Windows Updates - 404 error in I.E.

[Taylor@discussions.microsoft.com Alan Taylor]

Hi, I have recently bought a Dell Inspiron 1525 laptop. Initially my internet
access worked fine. However, as soon as it installed the automatic updates
I.E. gave me a 404 error on every page. Windows messanger worked, showing
that my internet connection worked.

I called Dell and was told that Windows Updates should be turned off. The
machine had to be re-build to factory setting and Windows updates turned off
before it worked. Other than Norton 2008, which came installed, and which I
am using + parental controls update, and the Windows messanger update, the
machine is clean.

Has anyone had a similar problem? If so is there a solution. I'm sure the
advice from Dell is incorrect. I am considerring returning the machine and
buying something else instead.

Thanks

Alan Taylor

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

> Hi, I have recently bought a Dell Inspiron 1525 laptop...

> I called Dell and was told that Windows Updates should be turned off. The
> machine had to be re-build to factory setting and Windows updates turned
> off
> before it worked.

Did you purchase this laptop brand-new or as a rebuilt machine? When did
you purchase it? Is Automatic Updates enabled (cf.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306525)?

Open Add/Remove Programs & make sure the Show Updates box is checked (top
right) | Scroll down and tell us what KB number is associated with the
most-recently installed "Security Update for Windows XP" update [e.g.,
"Security Update for Windows XP (KB958644)"] ??

Call Dell Support again (especially if the machine's still under Warranty or
Service Contract) and speak with another tech. If that tech also tells you
that "Windows Update should be turned off," ask him why, then tell us.

Also ask him what steps you have to take to return the machine and get a
full refund (or fullcredit), including S&H: You do NOT want to own or use
such a machine!

The above notwithstanding, what Norton 2008 application came preinstalled on
the machine (e.g.., Norton AntiVirus; Norton Internet Security; Norton 360)?
When does the free-trial expire? Can you successfully run (Norton)
LiveUpdate manually?
--
~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/

[Alan Taylor]

Thanks for your help.
The machine was new. I called Dell who initially said that authomatic
updates should always be turned on and that for any problems I should
uninstall the problamatic update. I explained that there were about 19
outstanding and I didn;t know which caused the problem, they then said to
turn automatic updates off and install each individually!

It seems to be that this undermines the concept of automatic updates!

They also said that Vista updates to have compatibility issues with Dell
machines from time to time. I'm not sure if this is true or , if it is, if it
is confined to only Dell. I'm also not sure if it is a Vista problem. I have
never had such a problem with XP - although my other machines are not Dell (a
HP laptop, a HP desktop, a siemens laptop and an Evesham desktop).

I will do what they suggest, identify the problematic update and let you know.

Thanks

Alan Taylor

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

You're welcome, I'm sure.

My apologies for referencing WinXP in my previous reply: Always state your
full Windows version (e.g., Vista SP1) when posting to a Microsoft
newsgroup, please, to avoid such confusion.

You should be able to download/install an update manually with Automatic
Updates enabled. To install an update manually, first download & save it to
your hard-drive; then right-click on the saved file and select "Run as
Administrator" to install it.

[Here's an excellent Windows Update tutorial for Vista:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial140.html ]

Assuming the machine came with Vista SP1 preinstalled, I wouldn't expect
there to be any "compatibility issues" whatsoever. (If there are, I'd
return the machine to Dell and get a refund.)

Speaking of incompatibility issues, I would STRONGLY encourage you to
replace the Norton 2008 application ASAP! I suspect it's at the root of all
your problems...

1. Uninstall all Norton software (including LiveUpdate) via Control Panel |
Programs | Uninstall a program (or Control Panel | Programs and Features, if
using Classic view).

2. IMPORTANT! => Enable the Windows Firewall!!

NB: You're "working without a net" now: Don't to ANYTHING else online (e.g.,
browsing; reading email; chatting) except #3 through #5 below until your
anti-virus application has been installed and fully updated!

3a. Download this removal tool to your desktop:
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039

3b. Right-click on the saved download and select Run as Administrator.

4. Reboot and /immediately/ install another anti-virus application of your
choosing (anything but Norton or McAfee). I can recommend Avira AntiVir*
(free), NOD32**, and KAV***.

=> If you choose to install an "internet security" suite that includes a
firewall, make sure the Windows Firewall is disabled.

5. Manually update your new anti-virus application then run a full system
scan.

Do your Windows/Automatic Updates problems persist now? I'll bet they
don't!

[Don't forget to purchase/subscribe to your new AV app before the any
free-trial period expires!

* http://www.free-av.com/
** www.eset.com/download/index.php
*** http://usa.kaspersky.com/trials/home-users/anti-virus-7/

--
~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/

Alan Taylor wrote:
> Thanks for your help.
> The machine was new. I called Dell who initially said that authomatic
> updates should always be turned on and that for any problems I should
> uninstall the problamatic update. I explained that there were about 19
> outstanding and I didn;t know which caused the problem, they then said to
> turn automatic updates off and install each individually!
>
> It seems to be that this undermines the concept of automatic updates!
>
> They also said that Vista updates to have compatibility issues with Dell
> machines from time to time. I'm not sure if this is true or , if it is, if
> it is confined to only Dell. I'm also not sure if it is a Vista problem. I
> have never had such a problem with XP - although my other machines are not
> Dell (a HP laptop, a HP desktop, a siemens laptop and an Evesham desktop).
>
> I will do what they suggest, identify the problematic update and let you
> know.
>
> Thanks
>

[Alan Taylor]

Thanks.
I did have SP1 preinstalled.

Current situation:
1. I now get the 404 problem without the Windows updates - so that was a red
herring.

2. I have managed to successfully install all of the windows updates - three
of which needed to be done manually.

I was beginning to think along the lines of Norton myself. Can you tell me
why you believe Norton is the problem? Is it known to be faulty?

All the best

Alan