Can't start firewall or automatic updates in Windows XP
- by Chris Porter
On a friends laptop following some viruses infestations there is a problem in starting the Windows firewall. The error is:
Could not start the Windows
Firewall/Internet Connection
Sharing(ICS) service on Local
Computer.
Error 2: The system cannot find the
file specified
When attempting to turn on automatic updates in the security centre, the message is:
We're sorry. The Security Center could
not change your Automatic Updates
settings. To try changing these
settings yourself, go to System in
Control Panel. On the Automtic Updates
tab, select Automatic (recommended),
and then click OK.
All the options under "Automatic Updates" are greyed out.
I've tried the suggestions below and many others:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/sharedaccess.htm
http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/892199
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/repairwmi.htm
I can't do a repair install because the installer doesn't detect existing versions. It's XP pro service pack 3.
