Troubleshooting Windows XP Update Problems

Microsoft releases updates and patches for all its operating systems that are currently in use. The Automatic Updates feature that was introduced from the Windows 98 operating system itself downloads and installs updates automatically. Usually, the Windows Update patches, service packs, hot fixes and security updates are downloaded and installed by the Windows Update program.
You may not notice the downloading and installation of the updates until you encounter any errors in the installation. Windows Update program will repeatedly try to install the failed update. Software issues, presence of temporary files that do not get deleted and other issues can lead to installation problems. The steps to troubleshoot these issues are discussed below. You may contact Microsoft tech support if you are not comfortable with performing the steps.

Steps To Be Followed

• Turn on your computer and click on the Start button, which is located on the extreme left corner of the screen. This will open the Start menu. Go to All Programs link from the Start menu. From the list, select Windows Update.
• In the Windows Update window, click on the link named Review your update history.
• In the status column, you will be able to find a red X mark. Click on this and highlight the error number with your mouse. After that, hold down the Ctrl key and C keys together to copy this number. You can also write down the number if you wish.
• Click on the Find Solutions button.
• After doing the above steps, click on the field labeled Type keywords here. After that, press the Ctrl key and V keys simultaneously. This will paste the error number that you have copied in the previous step. You can also manually type the error number if you have noted down the number. After that, hit the Enter key.
• The troubleshooter will open and will present you with the steps to troubleshoot the problem; follow these steps promptly.
• You may also search for the Windows Update installation error number in the knowledge base of Microsoft if you are not able to fix the problem after following the troubleshooter.

These are the steps to be done to get rid of installation problems of Windows XP updates. You may also refer the Microsoft tech support module in the Microsoft web page to learn more about the steps.