XP updates will not install

[JOHNCHAP2]

Just upgraded from WIN2K Pro to XP Pro. Several downloads from the MS
website brought the installed version almost up to date. However,
despite numerous attempt, two remaining downloads keep failing.
Specifically, I get the message that "The following updates were not
installed." The two updates listed are 1. Update for Windows XP
(KB898461) and
2. Microsoft Windows Installer 3.1

Is there something significant about these two updates that apparently
prevent their installation, particularly with XP which was an upgrade
from WIN2K? What might I be able to do to get them installed?

 

[Shenan Stanley]

Just upgraded from WIN2K Pro to XP Pro. Several downloads from the
MS website brought the installed version almost up to date.
However, despite numerous attempt, two remaining downloads keep
failing. Specifically, I get the message that "The following
updates were not installed." The two updates listed are 1. Update
for Windows XP (KB898461) and
2. Microsoft Windows Installer 3.1

Is there something significant about these two updates that
apparently prevent their installation, particularly with XP which
was an upgrade from WIN2K? What might I be able to do to get them
installed?

Just try the following:

Updates are not installed successfully from Windows Update,
from Microsoft Update, or by using Automatic Updates after
you repair a Windows XP installation
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144

In method 2 - you may have to force the install of the installer with the
/wuforce command line option.