Getting windows to update

cally6008

microsoft windows xp
professional
version 2002

amd duron
1.60 GHz
992 MB of RAM

Computer hasn't been used for about 3 years but as laptop is getting more frazzled daily (a key springs to life itself, laptop randomly switch off), I've gone back to my old desktop. Above are specs of windows and pc.

We know it needs more RAM and are going to be sorting something out for that but seem to be unable to install any anti-virus software until Windows has been updated, can't update using "windows update" option as IE crashes, computer set to download updates and then notify me but nothing come up yet and pc has been running for about 5 hours now.

Does this version of windows update ?

We do have a more up-to-date pc for me to use but switched it on and although lights on, no power or anything so need to borrow test meter from someone to find out which bits are getting power to them and which aren't etc

cally6008

Googling around and going on windows website - looks like I can't get automatic updates

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/help/what-does-end-of-support-mean

Here are the dates when support will end for PCs running Windows XP and Windows Vista without the latest service packs:

• Support for Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) ended on July 12, 2011. To continue support, make sure you've installed Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2).
• Support for Windows Vista without any service packs ended on April 13, 2010. To continue support, make sure you've installed Windows Vista SP2.
• Support for Windows XP SP2 ended on July 13, 2010. To continue support, make sure you've installed Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3). For more information, see Learn how to install Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3).

Soo ... Can I just jump to downloading service pack 3 ... will my computer run it ?

or do I download service pack 1a, then service pack 2 and then service pack 3 ?

waddler_8

What service packs are installed?

(Start > Run > type WINVER > OK)

cally6008

microsoft windows
version 5.1 (build 2600.xpclient.010817-1148)

32 bit version

waddler_8

SP2 then SP3

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389

closed

1GB of ram is sufficient/plenty for most uses on xp.

try this av

http://www.filehippo.com/download_avast_antivirus/

TakeThis

Since it has not been used for a while, perhaps now is the time to run a clean install/destructive Factory Restore and then to add Service Packs immediately afterwards.

Does your PC have a brand name and model number?

cally6008

can't add them, was sold pc with a dodgy copy of windows by looks of it

santer_2

If you open the My Documents folder and click help, is this copy legal, does it confirm it isn't genuine?

cally6008

It doesn't say .. yes this is genuine but it doesn't say no either

I tried to install the service pack 2 update and it came up with the error message that the installed copy was not valid

santer_2

Call Microsoft on 0800 018 8354

Explain it used to update before but you stopped using it for three years and now it won't update

If they still say it isn't genuine, post back