[Caseyb]

Hello,

I have a few strange problems. I am running Windows XP Professional SP2. The first problem I have is that every once in a while, when I start up my computer, a balloon pops up saying that automatic updates are turned off, click here to correct this problem. I really wouldn't care, because I do not want auto updates running anyways. However, I cannot manually update when this happens, I have to go into services and start the Automatic Updates service (set it to start automatically) in order to be able to manually update. Once I do this, I am able to manually update. I can't understand why this service just shuts off on it's own sometimes, even though it is set to start automatically. Also, I want to turn automatic updates off, but when I go to the control panel-automatic updates, I am not able to select to turn off automatic updates. I hope this makes sense. Please let me know if you think you would be able to help me, or if more information is needed. Thanks!

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If you want to disable Automatic Updates, you first must have the Service running. Start the Automatic Updates service, then right click on my computer and choose Properties. Once the System Properties window opens, choose the Automatic Updates tab, and uncheck "Keep my computer up to date... blah, blah, blah. ... then click Ok. Once that's done, disable the Automatic Updates service and that should do it for you.

[makai]

If you want to disable Automatic Updates, you first must have the Service running. Start the Automatic Updates service, then right click on my computer and choose Properties. Once the System Properties window opens, choose the Automatic Updates tab, and uncheck "Keep my computer up to date... blah, blah, blah. ... then click Ok. Once that's done, disable the Automatic Updates service and that should do it for you.

[Caseyb]

The service is running, but I am still not able to turn off automatic updates.

[makai]

Is there a check mark for keeping your computer up to date in the Automatic Updates tab? Why can't you change it? Is it greyed out? Please give more info in your replies.

Is the balloon still popping up telling you that Automatic updates is disabled?

[Caseyb]

Sorry. I turned the service back on. I restarted my computer and the service is on. When I go to the automatic updates under the my computer properties, everything is grayed out. I am not able to change anything. Sorry about that, I should have stated it.

[The Skeptic]

Read the instructions in this link.

[Caseyb]

That worked. I was able to turn auto updates off finally. I don't know why it was set up that way. Thank you.