RE: MSXML 4.0 SP2

[MCPCharlieG]

I can provide some basic info as to its nature - hopefully someone else can
provide more if you need it. MSXML 4.0 SP2 = Microsoft eXtensible Markup
Language version 4.0 Service Pack 2.
I am not well versed enough to explain the fine workings of XML but mostly
it is used to build the source code for web pages by complementing HTML
(HyperText Markup Language). As far as the relationship of the two in very
simplified terms HTML is used to display data and focuses on how the data
looks while XML describes the data and focuses on information. If you right
click an open area of a web page and select view source you will see all the
HTML, XML, Javascript etc. entries that your browser uses to construct a web
page and to permit you to interact with it.

As for the update I need info as to what occurs when you attempt to download
this as well as the specific info on the update (# and description) you are
attempting to install.

Charlie

"Sue" wrote:

> Could someone please tell me (a computer dummy) what "MSXML 4.0 SP2" is? I
> am also having a problem downloading the latest update for this. I do not
> know what msxml is and why I have it in my computer. Could you help me
> please. Thanks in advance.
> Sue

[Sue]

Thank you for explaining this to me Charlie, but I still do not know if I
need "MSXML 4.0 SP2" on my laptop? The update that keeps on and on coming
back to me is: "MSXML 4.0 SP2 Security Update (KB927978)". I click on the
update, it tells me it is downloading, then I tell it to install and I guess
that it does because the Microsoft update shield goes away. Then within a
few minutes the Microsoft update shield comes back again with the same update
again. Thank you,

Sue

[MCPCharlieG]

The short answer is, yes you do, xml is involved in many things beyond the
internet, many games, encyclopedias software etc. use xml and the list is
growing. In fact you most likely already have MSXML 4.0 and the automatic
updater is trying to install the never ending update to address some security
concerns that were reported late last year.
Now installing KB927978 is like rolling dice, for some it goes right in and
for tons of others they report, like you, that it "keeps on coming". This
update was released in a dual installation form, that is it includes the
entire Service Pack 2 version of MSXML 4.0 plus all the new patches. The
intent of this was to allow users who did not yet have MSXML 4.0 on their
computer to upgrade in one shot or those who already had 4.0 to receive just
the patches by installing in a "side-by-side" mode next to the existing
installation - and that is where is where the problem begins as the update
scanner for some reason frequently fails to recognise its existence. Since
KB927978 includes all of the SP2 core files plus all the patches, the fix I
have used (which works better then 90% of the time) is to uninstall all
previous 4.0 updates and then perform a manual install of KB927978.

I will now give you the instructions, print a copy of these out since you
have to restart at some point, I will be detailed as you described yourself
as being computer challenged in the original post, please don't interpret
this as being condescending.

1. Go to control panel then (if using category view first click on security
center) open automatic updates and mark "turn off automatic updates" and hit
okay - ignore all warnings you receive.

2. Download KB927978 saving it to desktop from here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=24b7d141-6cdf-4fc4-a91b-6f18fe6921d4&DisplayLang=en

3.Go to control panel and open add/remove programs. After the list is
populated check the box on the top labeled "show updates". Scroll down and
locate any programs which have MSXML 4.0 in the title (unless it also says
parser) (including KB927978 if listed) and remove them. DO NOT REMOVE any
MSXML with a number other than 4.0 or any parser. Uncheck the show updates
box and reboot the computer.

4. After restart click on the msxml4 installer you downloaded to your
desktop and follow the prompts to install now.

5. Go to control panel=> automatic updates as above and turn automatic
updates back on.

6. Cross fingers (so will I).

Post back and let me know the results, if it works don't forget to mark your
post as answered, hoping for success - Charlie

[Sue]

Thanks again, Charlie. Your info is very helpful to me but before I try it I
need to make sure that what I found in the add or remove programs is the
right thing to remove. After I check to box "show updates" I see something
that reads:
(MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB927978). Is this what I need to remove as you state in
number 3? Thank you for your help.
Sue

[MCPCharlieG]

Yes - that is one of probably two that you will need to remove. Lets amend #3
slightly: after removing MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB927978) reboot and then return to
"add/remove programs" and see if MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB925672) is listed - if so
remove it, then uncheck the "show updates" checkbox and reboot again.
Following this go to step 4 of my other post.
Charlie