How to Fix HTTP Forbidden Error 403 in Internet Explorer

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When using the Windows 98 operating system you may receive a message that reads, "Error 403: Access Denied/Forbidden", when you try to access the Windows Update website in Internet Explorer. The error can be caused by third-party security software that prohibits you from viewing the page, or the Windows Update site controller could be missing or damaged on your computer. Before removing the Windows Update controller you should try to uninstall all third-party software in order to correct the error.

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Remove Third-Party Software

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Step 1

Close Internet Explorer and any other programs after receiving the "Error 403" message.

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Step 2

Click on the "Start" button and then click on the "Control Panel" option. Double-click on the "Add/Remove Programs" option in the Control Panel window.

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Step 3

Click on the "Install/Uninstall" tab to see a list of programs. Remove any third-party ad removal programs, web accelerators, download assistants, security software or anti-virus software.

Step 4

Click on a program, and then click on the "Add/Remove" button. Allow time for the removal process to complete.

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Step 5

Continue removing all third-party programs and then close the Control Panel window. Open Internet Explorer again to see if the message stops appearing.

Remove Windows Update Controls

Step 1

Click on the "Start" button, and then click on the "Run" option. Enter "regsvr32 /u c:\windows\system\wuv3is.dll" into the "Open" field. Click on the "OK" button.

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Step 2

Click on the "Start" button again and scroll over the "Find" option. Click on the "Files or Folders" option and enter "wuv3is.dll" in the "Named" field.

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Step 3

Right-click on the file when it's found and click on the "Delete" option. Go back to your desktop and click on the "Start" button again. Click on the "Run" option and enter "Explorer" in the "Open" field. Click on the "OK" button.

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Step 4

Click on the "Program Files" option to expand it, and then click on the "WindowsUpdate" option. Click on the "Wuhistv3.log" file from the right navigation pane, and then click on the "Edit" option.

Step 5

Click on the "Invert Selection" option. Press the "Delete" key on your keyboard and then click on the "Yes" button. Close the window and try to access the Windows Update page to see if the error has been fixed.

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