Anilrgowda

Question
Hi everyone -
For several weeks now, I've been unable to install the Windows Update (XP Home service pack 2) on my laptop (Compaq Presario R3425US). My current version (according to Help>About Windows) is 5.1 (Build 2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.050301-1519: Service Pack 2).

Here is the sequence of screens that I see.
1. Microsoft Windows Update
This page offers me the choice between Express and Custom. I've tried both without success, but with the same result.

2. After I select either Express or Custom, this browser window hangs for several minutes (during which time the machine's total CPU usage is only 5%), but then when it finally comes back, it says:
"Files required to use Windows Update are no longer registered or installed on your computer. To continue: [Then it gives me these two options.]
Register or reinstall the files for me now (Recommended)
Let me read about more steps that might be required to solve the problem"

I got to this point several times before and always selected the first option: Register or reinstall now. So I selected that again this time.

3. Then for a minute or two, everything looks like it's going well. The screen soon says "downloading 100%," then "registering."

4. But then it brings me back to screen #1 (see above).

Any ideas what the problem might be? Or maybe the update is already installed?

Solution
You do have other Window XP problems. You may want to reinstall Windows XP

How Do I Do a "Repair Installation"?