Anyone use Microsoft Update on XP SP3 in the last few days?

[FordGT90Concept]

Across five computers, and I expect a sixth to join them, the moment Microsoft Update gets installed via Internet Explorer 8, Microsoft Update throws error code 0x80248015. What's more, an update for XP SP3 appears to force an upgrade from Windows Update to Microsoft Update effectively terminating the ability to browse for updates.


May be related: this same update disables Microsoft Security Essentials service (not sure which one specifically).
PC Status: At Risk
Your PC isn't being monitored because the app's service stopped. You should restart it now.

Clicking the button to restart the service grays out and never succeeds.

 

[Mindweaver]

I have a few rigs running XP I'll check it out, but I'll say it has to do with it no longer having support. MS is not giving us anything.. They kept support for Windows 2000 for a lot longer than they did for XP.. I know they are not going to do it, but we need a rollup update for everything after SP3.

 

[micropage7]

my spare pc still run XP SP3
and since my internet connection is hell slow, i disable automatic update
personally i dont interested so much of updating except its critical

 

[FordGT90Concept]

Six for six computers: Microsoft Update = 0x80248015

I am aware Microsoft is no longer supporting it.

 

[ChristTheGreat]

as far as I know, all XP computer I saw with MSE, there were no more update and computer wasn't protected.. had to switch to Avast.

 

[FordGT90Concept]

I compared the services on two computers, one that didn't have the issue and one that did. Two services were enabled on the latter that weren't on the former: Telephony and Remote Access Connection Manager. The latter is especially concerning considering the fact it ignores the Stop order from the windows service controller. Other than that service running, I don't see any obvious signs of a virus on the computers.

 

[P4-630]

I'm running xp on my old netbook, I'm still able to update MSE , although it's red colored because it says that the os is no longer supported, I have installed all updates without errors.

 

[Drone]

Not sure if it helps but did you try unofficial SP4 pack?

I didn't use it but I've heard positive feedback about it:

link 1

link 2

 

[FordGT90Concept]

I'm running xp on my old netbook, I'm still able to update MSE , although it's red colored because it says that the os is no longer supported, I have installed all updates without errors.

What about Microsoft Update?

Not sure if it helps but did you try unofficial SP4 pack?

I didn't use it but I've heard positive feedback about it:

link 1

link 2

I may have to give that a try.

 

[johnspack]

It does work if you allow the posready fix.... it will continue to give xp updates to 2019.

 

[P4-630]

What about Microsoft Update?

Well I just turned it on and updated MSE + I had some updates for MS office and a malicious software removal tool update.
Installing the updates now, I'm having no problems, also MSE still running.

Ok the webpage itself , let me check after finishing installing the updates.
Just now I had a notification in the taskbar for the updates im installing now.

 

[FordGT90Concept]

That site relies on Google Drive. I tried downloading one of the ISOs and it gave an overload error. The POSReady solution might be a good way forward:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\WPA\PosReady] 
"Installed"=dword:00000001

I need to check with the boss lady before I push forward with that.

Well I just turned it on and updated MSE + I had some updates for MS office and a malicious software removal tool update.
Installing the updates now, I'm having no problems, also MSE still running.

Hmm, I wonder if Microsoft Update blacklisted my IP address or something.

 

[P4-630]

Well just tried the link to the windows updates and I'm getting: Server Error
404 - File or directory not found
The resource you are looking for might have been removed, had its name changed, or is temporarily unavailable.

However I have gotten the update notification in the taskbar for the latest updates I just installed and that worked fine.

Edit: Tried the website again and now I'm getting:

The website has encountered a problem and cannot display the page you are trying to view. The options below might help you solve the problem.

Error number: 0x80248015


So I'm having the same error I see.

But you should still get an updates notification in the taskbar for updates and you should be able to download and install from there.

 

[m&m's]

Create a restore point and backup your registry before doing anything.

We recently became aware of a hack that purportedly aims to provide security updates to Windows XP customers. The security updates that could be installed are intended for Windows Embedded and Windows Server 2003 customers and do not fully protect Windows XP customers. Windows XP customers also run a significant risk of functionality issues with their machines if they install these updates, as they are not tested against Windows XP.

 

[FordGT90Concept]

Well just tried the link to the windows updates and I'm getting: Server Error
404 - File or directory not found
The resource you are looking for might have been removed, had its name changed, or is temporarily unavailable.

However I have gotten the update notification in the taskbar for the latest updates I just installed and that worked fine.

Edit: Tried the website again and now I'm getting:

The website has encountered a problem and cannot display the page you are trying to view. The options below might help you solve the problem.

Error number: 0x80248015


So I'm having the same error I see.

But you should still get an updates notification in the taskbar for updates and you should be able to download and install from there.

So I'm not alone: something happened at Microsoft.

Yeah, I noticed updates were still available via the Windows Update Client on the computers but you can't actively search for updates that way and it doesn't grant access to any optional updates. I'm thinking it is time to bid XP farewell. POSReady creates potential problems by getting updates not meant for XP Pro, Microsoft Update is a problem and non-updated condition with Remote Access Connection Manager running is a glaring security problem.

I have a computer that has a fresh install of Windows. Since touching Windows Update as-is is a dead end, I think I will try POSReady on this system and see how it goes. I'll probably reinstall Windows on it again anyway.

Edit: POSReady, Microsoft Update, 0x80248015

Whatever happened is affecting POSReady too.

 

[m&m's]

So I'm not alone: something happened at Microsoft.

Yeah, I noticed updates were still available via the Windows Update Client on the computers but you can't actively search for updates that way and it doesn't grant access to any optional updates. I'm thinking it is time to bid XP farewell. POSReady creates potential problems by getting updates not meant for XP Pro, Microsoft Update is a problem and non-updated condition with Remote Access Connection Manager running is a glaring security problem.

I have a computer that has a fresh install of Windows. Since touching Windows Update as-is is a dead end, I think I will try POSReady on this system and see how it goes. I'll probably reinstall Windows on it again anyway.

Edit: POSReady, Microsoft Update, 0x80248015

Whatever happened is affecting POSReady too.

CMD -> sfc /scannow

You might need a Windows XP PRO CD.

 

[FordGT90Concept]

Not going to help. All of these computers were installed via the same method that worked on 50+ other computers and suddenly, Microsoft Update breaks itself. It is a widespread problem, not a problem specific to any one computer.

But, I can humor you. I'll plug in one of the computers with the problem and see what happens...

 

[m&m's]

Well, you could see if a DLL is missing or corrupted and paste it on all computers...

 

[qubit]

I remember the big fuss over product activation in the tech media and forums made on XP's release in 2001 and Microsoft's gentle platitudes that it would be disabled with a patch when the OS reached end of life. I remember feeling skeptical about this.

It's now well past end of life and I'm still waiting for that patch.

 

[FordGT90Concept]

Well, you could see if a DLL is missing or corrupted and paste it on all computers...

It finished, restarted computer, checked Windows Update, 0x80248015.

I remember the big fuss over product activation in the tech media and forums made on XP's release in 2001 and Microsoft's gentle platitudes that it would be disabled with a patch when the OS reached end of life. I remember feeling skeptical about this.

It's now well past end of life and I'm still waiting for that patch.

It's not activation that's the problem (I don't even see it on any of these computers because it is preauthorized via the Dell BIOS), it's updates, specifically that IE8 plugin Microsoft Update requires.

 

[qubit]

It's not a matter of a problem, rather a broken promise. That's my point.

 

[m0nt3]

Was able to update an XP machine at work today with microsoft update, didn't have MSE though. Was a fresh install.

 

[95Viper]

Hmm, I wonder if Microsoft Update blacklisted my IP address or something.

No Ford you have not been blacklisted...

If you set the date back to Nov. 17 or earlier it should work.

The problem seems to be, some did not get an updated "muauth.cab" file. The expiry date in the file was 11/17/2014 and people are getting an Exit code = 0x80248015.
It is happening on Windows Server 2003 OSes, too.
The TechNet forums are a buzz about it.
Hopefully, it was a goof up or oversight by MS and not on porpoise. 'Cause it does seem fishy.

EDIT:

If you read the threads on this sites it may give you some idea of what is going on:

Windows Update for Windows Server 2003 will not load

Microsoft November out-of-cycle patch MS14-068

A lot of the problems seem to have started after out of cycle patch MS14-068

EDIT EDIT:

Try this fix for Windows 7:

How to update the Windows Update Agent to the latest version

 

[FordGT90Concept]

If you set the date back to Nov. 17 or earlier it should work.

 

[FordGT90Concept]

Uh oh. It gets past the 0x80248015 error but then Windows Genuine Advantage has a fit. Can only get non-Windows updates (e.g. Silverlight, Live Essentials, and drivers).

Seeing how it affects Server 2003 and Windows Embedded, I hope it gets fixed.

Edit: And setting the date back to today to get through WGA subsequently forces Microsoft Update back to 0x80248015. It's a dead end.