Windows Update Error number: 0x800703E3

Running Windows XP PRO SP3 and was informed that I did not have the latest
version of Windows Update when I tried updating yesterday. So as I have done
numerous times in the past I clicked on "Download and Install Latest Version".
The screen shows Downloading 0-100% then Copying Files 0-100% then I get an
error that says the Wesite encountered a problem and cannot display, blah,
blah, blah....

The Error number listed is 0x800703E3.

I have rebboted, tried from Safe Mode, tried using system restore to a
restore point about 2 weeks ago, all to no avail. Now every time I try
Windows Update, I get the same error message and Updating does not work.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

The 0x800703E3 is only a symptom of the problem.

You receive a "Windows Update has encountered an error and cannot display
the requested page" error message when you try to install an update:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=883614

Error message when you try to install updates from the Windows Update Web
site on a Windows XP-based computer: "Windows Update has encountered an
error and cannot display the requested page":
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/914226

However, my CrystalBall© suggests that there's a very strong possibility
that you have a Vundo infection, which is usually accompanied by ZLOB and/or
SDBot infections, all of which are protected by a rootkit.

Run a thorough check for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis log
to an appropriate forum.

Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_R...:_Introduction
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware

When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
(http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use (in
conjuction with some other utilities). HijackThis will NOT fix anything on
its own, but it will help you to both identify and remove any
hijackware/spyware with assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachi...php?board=10.0,
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30, or another appropriate forum for review
by an expert in such matters, not here.**

If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this
isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA) computer repair shop.

==========================================

Start a free Windows Update support incident request:
https://support.microsoft.com/oas/de...spx?gprid=6527

Support for Windows Update:
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/wusupport

For home users, no-charge support is available by calling 1-866-PCSAFETY in
the United States and in Canada or by contacting your local Microsoft
subsidiary. There is no-charge for support calls that are associated with
security updates.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

turtle*1 wrote:
> Running Windows XP PRO SP3 and was informed that I did not have the latest
> version of Windows Update when I tried updating yesterday. So as I have
> done numerous times in the past I clicked on "Download and Install Latest
> Version". The screen shows Downloading 0-100% then Copying Files 0-100%
> then I get an error that says the Wesite encountered a problem and cannot
> display, blah, blah, blah....
>
> The Error number listed is 0x800703E3.
>
> I have rebboted, tried from Safe Mode, tried using system restore to a
> restore point about 2 weeks ago, all to no avail. Now every time I try
> Windows Update, I get the same error message and Updating does not work.
>
> Any suggestions would be appreciated.