Member Avatar for seeker88

Trying to clean friends hp pavilion ze4400.
After removing most of the nasties can get it to windows update but dies at "looking for latest version" dont think it had been updated (ever...)no fixes listed in add\remove. Had SP1 on disc and seemed to install, retry update same thing
but no SP1 visible in add\remove. SP2 on disc, same thing but is visible in add\remove. hmmm. The 2 poops unflushed r coolweb, VX2 do they interfere with update for sure? I know VX2 is super fun to oust(im on 3rd day..i think)but just wondering if update may be other issue. thx

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by seeker88

Dani AI

Generated

Brief summary and follow-up for this thread: cleaned the HP Pavilion of the malware (thanks to @Crunchie) but Windows Update stayed stuck at “looking for latest version.” A common and effective remedy—re-registering the Windows Update components—was used and fixed the immediate problem (as reported by ). ’s pointer to the Microsoft troubleshooter was also a good lead.

Why that fix works: Windows Update depends on a handful of COM DLLs, registry policy keys and two services. Malware often unregisters DLLs, removes policy keys, or disables services so the update client can’t enumerate or contact update servers. Re-registering restores the COM registrations; resetting the Update data forces the client to rebuild its local state.

Useful next steps (safe, practical checklist)

  • Verify the Background Intelligent Transfer Service and Automatic Updates are set to Automatic and are started (use Services MMC if preferred).
  • Reset the update data store: stop the update-related services, rename the SoftwareDistribution folder so Windows creates a fresh one, then restart the services and try Update again.
  • Check the hosts file for any lines that could redirect Microsoft update domains back to localhost (malware commonly edits that file).
  • Run System File Checker (SFC) to repair any missing or damaged system files, and review WindowsUpdate.log for explicit error codes to target specific failures.
  • If problems persist, update or reinstall the Windows Update Agent for XP or consider an in-place repair/repair install as a last resort.

Cautions: always create a system restore point and back up the registry before making service or registry changes. If the machine is older, confirm which service pack is truly installed by checking Add/Remove Programs with “Show updates” enabled (service packs and updates appear there).

Member Avatar for thunderace1k

Here's a link where you could find a solution to your problem.

Let us know...

Member Avatar for seeker88

I think the problem is in the registry, dont have this
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\WindowsUpdate

just up to policies
and other key found
found http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_abc.htm

will try and see

Member Avatar for seeker88

This worked

Start\Run

"regsvr32 wuapi.dll" (w/o quotes)
Press Ok

Type "regsvr32 wups.dll" (w/o quotes)
Press Ok

Type "regsvr32 wuaueng.dll" (w/o quotes)
Press Ok

Type "regsvr32 wucltui.dll" (w/o quotes)
Press Ok

Type "regsvr32 msxml3.dll"

Member Avatar for seeker88

oops duuuhbull post

Start\Run

"regsvr32 wuapi.dll" (w/o quotes)
Press Ok

Type "regsvr32 wups.dll" (w/o quotes)
Press Ok

Type "regsvr32 wuaueng.dll" (w/o quotes)
Press Ok

Type "regsvr32 wucltui.dll" (w/o quotes)
Press Ok

Type "regsvr32 msxml3.dll"

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