Can't access Microsoft Updates

[kismetk]

Hello

I am trying to resolve a Win 32 error (the svhosts one) for which the suggested methods are installing various updates, but I can't access http://update.microsoft.com - I just get the "page cannot be displayed" error. How can I get to Microsoft Update to get the required updates? Or if not, can I get them from elsewhere? Thanks for your advice.

Kismetk

[bludgard]

Hi,kismetk.

Have you initiated a full scan from an anti-virus/-malware program?....Free AntiVirus Software list .

There should be an option to troubleshoot the connection problem on the "page cannot be displayed" error page.Don't know if it will help,but it would be a good beggining.

If you need further assist,keep the thread updated.I'm sure one or more of the many members of the Crack Computer Expert Investigation Team will have some suggestions.

edit:tippos

[Makcalable]

Yes as i think you have a malware issue going on possibly,

maybe try and download and install Malwarebytes free and first do a full scan in safemode.

Take a look at this too HERE

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

Also try it from here http://www.update.microsoft.com/ - make sure you use Internet Explorer, or Firefox with the IEtab2 add-on.

[kismetk]

Interesting - I downloaded Spybot and it won't install - it fails on trying to get updates. Housecall also fails when I run it trying to download something. I downloaded Malawarebytes and this won't update either, but I'm running a scan anyway.

[kismetk]

Interesting - I downloaded Spybot and it won't install - it fails on trying to get updates. Housecall also fails when I run it trying to download something. I downloaded Malawarebytes and this won't update either, but I'm running a scan anyway.

That was a disaster - I deleted all the infected items and now I can't access any web pages other than google and its search results. Any help would be gratefully accepted!

[Makcalable]

Interesting - I downloaded Spybot and it won't install - it fails on trying to get updates. Housecall also fails when I run it trying to download something. I downloaded Malawarebytes and this won't update either, but I'm running a scan anyway.

That was a disaster - I deleted all the infected items and now I can't access any web pages other than google and its search results. Any help would be gratefully accepted!

Do you have a windows install DVD if so try doing a REPAIR from booting from DVD.

The apps and programs not working maybe the result of them being infected with malware which re installing the apps/programs is maybe the way to go.

[bludgard]

Try to connect directly to these links:

To be run under adminisatrtive privilages.

http://www.eset.com/online-scanner#

http://www.superanti...onlinescan.html

For research.

http://www.microsoft...agerestore.aspx

http://www.microsoft.../hijacking.aspx

http://www.microsoft.com/security/spyware/browserhijacking.aspx

Check that you LAN settings uner Connections tab in Internet Options aren't reconfigured from your default.If you are unsure,put a check in Automatically Detect.

If you have CCleaner now would be a good time to use it.

There are several ways to combat this but without knowing what OS and/or Browser is conflicted there is little to be offered.

If I missed this info,forgive an old fool....

[bludgard]

kismetk,you may want to seriuosly consider backing up whatever data/files you feel safe with,cutting your losses,completely wiping your drive,and reinstalling Windows.

It is a secure way to rid yourself of this blight.It may also save a lot of unjust frusration in the future.

Do you happen to posses any image backups of your Windows (C:) drive created prior to the occupation of this abomination?

Any questions,ask away....

edit:

Right click your Windows (C:) drive and select Properties.Under Tools tab,select Error-checking.Tick the box Automatically fix file system errors.Affirm.Affirm.Reboot.

You may also want to try opening a command prompt (with administrative privilages) and typing sfc /scannow,hit enter.

[bludgard]

A little off topic,but...............................

Happy Birthday kismetk!!!

;)

[kismetk]

Thank you for the birthday greetings!

I found I could regain access to websites other than Google by restoring the infected items found by Malawarebytes. But I still don't have access to Microsoft updates and other malaware tools. I have some file backups but although I know it's the right thing to do I would prefer not to completely reinstall WinXP as I want to retain software if at all possible.

I saw a post on another topic giving links to possible ways of restoring the facility to access and do Microsoft Updates - could I try these?

edit:

Right click your Windows (C:) drive and select Properties.Under Tools tab,select Error-checking.Tick the box Automatically fix file system errors.Affirm.Affirm.Reboot.

You may also want to try opening a command prompt (with administrative privilages) and typing sfc /scannow,hit enter.

Will the 2 suggestions quoted above cause loss of data/software?

Many thanks

Kismetk

[rong]

It shouldn't but with all things Microsoft there are no guarantees, as you have all your things backed up you will only get to the reinstall a little quicker if it goes wrong, if your problem is mail-ware then it mite not let you do them any how

[Makcalable]

It is highly unlikely, as these will check and try to repair any existing error's or bad sectors within the system files.

see here for fixing update error

also why not back up your data.

edit;

if you have tried all above about removing possible malware try the other fix in this post, but i strongly recommend you do several scans for malware in safemode and normal mode.

[kismetk]

Hi again

I've run Complete Internet Repair and Windows Update still couldn't connect to the web.

I then ran WSUS Offline Update but this gave an error - unable to resolve host address download.microsoft.com.

So I still can't get the Microsoft updates that are supposed to help resolve my " Generic Host Processes for Win32" error.

Where now? If I run CCleaner which options should I choose? Also does anyone know of an instance whereby the Generic Hosts error was actually disposed of?

Thank you!

[Sarah Alberta]

This might be some isp problem or the validation of Geniun windows occured....:)