Automatic Updates options are greyed out

[Microlighter]

When I launch Automatic Updates from the Control panel, the options are all greyed out - despite the fact that I have administrator status on my computer (XP, SP3). In addition the service does not ever inform me that updates have been downloaded and are ready to be installed, even though this is the selected option visible on the greyed-out buttons.

Can anyone tell me what to do, please? I've tried to search all the relevant threads!

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Assuming this is sudden, new behavior...

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 (in
conjunction with some other utilities). HijackThis will NOT fix anything on
its own, but it will help you to both identify and remove any
hijackware/spyware with assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachi...php?board=10.0,
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30, or another appropriate forum 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 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/


Microlighter wrote:
> When I launch Automatic Updates from the Control panel, the options are
> all greyed out - despite the fact that I have administrator status on my
> computer (XP, SP3). In addition the service does not ever inform me
> that updates have been downloaded and are ready to be installed, even
> though this is the selected option visible on the greyed-out buttons.
>
> Can anyone tell me what to do, please? I've tried to search all the
> relevant threads!

[Porkribs]

Have you tried enabling the automatic update service?
Start > run > services.msc > search for automatic updates and check if it is
started.

"Microlighter" wrote:

>
> When I launch Automatic Updates from the Control panel, the options are
> all greyed out - despite the fact that I have administrator status on my
> computer (XP, SP3). In addition the service does not ever inform me
> that updates have been downloaded and are ready to be installed, even
> though this is the selected option visible on the greyed-out buttons.
>
> Can anyone tell me what to do, please? I've tried to search all the
> relevant threads!
>
>
> --
> Microlighter
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Microlighter's Profile: http://forums.techarena.in/members/microlighter.htm
> View this thread: Automatic Updates options are greyed out
>
> http://forums.techarena.in
>
>

[Microlighter]

Thank you both for posting those helpful suggestions so quickly! I'll try them out as soon as I can...