I have an validated, activated XP professional with service pack 3. I have a few problems, most serious of wich is: Every single automated, or manually directed effort to get to the Windows Update website gets me "not found" or redirected to google. Basically I can't update my XP. No framework, no .NET no nothing. I can't find anything on this problem that helps so I'm hoping that you people (ie geniuses) can help me. On a similar note: I can't switch on automated updates, everytime I boot I get the "your windows may be at risk, turn on automated updates" ballon. Also, I can't connect to the update server for my antivirus: AVG free 8.0. I have to update manually. Several problems for you brilliant people to help with. I can't wait.
Sounds a lot like a virus, in particular that latest rather nasty one, google for 'Conficker virus'. Also, see if this helps ~ http://www.confickerworkinggroup.org/infection_test/cfeyechart.html
Time from seeing message to solution working: 10 hours. TEN BLOODY HOURS! It was that virus - it took me an hour to get an online AV to find it and remove it. After that I decided to update my windows and display drivers. Big Mistake. It seems that when I run the latest GeForce build 185.85, my screen shuts off as normal after a few minutes - but doesn't come back on. Ever. No matter how many times I reboot, it goesn blank as soon as the XP logon window should appear. Have had to roll back, uninstall severeal times and am now trying a driver from october 08. My life really is strewn with cowpads from the devils own satanic herd!
stable for now. Windows update, antivirus update and older display driver seems to work just fine. Stand by for the high pitched world ending scream if it goes wrong again in the next 24 hrs...
