# Widows Update Problem
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/widows-update-problem/200584
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [September 9, 2003, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/widows-update-problem/200584 "2003-09-09T18:57:21Z")
**Posts on this page:** 4
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Mad\_Matt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mad_Matt)
#### Post date: [September 9, 2003, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/widows-update-problem/200584/1 "2003-09-09T18:57:21Z")
I am running Windows 98SE, IE v6.0.2800.106 and attempting to update Windows via the IE Tools\>Windows Update function. I get to the Windows Update site which informs me “New Windows update software required”. I click on the “Update now” button, and this generates a pop-up. The message on the box is:
“Do you want to install and run [http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/CAB/x86/ansi/iuctl.CAB?37873.4903819444](http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/CAB/x86/ansi/iuctl.CAB?37873.4903819444)”? Yes - No - More Info."
The trouble is that Yes and No both seem to go into an endless loop telling me that new update software is required. More info doesn’t seem to give any relevant info.
I’ve had a quick look on the MS Knowledge Base but can’t see anything obvious.
I first noticed the problem about a week ago, and assumed the problem is with MS 🙂 Now I’m not so sure. Can anyone suggest how I get updates? There never used to be a problem.
Oh yes, I run Trend PC-cillin (pattern files up-to-date) and it assures me there are no viruses and I have Zone Alarm (free version) running. Previously I could update with these two running though.
---
### Author:  [@Mad\_Matt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mad_Matt)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2003, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/widows-update-problem/200584/2 "2003-09-10T14:55:36Z")
\
OK… So how about “Are all Win98/IE6 users getting this or is it just me”?
\
---
### Author:  [@DarrenS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DarrenS)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2003, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/widows-update-problem/200584/3 "2003-09-10T16:03:19Z")
This help page is linked right off the main Windows Update page - how did you miss it?!
[http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/troubleshoot/](http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/troubleshoot/)
> [@](#):
>
> Problem Description:
> When attempting to access Windows Update, the page that directs you to update your Windows
> Update software appears. Clicking “Update Now” results in the same page being displayed,
> making it impossible to perform the update.
>
> Resolutions:
> We are still researching this issue.
>
> Some advanced users have resolved this problem by following the steps below. If you have
> trouble finding the files or string value listed below you should not attempt this resolution. Deleting the wrong items in this process can damage your computer.
>
> 1. Close Internet Explorer.
> 2. Delete IUCtl.dll and the IUEngine.dll from both the system32\dllcache and system32 folders.
> 3. Delete the registry string value “SelfupdateStatus” present in the
> HKLM\Software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\windowsupdate\IUcontrol key.
> 4. Delete iuenginenew.dll, if it exists.
>
> Downloading and installing new Windows Update site software may also resolve this issue.
> Follow the instructions in the article on manually installing the Windows Update software,
> located elsewhere on this page.
>
> You may also be able to resolve this issue by deleting the files in your temporary Internet
> cache. Follow the instructions below:
>
> 1. Close the Internet Explorer.
> 2. Right-click the Internet Explorer icon.
> 3. Click “Properties.”
> 4. On the General tab, click “Delete Files.”
Another kludge I’ve often found that works for some reason is simply change the url from http to https, and refresh the page.
---
### Author:  [@Mad\_Matt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mad_Matt)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2003, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/widows-update-problem/200584/4 "2003-09-10T18:51:42Z")
**DarrenS** Yes, I saw the article you linked to. It says it only applies to Win2000 & XP, but I gave it a go anyway. It buggers everything up if you are running Win98! :smack: Never mind, at least I still have Opera…
\