The link you gave eventually opens up to "http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/muoptdefault.aspx?returnurl=http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate&ln=en-us"; where they want you to download the New! Get Microsoft Update today to get updates for Windows, Office and other Microsoft applications all in one place.
The Windows Update page works for me.

Randy it does not take me to "New! Get Microsoft Update today to get updates for Windows, Office and other Microsoft applications all in one place".
. It takes me to where they say they are "checking that you have the latest version of windows software on your computer for use with the web site".
Then within a second another page appears with this :-

[Error number: 0x80072F76
The website has encountered a problem and cannot display the page you are trying to view. The options provided below might help you solve the problem.
For self-help options:
Frequently Asked Questions
Find Solutions
Windows Update Newsgroup
For assisted support options:
Microsoft Online Assisted Support

I contacted Microsoft support about the problem and now await their findings.
This is the first time in four years of having this computer and Windows XP [home] that I have had a problem when I clicked onto 'Windows Updates'.
It has always worked without a problem.
Now this?????
"Horton"

Horton, I did a google search for> MS update Error number: 0x80072F76 and came up with some interesting hits. Check it out while your waiting for a reply from MS.

Its apparently a security setting or firewall... Microsoft article for the error ...

Here is a link that might be useful: Support Micecrowsoft kb836941

I have to turn off my firewall to get windows updates, or else I'll eventually get an error message similar to yours.

Mikie and Randy, you both go it in one!

Microsoft Support got back to me lickity split and suggested a few things that maybe causing the problem.
The fisrt being my firewall.
And sho'enough it is.
If I disable it I can go onto the update site no problem.
Re-enable it and it's back to the problem page.
So now I am waiting on a suggestion on how to tweak the firewall settings to allow that site in.
It's a pain in the posteria to disable the firewall each time I want to go to that update site.

I'll let you know what happens next.
Mikie thanks for the link.
"Horton"

Sorry tumbleweed missed you out in the thanks department.
Thank you too for your input, seems we are all on the same track.
"Horton"

Who's firewall are you using would be the next question ?

Many allow you to simply click allow site when it blocks it if you open the firewall program while you're in the blocking state.
If windows firewall and you use IE simply click the little eyeball on the lower task bar and it shows whats blocked and if you highlight the blocked site and choose summary ... there are button clicks to allow in future.

Horton, No biggie hope you get it figured out.

Mikie, Just wondering :-) I have IE, windows firewall and a router and get my updates without a hitch. It will be intersting to see what Horton is using.

Hi again, I have ZoneAlarm professional with it's firewall enabled.
I also have Windows firewall but that is disabled to avoid any conflicts.

As I said before, I never had this problem before and really don't know when it would have started as I don't go to MS/Windows updates that often.
I use the automatic update feature and it works just great.

I'm still waiting on word back form MS support, they were right onto it at first, now I don't know what's up?
I e-mailed them back about it being the firewall causing the problem and nothing has come back from them as yet?
I find that strange!
But everything comes to he who waits. I'm told!!??LOL
Thanks again for your interest and suggestions.
"Horton"