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How to run Windows update for Win XP SP3 using Firefox

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  • Last reply by Roger

Roger
Roger
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My desktop PC is running windows XP with SP3. My spouse uses IE 8 for her browser. I use Firefox Version 24. for my browser. Previously, whenever we ran MS or Windows update it starts IE and runs fine. IE 8 has blown up and no longer works (Runtime Errors). I tried to go to the Windows update website using Firefox and it came back and told me that I had to use IE to run Win update on an XP system. Is this true? I don't want to use IE at all. Is there a way to use Firefox to run Windows or MS update on my Win XP system? Thank you.

My desktop PC is running windows XP with SP3. My spouse uses IE 8 for her browser. I use Firefox Version 24. for my browser. Previously, whenever we ran MS or Windows update it starts IE and runs fine. IE 8 has blown up and no longer works (Runtime Errors). I tried to go to the Windows update website using Firefox and it came back and told me that I had to use IE to run Win update on an XP system. Is this true? I don't want to use IE at all. Is there a way to use Firefox to run Windows or MS update on my Win XP system? Thank you.

Chosen solution

You cannot run windows update using Firefox since it uses ActiveX Controls which Firefox doesn't (and will never ever support). So yes, unfortunately you have to use IE to update Windows.

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All Replies (4)

user633449
user633449
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Seçilmiş Həll

You cannot run windows update using Firefox since it uses ActiveX Controls which Firefox doesn't (and will never ever support). So yes, unfortunately you have to use IE to update Windows.

Roger
Roger Question owner
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Thanks for your help. That is not what I wanted to hear so I will have to try to get IE 8 working again. How do other folks do updates? Does this mean that IE is absolutely necessary to maintain your windows system? Is this true for the newer versions of Windows, 7 or 8?

user633449
user633449
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Windows Vista and above use a standalone updater that doesn't require a visit to a website (which incidentally, you can also use in XP by enabling automatic updates.

IE Is also bundled with Windows and can't be removed, so it's pretty much a fact of life.

Roger
Roger Question owner
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I always run with auto update on and that works just fine. What I was trying to do after reinstalling IE 8 for the 3rd time, was to install it, then use Windows update to get the necessary fixes installed for IE 8 since after I reinstall I get the runtime error. Thinking that maybe there is a bug that has a fix I could use Firefox to do the Windows update to get the reinstalled IE 8 to the latest fix level. I can't use IE to go to Windows update since it immediately gives me a runtime error. Between a rock and a hard place I guess. Either that or I may consider going to Windows 8 if my PC can handle it. I appreciate your help. Thank you