Installed XP SP3, Windows Update not working, safe to browse?

[davidflynn12]

Just reinstalled xp home sp2 on my desktop. Downloaded sp3 and installed ok. Windows updates will not work either before or after sp3. Infact it crashes the computer. when I reboot ; I get freezing again. The only way to resolve this is too reinsatll sp2 and then sp3. So I am going to leave at sp3 until I get sp3 pro installed. I have avast av and zone fw installed. So is it safe to browse in the mean time using firefox not IE? I understand to safley browse in windows, one needs a good av, fw plus a updated windows system or is having a updated os really needed?

 

[gbhall]

In updates from MS every month there are always some 'critical' ones that nobody should ignore. However, only XPsp3 and later gets them. So yes, having an updated OS is a must.
Having said that, firefox is safer than IE in the main, and an AV and firewall are as much as you should ever need, provided they are kept up-to-date. Also Adobe and Java software is notorious for bugs. Keep updates going on Flash, acrobat, pdf reader, java also.

 

[mailpup]

Just checking but did you activate your installation of Windows XP yet? If not, do so and then see if Windows Update will work.

 

[davidflynn12]

Just checking but did you activate your installation of Windows XP yet? If not, do so and then see if Windows Update will work.

It always activates successfully ?!

 

[Gnome]

I seem to remember this same issue at one point. I think you need to install windowsupdateagent30-x86.exe before it'll start working. Try searching for it on microsoft's site.

 

[Cobalt006]

Update the Explorer. Then it will send you to windows update page .That will let install the latest update agent