Do I need service packs if I am running Anti-virus and ZoneAlarm?

[Nirgelep]

Hi People,

Hoping to get some feedback. I cannot install service packs on my machine
(Win XP Home SP2). I have tried all the ideas found on the web to no avail.

So my question is as above - is my computer safe with up-to-date AntiVirus
and Zone Alarm firewall. And then I could research how to turn off the
Windows warning (red shield)

------------
The problems so far:
Just recently did a clean/fresh install of windows because it was acting
like a dog (isnt that ironic - still cant get it to behave). Takes many days
to do a new install with all the applications. And I'm tired.

Due to some errors, I decided to do a repair of Windows XP (SP2 CD) - which
seemed fine, but now I cannot update. Had problems with IE (because the
repair brings IE6 back and you get a mishmash version) so uninstalled IE7,
re-installed and now thats working.

Tried registering all sorts of DLL's for all sorts of errors - probably not
relevent, wondering if this can be damaging?

Tried renaming the SoftwareDistribution directory, then deleting it (and
stopping Automatic update services)
And nothing else really to try.

Example of errors:

Downloading Critical Update for Office XP on Windows XP Service Pack 2
(KB885884) (update 1 of 75)... done!
Downloading Security Update for Windows XP (KB873339) (update 2 of 75)...
failed!
Downloading Critical Update for Windows XP (KB886185) (update 3 of 75)...
done!
Downloading Security Update for Windows XP (KB885836) (update 4 of 75)...
failed!
Downloading Security Update for Windows XP (KB888302) (update 5 of 75)...
failed!
Downloading Security Update for Windows XP (KB891781) (update 6 of 75)...
failed!
Downloading Security Update for Windows XP (KB885835) (update 7 of 75)...
failed!
Downloading Security Update for Windows XP (KB896428) (update 8 of 75)...
failed!
Downloading Security Update for Windows XP (KB901214) (update 9 of 75)...
failed!


Regards,
Unhappy Windows user

 

[Shenan Stanley]

Re: Do I need service packs if I am running Anti-virus and ZoneAlarm?

Nirgelep wrote:
> Hi People,
>
> Hoping to get some feedback. I cannot install service packs on my
> machine (Win XP Home SP2). I have tried all the ideas found on the
> web to no avail.
>
> So my question is as above - is my computer safe with up-to-date
> AntiVirus and Zone Alarm firewall. And then I could research how
> to turn off the Windows warning (red shield)
>
> ------------
> The problems so far:
> Just recently did a clean/fresh install of windows because it was
> acting like a dog (isnt that ironic - still cant get it to behave).
> Takes many days to do a new install with all the applications. And
> I'm tired.
>
> Due to some errors, I decided to do a repair of Windows XP (SP2 CD)
> - which seemed fine, but now I cannot update. Had problems with IE
> (because the repair brings IE6 back and you get a mishmash version)
> so uninstalled IE7, re-installed and now thats working.
>
> Tried registering all sorts of DLL's for all sorts of errors -
> probably not relevent, wondering if this can be damaging?
>
> Tried renaming the SoftwareDistribution directory, then deleting it
> (and stopping Automatic update services)
> And nothing else really to try.
>
> Example of errors:
>
> Downloading Critical Update for Office XP on Windows XP Service
> Pack 2 (KB885884) (update 1 of 75)... done!
> Downloading Security Update for Windows XP (KB873339) (update 2 of
> 75)... failed!
> Downloading Critical Update for Windows XP (KB886185) (update 3 of
> 75)... done!
> Downloading Security Update for Windows XP (KB885836) (update 4 of
> 75)... failed!
> Downloading Security Update for Windows XP (KB888302) (update 5 of
> 75)... failed!
> Downloading Security Update for Windows XP (KB891781) (update 6 of
> 75)... failed!
> Downloading Security Update for Windows XP (KB885835) (update 7 of
> 75)... failed!
> Downloading Security Update for Windows XP (KB896428) (update 8 of
> 75)... failed!
> Downloading Security Update for Windows XP (KB901214) (update 9 of
> 75)... failed!
>
>
> Regards,
> Unhappy Windows user

Try one (or both) of these:

Solution to try (1):

Get Dial-a-Fix:
http://wiki.djlizard.net/Dial-a-fix

Use its options to fix Windows Installer, fix Windows Update, and all the
Registration Center options.
Turn off the "Empty System32\Catroot 2"
Then click "GO"

Do NOT do "Flush SoftwareDistribution".

Reboot and try again with the updates...


Solution to try (2):

1) Reboot and logon as a user with Administrative Privs...
2) Immediately run the following batch script (You will have to create it by
cutting/pasting as directed.)

- Click Start, Run, type: notepad C:\register.bat and press Enter. Choose
Yes when you are prompted.
- Copy the following commands and then paste them into the opened Notepad
window:

regsvr32 comcat.dll /s
regsvr32 shdoc401.dll /s
regsvr32 shdoc401.dll /i /s
regsvr32 asctrls.ocx /s
regsvr32 oleaut32.dll /s
regsvr32 shdocvw.dll /I /s
regsvr32 shdocvw.dll /s
regsvr32 browseui.dll /s
regsvr32 browseui.dll /I /s
regsvr32 msrating.dll /s
regsvr32 mlang.dll /s
regsvr32 hlink.dll /s
regsvr32 mshtmled.dll /s
regsvr32 urlmon.dll /s
regsvr32 plugin.ocx /s
regsvr32 sendmail.dll /s
regsvr32 scrobj.dll /s
regsvr32 mmefxe.ocx /s
regsvr32 corpol.dll /s
regsvr32 jscript.dll /s
regsvr32 msxml.dll /s
regsvr32 imgutil.dll /s
regsvr32 thumbvw.dll /s
regsvr32 cryptext.dll /s
regsvr32 rsabase.dll /s
regsvr32 inseng.dll /s
regsvr32 iesetup.dll /i /s
regsvr32 cryptdlg.dll /s
regsvr32 actxprxy.dll /s
regsvr32 dispex.dll /s
regsvr32 occache.dll /s
regsvr32 occache.dll /i /s
regsvr32 iepeers.dll /s
regsvr32 urlmon.dll /i /s
regsvr32 cdfview.dll /s
regsvr32 webcheck.dll /s
regsvr32 mobsync.dll /s
regsvr32 pngfilt.dll /s
regsvr32 licmgr10.dll /s
regsvr32 icmfilter.dll /s
regsvr32 hhctrl.ocx /s
regsvr32 inetcfg.dll /s
regsvr32 tdc.ocx /s
regsvr32 MSR2C.DLL /s
regsvr32 msident.dll /s
regsvr32 msieftp.dll /s
regsvr32 xmsconf.ocx /s
regsvr32 ils.dll /s
regsvr32 msoeacct.dll /s
regsvr32 inetcomm.dll /s
regsvr32 msdxm.ocx /s
regsvr32 dxmasf.dll /s
regsvr32 l3codecx.ax /s
regsvr32 acelpdec.ax /s
regsvr32 mpg4ds32.ax /s
regsvr32 voxmsdec.ax /s
regsvr32 danim.dll /s
regsvr32 Daxctle.ocx /s
regsvr32 lmrt.dll /s
regsvr32 datime.dll /s
regsvr32 dxtrans.dll /s
regsvr32 dxtmsft.dll /s
regsvr32 WEBPOST.DLL /s
regsvr32 WPWIZDLL.DLL /s
regsvr32 POSTWPP.DLL /s
regsvr32 CRSWPP.DLL /s
regsvr32 FTPWPP.DLL /s
regsvr32 FPWPP.DLL /s
regsvr32 WUAPI.DLL /s
regsvr32 WUAUENG.DLL /s
regsvr32 ATL.DLL /s
regsvr32 WUCLTUI.DLL /s
regsvr32 WUPS.DLL /s
regsvr32 WUWEB.DLL /s
regsvr32 wshom.ocx /s
regsvr32 wshext.dll /s
regsvr32 vbscript.dll /s
regsvr32 scrrun.dll mstinit.exe /setup /s
regsvr32 msnsspc.dll /SspcCreateSspiReg /s
regsvr32 msapsspc.dll /SspcCreateSspiReg /s
regsvr32 /s urlmon.dll
regsvr32 /s mshtml.dll
regsvr32 /s shdocvw.dll
regsvr32 /s browseui.dll
regsvr32 /s jscript.dll
regsvr32 /s vbscript.dll
regsvr32 /s scrrun.dll
regsvr32 /s msxml.dll
regsvr32 /s actxprxy.dll
regsvr32 /s softpub.dll
regsvr32 /s wintrust.dll
regsvr32 /s dssenh.dll
regsvr32 /s rsaenh.dll
regsvr32 /s gpkcsp.dll
regsvr32 /s sccbase.dll
regsvr32 /s slbcsp.dll
regsvr32 /s cryptdlg.dll
regsvr32 /s schannel.dll
regsvr32 /s oleaut32.dll
regsvr32 /s ole32.dll
regsvr32 /s shell32.dll
regsvr32 /s initpki.dll
regsvr32 /s msscript.ocx
regsvr32 /s dispex.dll
regsvr32 jscript.dll /s
del %temp% /Q /F
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptsvc
ren %windir%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old
cd /d %windir%\SoftwareDistribution
rd /s DataStore /Q
regsvr32 wuapi.dll /s
regsvr32 wups.dll /s
regsvr32 wuaueng.dll /s
regsvr32 wucltui.dll /s
regsvr32 wuweb.dll /s
regsvr32 msxml.dll /s
regsvr32 msxml2.dll /s
regsvr32 msxml3.dll /s
regsvr32 urlmon.dll /s
net start cryptsvc
net start wuauserv
exit

- After you paste the above commands, please close the Notepad window.
Choose Yes when you are prompted to save the file.
- Click Start, Run, type:
C:\register.bat and press Enter to run the commands I have pasted.
The Process may take sometime.

3) Download/Install Windows Update v3.
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=91237

(You may need to install it using the command line switch "/wuforce" right
after an additional reboot - immediately after logging in.)

4) Download/Install the 927891 patch.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=7A81B0CD-A0B9-497E-8A89-404327772E5A

5) Reboot.

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

 

[Shenan Stanley]

Re: Do I need service packs if I am running Anti-virus and ZoneAlarm?

Nirgelep wrote:
> Hoping to get some feedback. I cannot install service packs on my
> machine (Win XP Home SP2). I have tried all the ideas found on the
> web to no avail.
> So my question is as above - is my computer safe with up-to-date
> AntiVirus and Zone Alarm firewall. And then I could research how
> to turn off the Windows warning (red shield)
<snip>

In addition to my response where you can likely fix your updates...

You *should* have SP2 and critical updates installed if that machine will be
on the Internet *with* a human being using it. One or the other (or some
combination of the two) are bound to cause issues at some point. It sounds
like you stay generally protected - but if you stop doing the critical
updates/service packs on Windows - when will you next decide you don't need
to update your AV or your firewall?


--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

 

[PA Bear]

Re: Do I need service packs if I am running Anti-virus and ZoneAlarm?

Yes, you need all post-SP2 critical updates installed.

No, your AV app and ZA are not enough to secure the machine.

> Due to some errors, I decided to do a repair of Windows XP (SP2 CD) -
> which
> seemed fine, but now I cannot update...

1. First install the newly released 'standalone' version of Windows Update
Agent 3.0, v7.0.6000.374
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/932494

2. Now (re)install this (updated) fix:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927891

NB: Windows Update/Automatic Updates started offering 927891 on 22 May-07.
If "Update for [Windows XP] (KB927891)" is listed in Add/Remove Programs
(make sure Show Updates box is checked), it's already installed. cf.
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory/927891.mspx

3. Reboot.

How to perform a repair installation of Windows XP if Internet Explorer 7 is
installed:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=917964
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)
AumHa VSOP & Admin; DTS-L.org

Nirgelep wrote:
> Hi People,
>
> Hoping to get some feedback. I cannot install service packs on my machine
> (Win XP Home SP2). I have tried all the ideas found on the web to no
> avail.
>
> So my question is as above - is my computer safe with up-to-date AntiVirus
> and Zone Alarm firewall. And then I could research how to turn off the
> Windows warning (red shield)
>
> ------------
> The problems so far:
> Just recently did a clean/fresh install of windows because it was acting
> like a dog (isnt that ironic - still cant get it to behave). Takes many
> days to do a new install with all the applications. And I'm tired.
>
> Due to some errors, I decided to do a repair of Windows XP (SP2 CD) -
> which
> seemed fine, but now I cannot update. Had problems with IE (because the
> repair brings IE6 back and you get a mishmash version) so uninstalled IE7,
> re-installed and now thats working.
>
> Tried registering all sorts of DLL's for all sorts of errors - probably
> not
> relevent, wondering if this can be damaging?
>
> Tried renaming the SoftwareDistribution directory, then deleting it (and
> stopping Automatic update services)
> And nothing else really to try.
>
> Example of errors:
>
> Downloading Critical Update for Office XP on Windows XP Service Pack 2
> (KB885884) (update 1 of 75)... done!
> Downloading Security Update for Windows XP (KB873339) (update 2 of 75)...
> failed!
> Downloading Critical Update for Windows XP (KB886185) (update 3 of 75)...
> done!
> Downloading Security Update for Windows XP (KB885836) (update 4 of 75)...
> failed!
> Downloading Security Update for Windows XP (KB888302) (update 5 of 75)...
> failed!
> Downloading Security Update for Windows XP (KB891781) (update 6 of 75)...
> failed!
> Downloading Security Update for Windows XP (KB885835) (update 7 of 75)...
> failed!
> Downloading Security Update for Windows XP (KB896428) (update 8 of 75)...
> failed!
> Downloading Security Update for Windows XP (KB901214) (update 9 of 75)...
> failed!
>
>
> Regards,
> Unhappy Windows user