Installed updates, now nothing works

[Disgrace]

I've just installed some Windows updates for XP on my rig while it was working like a charm and now as I have restarted it to complete the installation, my sound and internet are both seemingly broken. My internet connection will remain "acquiring to network" without ever doing so, even though it was working perfectly 2 minutes beforehand. Also, all of my music files will refuse to play and an error message will come up should I attempt to play one. It claims that my "music device" is either not installed or indeed as I said, broken. The same problem affects WMP and iTunes.

Any ideas why this is happening to me? I'm using my laptop currently, just so you know and internet links will be useless because I won't be able to access them.

[shadowpr]

What updates did you install? Were they drivers? How about an update for WMP?

Could try uninstalling the updates, and if that doesn't work, try going back to a previous restore point.

[Disgrace]

Just automatic Windows update. It said 2 updates detected and I assumed it was all harmless enough since it usually works well enough without causing such problems as these. Sadly, I didn't take the time to see what they were exactly.

I have no idea how to see what the updates were, or how to deal with them exactly either.

Currently I have gone for system restore and the rig is in the process of doing it now. Assuming it works, won't Windows just ask me to install the 2 same troublesome updates all over again? And if it doesn't work, what is the next step?

[shadowpr]

I don't recall off hand where to uninstall windows updates.

Try in the add remove programs.

As a side note, it's usually a good idea to always look and see what's being installed on your computer.

[Disgrace]

Well, system restore seems to have done the job. Media files are working and net is up.

I'm usually very aware of what's being installed on my PC and I keep myself very secure but it seems the one thing I don't look into in details has killed me and made me look like an utter fool. Great way to cap of a so far brilliant week.

Thanks for the help and willingness, though! But i'm still unclear on whether my PC will ask me to install the same things again or not.

[shadowpr]

It will probably ask again. Just read and see if you need them. If it's a driver, don't let microsoft do it, get the drivers from the computer or hardware manufacturer.

And don't let this week get you down. You still have 2 perfectly good days to make it great.

[Disgrace]

Let's hope!

Anyway, Micro$oft has asked me again about the updates. They are both security related and links for further information for the two of them are here and here. I can't see how those would cause an issue with my media files! Should I ignore the updates?

[shadowpr]

Personally, I wouldn't download the first one. I would also make a restore point before attempting the second one.

[Disgrace]

Okay, thanks!

[Lespaul20]

I haven't encountered any problems with Malicious Software removal.