Turning on Windows automatic updates

[TUS 373]

With my PC being connected to broadband, I would quite like to turn on the windows automatic update feature as it seems to work well enough on my WiFi laptop. Trouble is, the settings for it found under Contol Panel, System, Automatic Updates - are unchangeable. It just says "The Windows Update Service is Unavailable" and won't let me change it in any way (greyed out). I don't recall this being a separate component of Win XP that I haven't installed, and the Microsoft knowledge base isn't a great help. So, anyone know how to get in and access this please?

Thanks
Bryan

[meeja]

I don't use XP (I'm a W2K man) but don't you need to be logged in as a user with full administritive rights to enable MS Update?

[Gaffer]

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;306525

it has abit about the check box not being available.

HTH
Claire

[Plotloss]

Yeah you probably do need to make yourself a member of the administration group as there is some software, probably including windows updates, that wont install unless you have admin rights.

[TUS 373]

Thanks everyone - and keep smiling Claire!

It's a stand alone PC with Win XP Pro, I built it, I am the administrator. It also has SP1 for XP on it so I am stumped!! Thanks for the knowledge base article Claire. I had seen that already though but could not make sense why I still cannot access the dialogue box!

[meeja]

Just a stab in the dark....

It couldn't be one of those viruses that prevents connection to Windows Update could it?

[TUS 373]

I can get to windows update manually checking, just not automatically. I use Norton AV and its always freshly updated (automatically!!!!!).

[rdhawkins]

How is your broadband connection configured? Perhaps the Windows Update component thinks its not connected the net so doesn't offer the option?

Just a thought....

[TUS 373]

The PC updates itself automatically for Norton Antivirus over the broadband - so I assume that everything is configured OK with respect to that.

[ph_flyer]

I was going to post this info, but there's so much, it's easier just to post a link . Hopefully, your answer's here.

[TUS 373]

Thankyou Andrew! That may have just done the trick. The options are still greyed out - BUT the selection has changed to auto update now so looks OK. Very useful info, many thanks for posting the link!

Regards
Bryan