When I access Windows Update, I get the following. The problem is, I don't get the info bar, so I can't download the ActiveX control. I've changing my security settings, but nothing seems to work.

Anyone got any ideas? Cheers

Make sure you're using Internet Explorer and try going into Tools -> Internet Options -> Security, Click on the Internet zone, and then on Default Level

Yep, did that, but unfortunately the problem still exists

if im not mistaken the link on that page that says "take these steps to solve the problem" will instruct you on how to add WU/MU to your trusted sites and should resolve the problem.

Well, how long did you wait for Info Bar to show? I remember waiting 1 minute to show and this only happens to me with Microsoft pages.

Cheers

Unfortunately not geek, it takes me to a page where it provides a keyword search facility, asks me to select a product, operating system and category, but when I put 'info bar' or any other relevant word which may find the problem and or solution, all I get is no word matches exist. So, about as useful as a chocolate kettle I'm Afraid. By the way, I already have the update site as one of my trusted.

I'm not too concerned about this, because I am getting my important updates automatically, it's just irritating, and would still like to get it sorted.

It was worth a shot mara, but that didn't work I'm afraid. I waited a few minutes

You could check out Dial-a-fix to see if it helps.

From my notes (happened to me, too) -
Internet Explorer->Tool>Options->Security->Trusted Sites
1 - turn off Require HTTPS Verify
2 - add http://*.update.microsoft.com
3 - add https://*.update.microsoft.com
4 - add http://download.windowsupdate.com
This is what you should have gotten from the info geek gave you. Dunno why you didn't get there; it's how I figured it out. And I believe you need all of the above items specified.

(1) As jcarle said, make sure that is MSIE. If there is a way to use another browser it would be news to me.

(2) Some people need to check Services to see that BITS ("Background Intelligent Transfer Service") is running.

(3) You may as well re-add all the known sites to Internet Options | Security | Trusted Sites ...

http://*.windowsupdate.microsoft.com
http://download.windowsupdate.com
http://update.microsoft.com
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com

https://*.windowsupdate.microsoft.com
https://download.windowsupdate.com
https://update.microsoft.com
https://windowsupdate.microsoft.com

You will need to uncheck that box that mentions: require HTTPS verification before you can even add those first 4 addresses.

NOTE: I have recently seen examples where all these manually added trusted websites were in fact deleted (gone!) after the computer owner installed an internet security suite from McAfee. I suspect Norton/Symantec is equally stupid.

Thanks for the additional info folks. I've had all those sites to my trusted list, but still no info bar on the update page, so I can't install ActiveX control.

By the way, I read sysdll's thread about a windows update problem, in which they said the system thinks they have Vista and not XP.........

'So here's the solution in case anyone else has this problem.

The problem seems to be that Windows Update thinks I have Vista when I have XP. I found a page at the Microsoft Developer Network for changing user-agent strings in the registry. I changed NT6.0 to NT5.1 and Windows Update is working correctly'

Could the above apply to me? I don't want to mess with the reg, but if it is a possible solution could someone provide detailed instructions how to achieve it.

Thanks again

please read this..........

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144/en-us

Well, stupid question...

Did you install Vista Transformation Pack? Seems to be a problem with the v8.01 that doesn't play well with XP-SP3 and requires an update/upgrade along with a couple of other items. http://www.windowsxlive.net/

And I noticed a post you made in another thread requesting specific information on a "fix" for the problem. Hope the "fix" poster replies to your request.

edit -
Uhhh, found the reference to the User Agent string referenced in the other thread (maybe).
Not sure how/why this happens but go here -
http://www.fiddlertool.com/ua.aspx
and download (not run) the first REG file and then right-click/Edit it. You'll find the value in question (maybe).

HTH

Nope didn't install anything to do with Vista. And yes, I'm hoping they get back to me incase I have a wrong reg key somwhere. I have IE7 and XP home. I should have 5.1 for XP apparently, but I have no idea where to look

I'm getting auto updates OK, and I can download from the Microsoft site. I also get the info bar re ActiveX on other sites, it's just http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdat...t.aspx?ln=en-us I'm having problems with. I'm sure I would have no probs downloading from here if I could just get the blasted info bar to come up, so I could right click and install ActiveX control for the site.

I don't get a message that states that the update or the updates were not installed successfully, because I can never get that far, and none of the scenarios apply to my prob, but thanks anyway.

Some very specific info on the User Agent strings from MSDN -
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms537503.aspx
Something must have fiddled with them to cause Update to think you have Vista. Read in the above link I gave (it's short), and go into RegEdit, and see if something is horked up...


Edit -
Also, try resetting in "IExplorer->Tools->Internet Options->Security" the following -
under "Security" tab, click both "Internet" and "Trusted Sites" and Reset the "Security Level" to "Default". This is where the ActiveX stuff comes into play. You (or something) may have altered these settings causing them to never allow installation...

I have all defaults set submix8c as you have suggested, but I'm a bit nervous about changing the registry, as I've never been in there before. I have read the links you provided and gone in via start regedit, and dug down as per the info in the links, but my values seem to be empty in those categories. If I was going to edit the reg I would need some very specific and detailed instructions showing me what to do. You couldn't pop over I suppose

As soon as I saw that other thread about an update problem, it seemed to fit with mine re Update thinking I've got Vista instead of XP. Can't remember changing anything though.

Thanks again for staying with this for me

REGEDIT is not dangerous unless you actually delete or modify something.

Let's try something here that may shed some light on this...
Open/Start/Run Notepad. Copy the following into it -
Now save it as anything.html ("Save As" and in the bottom pull-down "Save as type = All Files". Open "My Documents" (where it probably saved) and double click on "anything.html". If you get a warning about "allowing Active Content", click on it and let it run. A screen will show; copy the contents of that screen and post it here.

Something, by golly, is causing this strange behavior (sending bad info via IE7 to the update site). This may help find out what...

Ok, I'll give that a crack and let you know. In the meantime, I have been googling 'windows update and information bar' and lots of people have apparently being having this problem, although I can't find a fix other than, 'I got tired went to bed, and when I logged on in the morning it was OK again'.

However I tried something suggested on one forum which was....Start > (All) Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Internet Explorer (No add-ons), and hey presto when I hit 'check for the latest windows update' I got the welcome and express and custom update screen. I ran expres and it confirmed there were no important updates to install. Is this an adequate workaround do you think?

This what I got....

Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 7.0; Windows NT 5.1; FunWebProducts)

Hmmm - new feature of IE7? I'm using IE6 so... No option like that for me. Still, something wierd going on (Add-Ons are the ActiveX's). So, what about the statement you made about "Windows Update thinks I have Vista" - not applicable to you, I assume? Still, the CODE i supplied above may shed some light. Indeed, by "shutting off" all of the Add-Ons, I'm not sure how it would even have worked, since several are for Windows Update (e.g. the ActiveX in question)... MUWEB.DLL, WUWEB.DLL. Kind of sounds like one of the Setup's for Update may have failed previously (Windows Update Agent).

And if you go here -
http://forums.techarena.in/windows-update/749234.htm
there's some info specific to how to fix it all when goofed up...

Try the above (with the AddOns activated, natch), and see if that fixes you...

edit - "FunWebProducts" ???? OMG! Look at this -
http://www.tnet.com/fun-web-products.php
and here (same display you get) -
http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/we...3/1208web2.html
A quick search on that reveals Spyware/Adware. May or may not be interfering with Updates. Download Spybot (google for it) and install/run it. Helpful hint - never download and install things until you first research (Google is your friend).

Hope the above two items help...

Have downloaded Spybot and got rid of FunWeb, but still no info bar on Update. Maybe I'm being a little fussy here, as I'm getting my downloads, and can now check to make sure by using the 'no addon' feature. The only other possible solution I have found Googling, is someone reinstalled SP3 for XP and that worked for them.

Do you think that is worth a try, and is it a straightforward operation? Or should I wrap this one up and get back to living a normal life

This worked for me and for several others with the same problem:

Re-register the Windows Update DLL with the commands below

Click Start, click Run, type cmd, and then click OK.

Type the following commands. Press ENTER after each command.

regsvr32 wuapi.dll
regsvr32 wuaueng.dll
regsvr32 wuaueng1.dll
regsvr32 wucltui.dll
regsvr32 wups.dll
regsvr32 wups2.dll
regsvr32 wuweb.dll

Good luck.

V..

Cheers V. Tried that, but no luck I'm afraid

Zambo, I have an Anti-Malware Toolkit and comprehensive directions to that can help you scan for malware and clean your computer.

Moving to Malware Prevention.

Cheers Tarun, look forward to giving that a go. Have downloaded Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, and I'll let you know how I get on

I recommend the Professional package choice in my Anti-Malware Toolkit. I've been getting very fond of SUPERAntiSpyware lately too. It works quite well, though all of the tools are essential in their own way.

Great little program that. It found stuff that all of the others I tried didn't, and cleared it. As a consequence, my pc seems a lot swifter. Unfortunately it didn't fix my 'no infobar on windows update' problem though, so I can't use that method of searching for updates unless I envoke no add ons

Would you mind posting a HijackThis log please?

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 20:00:44, on 03/09/2008
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16705)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\csrss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgwdsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe
C:\Program Files\iolo\Common\Lib\ioloDMVSvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\pctsAuxs.exe
C:\WINDOWS\RTHDCPL.EXE
C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\pctsSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\Google Desktop Search\GoogleDesktop.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgtray.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\pctsTray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Ahead\Lib\NMBgMonitor.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\GoogleToolbarNotifier.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgrsx.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Ahead\Lib\NMIndexStoreSvr.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\Google Updater\GoogleUpdater.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgemc.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\Google Desktop Search\GoogleDesktop.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\alg.exe
C:\Program Files\IncrediMail\bin\IMApp.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live\WLLoginProxy.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wbem\wmiprvse.exe

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = \blank.htm
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
O2 - BHO: Skype add-on (mastermind) - {22BF413B-C6D2-4d91-82A9-A0F997BA588C} - C:\Program Files\Skype\Toolbars\Internet Explorer\SkypeIEPlugin.dll
O2 - BHO: WormRadar.com IESiteBlocker.NavFilter - {3CA2F312-6F6E-4B53-A66E-4E65E497C8C0} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgssie.dll
O2 - BHO: E-Zsoft VideoDownloaderToolBar - {4322A444-92F8-4C3E-BD4C-013BA51E2871} - C:\Program Files\VersalSoft\InternetDownload\VDTB.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {7E853D72-626A-48EC-A868-BA8D5E23E045} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: Windows Live Sign-in Helper - {9030D464-4C02-4ABF-8ECC-5164760863C6} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live\WindowsLiveLogin.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Notifier BHO - {AF69DE43-7D58-4638-B6FA-CE66B5AD205D} - C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\3.0.1225.9868\swg.dll
O2 - BHO: EpsonToolBandKicker Class - {E99421FB-68DD-40F0-B4AC-B7027CAE2F1A} - C:\Program Files\EPSON\EPSON Web-To-Page\EPSON Web-To-Page.dll
O3 - Toolbar: EPSON Web-To-Page - {EE5D279F-081B-4404-994D-C6B60AAEBA6D} - C:\Program Files\EPSON\EPSON Web-To-Page\EPSON Web-To-Page.dll
O3 - Toolbar: E-Zsoft VideoDownloaderToolBar - {4322A444-92F8-4C3E-BD4C-013BA51E2871} - C:\Program Files\VersalSoft\InternetDownload\VDTB.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RTHDCPL] RTHDCPL.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SkyTel] SkyTel.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Alcmtr] ALCMTR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Ahead\Lib\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Google Desktop Search] "C:\Program Files\Google\Google Desktop Search\GoogleDesktop.exe" /startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG8_TRAY] C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [InternetDownload_upgrade] "C:\Program Files\VersalSoft\InternetDownload\InternetDownload.exe" /upgrade
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ISTray] "C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\pctsTray.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [BgMonitor_{79662E04-7C6C-4d9f-84C7-88D8A56B10AA}] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Ahead\Lib\NMBgMonitor.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [swg] C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\GoogleToolbarNotifier.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'NETWORK SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'Default user')
O4 - Global Startup: Google Updater.lnk = C:\Program Files\Google\Google Updater\GoogleUpdater.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Search - ?p=ZJxdm025YYGB
O8 - Extra context menu item: Add to Google Photos Screensa&ver - res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\GPhotos.scr/200
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: Skype - {77BF5300-1474-4EC7-9980-D32B190E9B07} - C:\Program Files\Skype\Toolbars\Internet Explorer\SkypeIEPlugin.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.https
O15 - Trusted Zone: http://download.windowsupdate.com
O16 - DPF: {02BF25D5-8C17-4B23-BC80-D3488ABDDC6B} (QuickTime Plugin Control) - http://appldnld.apple.com.edgesuite.net/co...ex/qtplugin.cab
O16 - DPF: {0742B9EF-8C83-41CA-BFBA-830A59E23533} (Microsoft Data Collection Control) - https://support.microsoft.com/OAS/ActiveX/MSDcode.cab
O16 - DPF: {0CCA191D-13A6-4E29-B746-314DEE697D83} (Facebook Photo Uploader 5) - http://upload.facebook.com/controls/Facebo...toUploader5.cab
O16 - DPF: {4F1E5B1A-2A80-42CA-8532-2D05CB959537} (MSN Photo Upload Tool) - http://gfx1.hotmail.com/mail/w3/pr01/resources/MSNPUpld.cab
O16 - DPF: {5C6698D9-7BE4-4122-8EC5-291D84DBD4A0} (Facebook Photo Uploader 4 Control) - http://upload.facebook.com/controls/Facebo...toUploader3.cab
O16 - DPF: {5F8469B4-B055-49DD-83F7-62B522420ECC} (Facebook Photo Uploader Control) - http://upload.facebook.com/controls/Facebo...otoUploader.cab
O16 - DPF: {8AD9C840-044E-11D1-B3E9-00805F499D93} (Java Runtime Environment 1.6.0) - http://dl8-cdn-01.sun.com/s/ESD44/JSCDL/jd...ows-i586-jc.cab
O18 - Protocol: linkscanner - {F274614C-63F8-47D5-A4D1-FBDDE494F8D1} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgpp.dll
O18 - Protocol: skype4com - {FFC8B962-9B40-4DFF-9458-1830C7DD7F5D} - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\Skype\SKYPE4~1.DLL
O20 - AppInit_DLLs: C:\PROGRA~1\Google\GOOGLE~3\GOEC62~1.DLL,avgrsstx.dll C:\PROGRA~1\Google\GOOGLE~3\GOEC62~1.DLL
O23 - Service: AVG8 E-mail Scanner (avg8emc) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgemc.exe
O23 - Service: AVG8 WatchDog (avg8wd) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgwdsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Google Desktop Manager 5.7.806.10245 (GoogleDesktopManager-061008-081103) - Google - C:\Program Files\Google\Google Desktop Search\GoogleDesktop.exe
O23 - Service: Google Updater Service (gusvc) - Google - C:\Program Files\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe
O23 - Service: iolo DMV Service (ioloDMV) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\iolo\Common\Lib\ioloDMVSvc.exe
O23 - Service: NBService - Nero AG - C:\Program Files\Nero\Nero 7\Nero BackItUp\NBService.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: PC Tools Auxiliary Service (sdAuxService) - PC Tools - C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\pctsAuxs.exe
O23 - Service: PC Tools Security Service (sdCoreService) - PC Tools - C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\pctsSvc.exe

--
End of file - 9390 bytes

I'd remove any/all toolbars, uninstall AVG and Spyware Doctor.
Spyware Doctor is useless, AVG has lost it's quality, and toolbars can really mess with Windows Explorer, etc.

This is exactly what I did to fix the problem of Windows Update recognizing my OS as Vista instead of XP.

Start

Run

regedit

HKEY_CURRENT_USER
SOFTWARE
Microsoft
Windows
CurrentVersion
Internet Settings
5.0
User Agent

(default) = Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 7.0; Windows NT 6.0

Change Windows NT 6.0 to NT 5.1

SUPERAntiSpyware can also repair the User Agent for IE.

Can only go down as far as 5.0. Just have cache after that, no user agent. However, if I click on Internet settings tab, rather than open it, in the list against user agent I get Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSE 7.0; Win32)

When I click on Internet settings, or any of the above default comes up as not set. I have checked several other computes running XP and it's the same

I have installed it and run it. I have also removed Spyware Doctor. Please advise how I remove toolbars, the consequence of this action, and how I reinstall them if I need to. Also please recommend a new free Anti-virus program if I ditch AVG.

Cheers

You don't, nor will you ever need a toolbar. They're useless add-ons that integrate into the Explorer shell and can cause a number of issues.

To reset your user agent you can either use SUPERAntiSpyware or use this registry file for IE7 on XP.

Avast (do a minimal install) is the top pick for an AV for me, Avira's AntiVir is also quite nice.

Just thought I'd let you know my problem is sorted, and to say thanks for everyone who took the time to post on this thread.

I was looking through 'manage add-ons' and noticed that they were all enabled except MUWebControl Class. I enabled this and now when I go start, windows update, I'm taken straight to the screen which allows me to search for and install updates (express or custom)