Can't change auto updates settings

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Laogeodritt August 5, 2005 at 15:03:00 Pacific
Specs: Windows XP Home Edition S, P4 2.54 MHz, 1060 MHz FSB

Hello,
I cannot change the settings for Automatic Updates through the "Security Centre" link; all radio buttons and accompanying text is greyed out. It appears to be set to scheduled install while I prefer to be notified before install and download.
I noticed this after I installed the Sympatico software required to connect to my ISP's service (and the accompanying technical-help software which was automatic) though it's not necessarily the cause AFAIK.
However, the Automatic Updates, before my most recent restart, acted as if it were on the option to notify the user before downloading and installing, and after the restart a few minutes ago it is as if it were on the option to download automatically then notify.
I was modifying settings in the Control Panel beforehand; I can't recall if it was like this immediately after finishing that, however I do recall being able to change it before configuring the settings.
I am working on a fresh install of Windows XP Home Edition SP2. I just recently had my hard drive reformatted since I had to replace my mobo and proc.
Anyone able to help?
Thanks,
--Laogeodritt

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Rick McNabb August 5, 2005 at 15:43:35 Pacific

Does it say "Windows Update Service Unavailable"??
If so, you will need to right-click on "My Computer" got to Manage - then Services and set the Windows update Service to Automatically start.
Rule #1: Good Computers don't go down.
Rule #2: There is no such thing as a good computer.

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Laogeodritt August 5, 2005 at 18:54:23 Pacific

No, it doesn't.
Security Center reports Automatic Updates as "ON".
Here's a screen-capture of the Automatic Updates settings window.
http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/3654/autoupdate6mq.png
--Laogeodritt

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erbraun August 18, 2005 at 12:58:30 Pacific

I had the same problem and was not able to change the greyed out settings; however, using the TweakUI powertoy, I changed the Group Policy settings to what I wanted. There were a lot of settings to look at, but eventually it worked.
I wish I could change the settings to allow changes from the normal UI....
Good luck!
Eric

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erbraun August 18, 2005 at 14:57:06 Pacific

Problem solved!
The following info opened up my settings for AutomaticUpdate:
Using the Group Policy Editor - for Windows XP Professional
Click Start, Run and type gpedit.msc
Navigate to the following location:
=> Computer Configuration
==> Administrative Templates
===> Windows Components
====> Windows Update
In the right-pane, double-click Configure Automatic Updates and set it to Not Configured
My settings were configured to perform this at 3am, so I guess it prevented me from manually configuring AU.
I hope it works for you.
Eric

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Laogeodritt August 29, 2005 at 16:42:46 Pacific

Thank you for your help, however I am running Windows XP Home which does not include gpedit.msc.
According to a very quick Google search, it is possible to change these settings in the registry; might you know how to go about doing this by that manner? Though, I would prefer not to...
You mentioned TweakUI Powertoy... I did not quite comprehend that post, but might it be possible to do something about this through that?
--Laogeodritt

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