xp won't update the update software

[ed]

when attempting to update windows xp home edition, the MS
update checks for software changes, indicates new
software required and asks if you want to update software.
If i click update now a logo that software is being
downloaded momentarily appears and then the original page
asking if you want to update now reappears without any
apparent change. What gives? have run various virus
scans and appear to be clean and have cleared temp files
and cookies. also tried deleting iuctl.dll and
iuengine.dll files but they immediatly reappear. anyone
else been through this?

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Ed;
Disable any spy blocking software, Tweakmaster, download accelerators
etc.

For Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Server 2003.
Manually install the latest controls:
Download the controls from:
http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/cab/x86/unicode/iuctl.cab
Save them to your desktop. Extract the .cab file following the steps
below:
1. Go to the desktop and right click the iuctl.cab file.
2. Click "Open".
3. Select all the files listed.
4. Right click on them and click "Extract."
5. Point to a known location (like the desktop) and click "OK."
6. Go to the location you selected and right click the iuctl.inf file.
5. Click "Install."

Otherwise try these:
Go to:
**Windows XP**
C:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\
**Windows 98/me**
C:\Windows
Right click on "hosts"
Click "Open"
Select Notepad for the application to open it.
Delete these lines if they are presant:
akamai.net
Windows Update
Verify the following sites are fully trusted:
1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Click "Tools," and then click "Internet Options."
3. Click "Security."
4. Click the Trusted Sites icon.
5. Click "Sites."
6. Clear the check box "Require server verification (httpsfor all
sites in
this zone."
7. Add all five sites listed above.
http://Windowsupdate.microsoft.com
http://V4.Windowsupdate.microsoft.com
https://v4.Windowsupdate.microsoft.com (Note: The https is correct)
http://Download.Windowsupdate.com
https://a248.e.akamai.net