been
known to do this. It might be worth uninstalling them (with the computer off
the internet, of course) and seeing if the problem goes away.
>> <http://technet2.microsoft.com/WindowsServer/en/library/75ee9da8-0ffd-400c-b722-aeafdb68ceb31033.mspx?mfr=true>
>
> I followed the instructions in this tech reply, and have now turned OFF
> automatic updates, only through regedit however.
I was actually thinking that the reason the control panel might be disabled is
because these registry keys had gotten set somehow. Did they already exist, or
did you add them?
> So, I can now change the Update settings, but only through regedit; is there
> no way to remove the whole Security Settings/Update module and re-install it
> to regain full operation?
Well, you could reinstall the Windows Update Agent. I'm not sure whether that
would help, but it wouldn't hurt. Instructions are in method two of KB943144:
<http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144>
Ignore the rest of the article, it isn't applicable to your situation.
Harry.