Admin cannot set automatic updates

I had two clients call me today to say that they are not getting automatic updates in XP (SP2). I logged on the admin account, and even that account cannot turn them on. The screen area is gray to select whether to turn these on or off. Any clues on how to fix this?

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macdude

Is this computer on a domain with WSUS set up? If so then group policy is more than likely preventing this.

dynamik

macdude wrote:

Is this computer on a domain with WSUS set up? If so then group policy is more than likely preventing this.

Bokeh

Nope, stand alone computers. WSUS is not used.

skrpune

I've got pretty much the same questions as previous posters...are they both at the same company/office or at different locations? Stand-alone machines or domain? Have you checked to see if the automatic update service is running or has been stopped?

I did a quick google & this came up, has two different solutions you can try.

Bokeh

I found a registry edit to try, so will let you know.

The two computers in question belong to same company, different offices. They are laptops that travel quite a bit to various office locations during the week. They do not belong to a domain.

elaverick1981

I'd be looking at virus activity that is using the WSUS style reg keys to disable AU on the local machines. If you find that these have been set I'd recommend a full virus sweep.

Bokeh

Update issue is fixed. The NoAutoUpdate value in the registry was set to 1 vice 0. Once reset working fine. Thanks to all who offered help.