I read what you suggested. I understand that stuff. My problem is that Microsoft keeps bugging me to download and install the Installer. However, whenever I try to do it, the installation fails. Now I constantly have a notifier in the task bar telling me that there is an update available and it is always the Windows Installer. I'm sure that it's something that I could use, but it just won't install. I need an installer to install the installer!!! LOL

Maybe you can try downloading the installer to your desktop manually from this link:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=889482FC-5F56-4A38-B838-DE776FD4138C&displaylang=en

Log off the net, reboot in Safe Mode (F8 before XP starts to load). Make sure your antiviral software is disabled and then try to install the installer. Reboot normally and make sure your antiviral software is enabled again.

Ron

I already tried that. It failed as well. Now what, I wonder???
I tried disabling automatic updates but now I get the message that it is turned off and my computer is in danger. So, it's six of one, half dozen of the other! I'll keep researching and bugging Microsoft about it. I don't even know why they insist that Dell should fix it. It's their "auto-updates" that is screwing up. Probably they don't know the answer, heh?
At any rate, I would think that I need the updated installer, right? There has to be a way!

Message Edited by kidtamer on 01-07-200706:02 AM

Appears that you're not alone. See if there's anything helpful at these links:

http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/default.aspx?dg=microsoft.public.windowsupdate&tid=e4327898-e023-41c8-a091-95c68fdb193b&p=1
http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=603348&SiteID=1
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555615

And if you want tons more, google these words: XP installer 3.1 v2 fail
:(
Ron

Message Edited by RoHe on 01-07-200709:59 AM

Will do. Thanks!
I think I will try this. http://www.advancedinstaller.com/ At least then I will have a current installer. They say that they follow all MS rules or whatever and there is one that is free. Guess it couldn't hurt.
Now, if I could just get the updater to stop telling me that there is an update available for me! Of course, it's always that stupid installer that won't install!! (Gee, I wonder if Dell will delete my message because I said "stupid." They axed one of my posts for having an s followed by some dots. Gee whiz.)
There is another problem with the updates. According to Belarc Adviser and Secunia Software Inspector, I am missing some 50+ updates/patches, etc. When I go to MS and it scans for needed updates, it tells me that all is current. What do ya'll think?

Message Edited by kidtamer on 01-07-200712:10 PM

I'd be careful using somebody else's installer. Never know what extra 'stuff' they might put on your system.

Have you ever done a Repair/Reinstall of XP? The repair would remove all the updates and fixes from the system, but probably doesn't remove the update log file on your hard drive which would still say the updates were installed. When MS scans your system, it's looking for that log file...

Ron

No I haven't. Ya think that would help, heh? Just a repair would be enough? Because of the original problem (the blue screen error) I backed everything up so that's not a problem. I am a little concerned about this being the Media Center Edition. While MS insists that it is no different from any other XP Professional, I have encountered several "glitches" that seem to be specific to MCE versions. Are you aware of any bugs, etc that apply to MCE? Thanks.

Will do and I'll get back to you. Thanks so much for your help. kid

MCE is based on XPpro. I've seen strange MCE problems on these forums, but I can't say which ones are specific to MCE.

I don't know if a repair would help. Only asked because a repair might be why all your updates are missing but the log file says they were installed. But you might want to try a system file check (no effect on personal files or installed software):

click start>run
type in: sfc /scannow
(space between sfc and /)
click ok
Insert XP CD if sfc requests it. Reboot when it's done and then try downloading and installing that pesky installer again.

If that doesn't work, give MS tech support another go. They claim to provide free support for update problems. I've always gotten excellent free help from them when an update caused problems on my 8400 with XPpro. Go directly to their update site and look for a link to update support. You may have to be a politely insistent, but once you get over the hurdle, they should help you fix the problem.

Ron