microsoft update (not!)

I recently tried to manually do a Windows Update on a WinXP (home) box and when the Microsoft update site tried to scan my computer to see what I needed I got an error message and a notice about emailing the error to Microsoft.

It looks like my IE 6 is dinked. Is there an easy way to "refresh" this embedded monster?

The option worked, maybe a month ago. So I'm reluctant to try a system restore.

Suprisingly, the automatic update system seems to work. I know I probably should have included the error message with this post, I'll write it down next time I fire that box up.

Thanks

Have you tried re-installing IE?

jag291

I tried installing IE6.1, but it won't load as it says there is a current version already loaded.

In previous versions of windows you could uninstall IE then reload it. I'm not sure about XP.

I was running 98 up until a month ago, I resisted upgrading it but had to for other family members. I've got a dual boot system with Redhat on a second drive, for the most part I keep Windows running so my wife and kids can run Office. This is one of the reasons I hate Microsoft, IE is embedded into the OS. With Redhat's RPM system you can always uninstall a package and then reinstall it. I'm sure I'll become an XP expert before this one is fixed.

318378 - How to Reinstall or Repair Internet Explorer and Outlook Express in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;EN-US;318378

maybe this will help with the IE problem,

or this

http://www.theeldergeek.com/repair_r...e_and_oe_6.htm

Thank you for the posts. Using the system file checker fixed the problem. Don't know what it was but it's fixed now.

Thanks again!