Windows XP attempt to Update results in done status but blank screen in IE8

[speckytecky]

Got a Samsung NP-R509 Laptop with XP Pro SP3 32 bit OS. Problem running Updates using IE8. Either from Tools of the Control Panel it goes to the update site clicks, says done but the screen is blank

[Michael]

Have you tried resetting IE to defaults?

[speckytecky]

Thanks Michael,

Yep did that - twice! Something very strange about the Laptop - I was asked to update the PITA Flash on it and a couple of it's sister machines. They both updated fine. This on though just didn't want to play, had to run the Flash uninstaller, reboot then on Adobe.com tried to download Flash again and it went through all the stages before it tries to force you to take the Google Toolbar or McAfee scan but this one never got that far and I ended up installing Flash from Sourceforge or one of it's sister sites.

Thought I'd check that it was picking up MS updates and that's when I experienced the OP issue. Strange one and I'd love to get it sorted as it's niggling me.

Have you tried resetting IE to defaults?

[Michael]

I would recommend you try re-installing IE8 and XP will automatically uninstall, reboot and re-install for you. If this doesn't work I suspect something is broken. Either a DLL or the registry. At this point it would be easier to re-image the laptop.