Computer crashes during "Google Update"

[Psyber]

1. Overview of the problem
   My computer crashes, usually when I have firefox open. Upon investigation, of Event Viewer I found that the crashes happen when "Google Update" is run. I don't know what "google update" is. I don't remember installing it.
   
   
2. Full description of the problem and symptoms
   Crashes seem to always happen when I'm using firefox and in the middle of accessing a page. Here is the information in the error that causes the crash:
   Event Type: Error
   Event Source: Google Update
   Event Category: None
   Event ID: 20
   Date: 8/26/2009
   Time: 3:29:25 AM
   User: NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM
   Computer: JANUARY
   Description:
   The description for Event ID ( 20 ) in Source ( Google Update ) cannot be found. The local computer may not have the necessary registry information or message DLL files to display messages from a remote computer. You may be able to use the /AUXSOURCE= flag to retrieve this description; see Help and Support for details. The following information is part of the event: Network Request Error.
   Error: 0x80072efd. Http status code: 0.
   Url=https://tools.google.com/service/update2
   Trying config: source=FireFox, direct connection.
   trying CUP:WinHTTP.
   Send request returned 0x80072efd. Http status code 0.
   trying WinHTTP.
   Send request returned 0x80072efd. Http status code 0.
   trying CUP:iexplore.
   Send request returned 0x80004005. Http status code 0.
   Trying config: source=auto, wpad=1, script=.
   trying CUP:WinHTTP.
   Send request returned 0x80072efd. Http status code 0.
   trying WinHTTP.
   Send request returned 0x80072efd. Http status code 0.
   trying CUP:iexplore.
   Send request returned 0x80004005. Http status code 0.
   Trying config: source=FireFox, direct connection.
   trying CUP:WinHTTP.
   Send request returned 0x80072efd. Http status code 0.
   trying WinHTTP.
   Send request returned 0x80072efd. Http status code 0.
   trying CUP:iexplore.
   Send request returned 0x80004005. Http status code 0.
   Trying config: source=auto, wpad=1, script=.
   trying CUP:WinHTTP.
   Send request returned 0.
   
   
   
   
3. Did it work normally at one time, or has the problem always existed?
   I have no idea what caused this, I've updated firefox several times, but I think it did crash even before I updated firefox.
   
   
   
4. Is the problem consistent and repeatable, or entirely random, or semi-random?
   The problem is fairly random, but it seems that firefox is open when the crash occurs
   
   
5. I already tried these steps:
   I looked at Event Viewer and looked for what Google Update was. Could not find information.
   
   
   
6. My software:
   • Operating System and service-pack level - Windows XP Professional Edition with SP3
   • Antivirus - Clam Free Antivirus
   • Firewall -Agitum Outpost Firewall
   • Browser - Firefox 3.5.2
   
   
   
7. My hardware
   • Dell SC 420
     
     
   
   
   

 

[Atheus]

"Google Update" is the unified update program for Chrome, the google browser toolbar, google Earth, etc. Try uninstalling the toolbar if it is active in Firefox, or updating Chrome, Earth, etc, if you have them.

 

[Psyber]

Ahhh... I didn't even know I had Google chrome installed. I just uninstalled it since I don't use it. Hopefully this will stop the crashes.