Jim;
Windows XP Home or Pro?
For all practical purposes you have a Dell product and not a Microsoft
product, that is why you have no Microsoft support.
What exactly happens and what is the error message when you try to
install?
What does C:\Windows\Windows Update.log show.
Try these:
****Sections changed 6 August 2003****
POST BACK WITH THE EXACT INFORMATION FROM STEP 18 if all else fails.
1. Reboot computer then try updates one at a time if issue involved
multiple updates.
2. Check Date/Time
3. If you use AOL, minimize AOL and open Internet Explorer and try
Windows Update
4. What version?
Right click My Computer, click Properties?
What EXACTLY does it say?
5. Disable firewall
6. Disable antivirus
7. (Windows XP):
Reboot computer.
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=326815
Don't forget steps 6-9 catroot2 file.
Do this whether SP1 is the issue or not.
Another way to do #7:
Reboot, login to an Administrator account.
Double click My Computer.
Double click C drive.
Double click Windows file.
Double click System32 file.
Right click catroot2, click rename, type "catroot2old"
ENTER
Reboot
8. (Windows XP)
Go to Control Panel.
Click Windows Update on the left panel
9. Go to Internet Options in the Control Panel:
Delete Cookies
Delete Files (check box "Delete all offline content")
Clear History
10. Set a language in Internet Explorer:
To check the language setting in Internet Explorer:
(1.) Click "Tools" and then select "Internet Options".
(2.) Click "Languages".button
(3.) Make sure at least one language is listed in the "Language
Options" dialog box.
11. Disable the options "Automatically detect settings" and "Use
automatic configuration script."
To do this:
(1.) Open Internet Explorer.
(2.) Click "Tools," and then click "Internet Options."
(3.) Click "Connections," and then click "LAN Settings."
(4.) Make sure the check boxes for "Automatically detect settings" and
"Use automatic configuration script" are not selected.
12. Open Internet Explorer
Click Tools
Click Internet Options
Click Security tab.
Click "Internet Zone"
Click Default
Click OK and follow prompts.
13.
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=319585
14. Upgrade to Internet Explorer Service Pack 1 if not already
installed:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/critical/ie6sp1/default.asp
15. Start/Run
Type "msconfig" ENTER
Click Start-up tab and make a note of what is checked and unchecked.
Go back to General tab.
Select Selective Start-up (unless already selected).
Uncheck "Load Start-up group items".
Click OK, follow prompts and reboot.
Try windows Update again.
When done, go back to MSCONFIG.
Recheck Start-up tab items and place to normal Start-up if that was
original configuration.
Click OK and follow prompts.
16. Change the URL from "http..." to "https...".
17.
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=193385
18. Check the Windows Update Log in the "C:\Windows\Windows
Update.log" for the exact error message.
See if something here fits
http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/troubleshoot/