I have a new Dimension 8300 with Windows XP Home edition.  The first thing I did when starting it was connect my DSL service and download critical Windows XP updates from Microsoft.  Then I began loading other applications on the second day.  Almost immediately, I began receiving error messages on re-booting.  One told me that Windows recovered from a serious error.  The intensity of the errors escalated until I was unable to start Windows at all.  With the help of Dell support, I had to format the C: drive and reload everything.  The initial support person agreed that installing the security updates was important but the last 2 techs told me not to download the updates.  I am concerned about the latter advice. 

I suspect that one or more if the Windows updates caused the instability and eventual melt-down on my new Dell.  This new PC replaced a 4 year old Pentium II Dimension that I upgraded to Windows XP last summer.  Earlier this December, I downloaded the same critical updates from Microsoft on this old PC and experienced the very same meltdown, including the same screen on the final death blow. 

Has anyone else experienced a similar problem that prevents them from downloading Windows critical updates.  Ideally, we could pinpoint which updates are causing the instability and crash.

Thanks, Ron