Microsoft Update error #0x8DDD0002

Question

When I try to visit Windows or Microsoft Update webs ite, I receive an error message the reads:   To install updates from this website, you must be logges on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group on your computer. If you use Windows XP, you can see if you are an administrator by going to User Accounts in Control Panel.   Note: If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings might also prevent you from using this website. Contact your system administrator for help with updates.   I am running XP Media Center Edition which came installed on my 9100. I am the only user. I have disabled McAfee. I have visited numerous forums and made the recommended changes to Permissions, etc.   Please advise. Thank you.

Denny Denham · Answer

cobble1, One of the methods listed here should resolve the problem.

cobble1 · Answer

Thank you Denny.

The link you provided was the first place I checked out. I tried the first 4 methods (I was afraid of the 5th!) and much to my dismay, nothing worked! After spending 90 minutes on hold waiting for Dell customer service, I made my post in this Forum.

Let me know if you think of anything else. I appreciate the advise.

Denny Denham · Answer

cobble1, Try Method 5. Catroot2 has been the source of numerous problems with Windows Update.

cobble1 · Answer

when I enter the second dos command (ren %systemroot%...), I receive an error which states: 'The system cannot find the file specified.'

Robert Cathles · Answer

Try safe mode. Go to Start > Run > type in msconfig, click the BOOT.INI tab, and checkmark /SAFEBOOT. Restart, and when it comes to the welcome screen choose the Administrator account (if it is there). If not, click yours.   Then try the Update website again. Remember to uncheck the /SAFEBOOT option AFTERWARDS if it fails.   Alternatively, you can try contacting Microsoft Support for free. Click the link below, then click the link where it says 'Need More Help'. Follow the instructions and choose your method of contact (email suggested).   Good luck!

cobble1 · Answer

Thank you again for your time and effort.

As you instructed, I tried to access the Windows Update page in Safe Mode. I was unable to access the internet at all. I also tried run the steps outlined in Method 5 again and was unable to do so.

Robert Cathles · Answer

Sorry, I forgot to add the link. Click the Need More Help link and follow instructions.   http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=ph;en-us;6527

cobble1 · Answer

Microsoft will not support my XP because it came pre-installed on a Dell Computer and Dell will not support XP (without a charge) because it was written by Microsoft. My only option is to request a refund from Dell and buy a version of XP that Microsoft will support.

Thank you for all of your help.

Robert Cathles · Answer

If you don't mind me asking, did you actually contact Microsoft and/or Dell? Is that what they said? Because I don't actually quite believe it. Dell provided hardware support for my system, and Microsoft gave me free support for my updates, they didn't even ask for the OEM.

I'm sorry for asking if you did contact them, and sorry that they couldn't give you any help.

cobble1 · Answer

Yes, everything I said is true. However, subsequent to that last posting I emailed Michael dell directly and as a result, received a call from someone at Dell. They offered to pay the $100 charge for the Dell Help Desk. With their assistance, I ended up doing an Image Restore to the original factory settings. I then deleted all the 'garbage' programs pre-installed by Dell and reinstalled my programs. Everything now works fine.  In the end, my only downside was wasting 3 days on the phone getting schuffled around by inexperienced Dell staff.

Robert Cathles · Answer

I'm glad to hear that it's fixed now, thanks for posting the details about it.

Windows General

Microsoft Update error #0x8DDD0002

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