Errors going to Microsoft websites with Windows XP

A fresh install of Windows XP (with SP3) could not go to any Microsoft website - including the update and support sites.

The problem: I installed a fresh copy of Windows XP (which included Service Pack 3) on a computer and tried to run Windows Update. However, I got an error that the site was unreachable.

I further found that any microsoft.com website wouldn't work, although I had no problems with any other sites.

The fix: I downloaded Windows XP Update Rollup 1 (WindowsXP-KB826939-x86-ENU.exe) on another computer and saved it to a USB stick. Once installed on the problematic computer the problem was resolved.