Thanks raven. I looked at the first link you provided and I don't see anything that resembles what I had. So I still have a question. As I recall what popped up on my screen was something that looked like it came from Microsoft, said the computer was infected with a virus, and warned not to shut the computer off. It told me I should click to start the antivirus program. The first time it happened--when I fell for it--I assumed that it would run Windows Defender. My question is, then, does Microsoft ever do this? That is, if indeed I get a virus in the midst of searching the web, is there ever a legitimate Microsoft warning that pops up telling you not to shut the computer down and to click to run a scan? If not, then there's no problem with trying to find out what's legit and what is not. With whatever I got it was truly hard to tell. Thanks!

Hi ravencajun, I found this from one of your sites that you posted. Microsoft said this "When you use the Windows Update Web site or the Microsoft Update Web site to check for and install updates, you may receive one of the errors that are listed in the "Symptoms" section. Important In most cases, these messages are temporary or short-lived issues that are caused by very slight interruptions in communications between the computer that is being updated and the Windows update servers. These issues are generally self-healing. So, before you try the troubleshooting methods in this article, please exit the Windows Update site, wait 10 to 15 minutes, start Windows Update again, and then check for updates. You can also let Windows Automatic Update install the updates on its usual 24-hour cycle. Note These errors can occur even if no changes have been made to network settings" Then I found this one: Resolutions 1. A misconfigured Proxy/Firewall can cause this problem. Double-check the Proxy/Firewall settings. Add the following urls to the exception list within your Firewall/Proxy: http://*.update.microsoft.com https://*.update.microsoft.com http://download.windowsupdate.com For help configuring Proxy/Firewall refer to documentation or contact the manufacturer. My question is: What is a Proxy/Firewall? I just recently downloaded Norton Antivirus 2009 and I understand that it has an inbound firewall. When I went to My security center it shows that the Windows Firewall is on. I shut it off and when I did the red shield with an X in the middle of it(Windows Security Alert) showed up on my taskbar. I can't find anywhere where it says on the box that Norton Antivirus 2009 has a firewall. But I read on another forum that this particular version does have a firewall inbound only. This is very confusing. If I do have a firewall from Norton then I need to shut off the Windows Firewall right? If so then how do I get rid of that red shield with the X in the middle of it? Finally I will let you know that everything is back to normal and I am thinking maybe it was their site? Not sure though. thirdfrt!!! Here is a link that might be useful: Support Microsoft Update Error

Ok, I just updated some other stuff that came in and I saw a flashing on my computer that says errors occurred. Microsoft .NET Framework 4 Client Profile for Windows XP x86 (KB982670) There is a red x with a ? mark next to it. Monday, May 21, 2012 Microsoft Update Here is the other one. Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 x86 (KB2604121) Same red x with ? next to it. Tuesday, May 22, 2012 Automatic Updates Can I go back and try to re-download them again? I don't notice any problems with my computer but I was wondering if I could try it again to see if they succeed. What do you think and how would I go about doing that? Even if I can figure out how to do that, I am waiting for a response from you all before I make a mistake and goof up my computer. Thanks all responses are greatly appreciated. thirdfrt!!!

I read an interesting article over a year ago where professionals in the security industry sadly admitted that the bad guys are actually winning. There has never been a consumer device quite like the computer, it is an incredible invention yet there are so many willing and able to attempt to destroy the thing.