Q. When you attempt to download updates to a Windows XP SP2 computer from the Windows Update or Microsoft Update Web sites, you receive error 0x80072EE4?

When you visit Windows Update or Microsoft update from a Windows XP SP2 (Service Pack 2) computer and try to download an update, your computer stops responding while displaying Checking for latest version of Windows Update software. If a Red X appears next to the update, your receive a 0x80072EE4 error.

NOTE: On the Review your update history Web page, press the Red X to see the error associated with a specific update.

This behavior will occur if the SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) settings are incorrect, or if some Winsock registry keys are corrupted.

To resolve this issue:

1. Open a CMD.EXE window.

2. Type netsh winsock reset and press Enter.