I cannot download updates directly from Windows Update site. I get notifications that windows is downloading updates. I would like to know if there are any drivers I can update from the site as well. I am running XP sp2. Seems I've tried everything I read on the net but still can't get it to work. This is the message I get -

Checking if your computer has the latest version of Windows updating software for use with the website…

The website uses ActiveX controls to determine which version of the software your computer is running. If you see an ActiveX warning, make sure the control is digitally signed by Microsoft before installing it or allowing it to run

It sounds like browser security - What version of IE (Or FireFox, depending on what you use) are you running? In later versions, security "problems" like this are shown in a thin yellow bar across the top of the webpage where you can often click on a hyperlink to allow a file to be downloaded or an ActiveX component to be run.

First thing to look for is whether or not your browser is trying to download a new version of Windows update but your security settings are not allowing it. I've had this problem before and the fix is available either by clicking the link to accept the applet if prompted, or by going to Tools - Options - Security Tab - Custom Level Button and then checking the radio box for "Downloading Signed ActiveX Controls".

If this doesn't work then it could be a firewall problem, though if your security is set to allow signed controls, there should be no reason why Windows Update won't work.

John

I am running IE 6 sp2. My settings were set to "prompt". I changed to "enable" and it still didn't work. There is no yellow bar showing whether to accept download. When I do get notification of downloading updates - it always shows 0% completed??

Hello again John,
I downloaded IE7 and there is no change. I also noticed I cannot send mail on my yahoo account. I have the phlishing tool on and I notice it is checking MS update site as long as I have it open. I also checked my security settings and under restricted sites I have hundreds of **** -spyware etc. sites listed. included is *.activeupdate.com.
Do you think I should remove it? I don't know how these got there as I never listed them. My other two computers have nothing at all in the restricted site. Help!

Activeupdate.com isn't even remotely to do with Microsoft as far as I can tell from the domain information, so it should probably be a restricted site.

Have you run a spyware removal tool yet? I use Spybot Search & Destroy (The home of Spybot-S&D!) which does a good job of detecting threats, informing you of their presence and removing them if deemed appropriate. It could be that you have some sort of software trying to access these sites in order to download updates to the software or whatever and your security is trying to block them.

I've got a handful of blocked sites showing but nothing like the numbers you are reporting.

John

Problem solved! I run spyware blaster, adaware, S&D AVG virus on a regular basis. I really don't know how all those items got installed in my restricted zone, but I guess it's doing their job protecting me. Anyway what solved the problem was I checked my activeX controls and diabled two of them. I now get windows updates and am able to use my yahoo mail. Besides that my computer is running faster! I am now contemplating whether to install Mozilla and thunderbird. Thanks for helping.

Deleted. I am too clumsy.

Use AutoPatcherXP .

i have the same problem, and i cannot figure this out.

i cannot update windows - for when i go to the windows update site, my computer claims it is a restricted site.

and i tried to download some utilities to go after this problem, my computer won't even let me download any .exe files. help!!!!