You receive an "Initialization error 0x800A1391" error message and the Windows Update Web site does not appear (836961)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Update, when used with:
    • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
    • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
    • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
    • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
    • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
    • Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition
    • Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition
    • Microsoft Windows 98

SYMPTOMS

When you try to access the Microsoft Windows Update Web site, the Web site may not appear, and you may receive the following error message:
Initialization error 0x800A1391

CAUSE

This issue may occur if you cannot download the ActiveX component of the Windows Update Web site.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, use the following method.

Method 1: Add the Windows Update Web sites to the list of trusted sites in Microsoft Internet Explorer

To add the Windows Update Web sites to the list of trusted sites in Internet Explorer, follow these steps:
  1. Open Internet Explorer.
  2. Click Tools, and then click Internet Options.
  3. On the Security tab, click Trusted Sites.
  4. Click Sites.
  5. Click to clear the Require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone check box.
  6. In the Add this Web site to the zone area, type the following Web sites, and then click Add:

    http://Windowsupdate.microsoft.com
    http://v4.Windowsupdate.microsoft.com
    https://v4.Windowsupdate.microsoft.com
    http://Download.Windowsupdate.com

  7. Click OK two times.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:4/12/2005
Keywords:kbdownload kbwindowsupdate kberrmsg kbprb KB836961 kbAudEndUser kbAudITPRO
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.