I've seen this one addressed in several forums and also on the microsoft web site but am unable to resolve using any suggested fixes. My PC hasn't auto notified of new downloads ready since Late June...and I just heard about the new worm so I tried to manually update. At the msft update page It scans for current installer software on my pc then offers me a choice of express or custom and when i choose either the following message appears. [Error number: 0x80072EFD] The website has encountered a problem and cannot display the page you are trying to view. The options provided below might help you solve the problem. I've tried all the recommended fixes on their troubleshooting page related to this error and performed steps 1-5 but no go. followed steps here per microsoft http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;836941 -There are no addtl host files present -I'm not on a proxy server but cleared proxy anyway per msft direction -mcafee firewall is present but I disabled it and rebooted (with it disabled via msconfig)and still no good.) -Put microsoft update addresses in trusted sites - No DSL connectivity problems at all - I also cleared DNS Cache as I read that can fix the issue sometimes....NOPE - Read incorrect MTU can be an issue but not here. Im at 1484 (1492 for pppoe-8 the modem takes away automatically) RWIN 31768. 1.2down/216up I have spywareblaster installed but disabled all active x and cookie blocking protection (and I never had to disable anything in the past....not mcafee firewall...not spywareblaster or spybot...anything to get msft updates...prior to their new update software). Nothing is working here to resolve the issue. I've got to get theses microsoft patches against this new worm. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Dave

Hi Dave, Not sure if this will help but I had much the same problem and it turned out to be my anti-virus program, it was out of date (not up-dated). I un-insalled it and all returned to normal.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm running AVG and the def. files and program updates are current. I've got another amd system set up with the same O/S and software and it was able to get updates with no problem. Only difference between the 2 is Mcafee firewall. I allowed all ports and even took it down on here with no difference. All msft security settings are the same for both PCs too. Can't figure this one out....

UPDATE: Still can't get auto or manual updates. Uninstalled and re-installed Microsoft 3.1 installer. No change. Was able to update my backup PC Both main and Emergency backup drives on it running W2k with the Mcafee Firewall UP and NO ports in the Optional List open. All IE security settings have been duplicated on both PCs. Both running Spybot,Spyware Blaster too. They're Identical in every setting but still can't get the updater to work on my Main PC. It still gets the error message. ***** Immediately after updating my backup PC I copied the update numbers for the current patches and manually found them on the microsoft site. I was able to download and install them to my Main PC Manually so it should be protected for now...but I still need the updater to work to keep it current. Still need more suggestions if anyone has any.