Here are some generic steps that may help. 

Re-register the Windows UpdateDLL with the commands below:

Click Start, click Run, type cmd, and then click OK.

Type the following commands. Press ENTER after each command.

regsvr32 wuapi.dll
regsvr32 wuaueng.dll
regsvr32 wuaueng1.dll
regsvr32 wucltui.dll
regsvr32 wups.dll
regsvr32 wups2.dll
regsvr32 wuweb.dll

Try Windows Update again...

Hi,

Thanks to all who replied.

I am using IE6.

I deleted the 2 files in the Network directory, registered the DLLs, rebooted and the problem has not changed.  Note that now I recall that Microsoft also had me try registering some DLLs - not sure if they were the same, but their list was more extensive.

I am using Custom Install, and trying to install the Malicious Software Removal Tool (KB890830).  Since this file is already downloaded, when I try to do the update, all that happens is that there is disk activity, but the status bar stays blank, then I get the Dialog Box titled "Some updates were not installed" and it says "The following updates were not installed:  Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool - March 2008 (KB890830).

Any suggestions?

Thanks again,

wino

I had this work on the same issue. Go to "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader" and delete the 2 files gmgr0 gmgr1 and reboot. Windows

will replace them. Then try to download and install updates.

I now updated to IE7, but the problem of being unable to do Windows Updates persists.

Maybe try "Method2" below.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144

dave5,

Thanks for your response.  I read the note you referenced, then applied Method 1, followed by Method 2, tried Windows Update and it failed to install.  Then I rebooted, tried Windows Update, and again it failed to install.

Any suggestions on what to try next?

Thanks,

wino

Okay... Another attempt....

http://www.interactiveonline.com/blog/2007/08/02/windows-updates-do-not-install-after-running-windows-repair

Perhaps method three? 

Did you re-register those files as was recommended? 

You could try a windows system file check:

click start>run

type in: sfc /scannow

(space between sfc and /)

click Ok

Insert XP CD if sfc requests it and reboot when it's done. 

There's also a repair/reinstall of XP. Personal files will be ok, but you will have to reinstall ALL microsoft updates and fixes again.

Ron 

hrova,

The command line instructions did not succeed in solving the problem.

I do not see the Windows Installer listed in the Control Panel add/remove.  I have Win XP Pro SP2.  Is there a way of checking whether it has been installed?

Thanks for your response,

wino

RoHe,

I did register the DLLs but it had no impact on the problem.

Microsoft is sending me the Windows CD, so I will try the file check when I receive it.

Thanks for your response.

If it is not in the Add / Remove programs, I'd try reinstalling version 3.1 (V2) using this link.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=889482fc-5f56-4a38-b838-de776fd4138c&DisplayLang=en

I checked my machine, and 3.1 does show up under Add/Remove Programs....

Good luck. 

Just to clarify that direct downloads from Microsoft work - to upgrade to IE7, I found the IE page on Microsoft.com and downloaded it.  It ran and installed without a hitch.  The problem only occurs when using Windows Update.

Not sure if this relates to the problem, but MS noted that there is some problem with my account Admin status.  They had me create a new account with Admin status, but this also had the same problem; when I try to make some system changes, I get an error message saying I need to be an Admin, even though I am.

Any suggestions on fixes or further diagnostics on this issue, and whether it may impact Windows Update?

Thanks

Sounds like you need to run that windows system file check.

Scanned for malware lately?

Ron 

OK - I ran the SFC, but all it found was a duplicate file which it deleted.

I subsequently tried repairing the XP installation (following advice from Microsoft), but on rebooting, I got the message that hal.dll wasn't found.

MS had me FIXBOOT from the recovery console, but now it boots up, shows the XP logo page, then goes to a blank screen with a large arrow showing.  I can move the arrow, and if I hit Enter, the hard drive spins for a few seconds, but nothing happens.

I tried booting into safe mode, but that had the same result.

At this point, MS says to build a new MBR, but I am concerned about losing data, etc.  The only other alternative is to reinstall XP.

Is there anything else I could try beforehand?

Thanks