My PC won't Update Windows

that sounds like ALOT  OF WORK! Sounds like it takes alot of hours to do all that, If I do this, will I still have to update my Windows with all the updates I have missed over the year, or will they be automatically install with  the installation? if so that would truly be my last resort. But at this point I am willing to do anything that won't harm my computer any further. Thanks you two. william kidd do you agree with him? Is this my last resort?

Don't make generalizations about people you  do not know.  I do things thoroughly and as far a "System Restore partition", yes you could use that, if it exists.  Good for novices.

Do a clean install and if you can follow instructions, the procedure is 99% the same for Vista.  Invest in a good imaging program such as Acronis or Ghost.  Get the system to a point where you like it, image it, and save the image on removable media.  If you have any issue, you can resort to restoring YOUR custom image.

if I told you I ran the Microsoft genuine advantage diagnostic, and passed every single area, Would it shock ya!:smileyvery-happy: I passed it and validated my windows. Now What should I do?

yes i have multiple profiles, one for my spouse, myself, and kids which is under parental control. my spouses and myself both have administrative rights.  He doesn't touch anything, he doesn't download, upload anything.  If there is a problem with the computer I am the one who deals with it. He checks his e-mails, myspace, and browses for a little while and he's done.

 

I have a bit more computer knowledge them him. but these error codes and failure to update have me totally stumped,  I usually research and find the solution. But this is causing me grief because I'm beginning to think it's effecting my computer performance.  I do have to separate firewalls, that of Windows and another I subscribed to, I have disabled the Windows hoping that this problem would desist, but no luck. I had Windows first and realized that was not working properly so I am trying another.

Copy the data you wish to keep to CD's, DVD's, or a portable hard drive and then reinstall Windows from these instructions:

 

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp
http://willsit.com

Driver Installation:
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?c=us&cs=19&docid=1A0C0937D62A8739E0401E0A55174744&journalid=4F1F82483DC811DBAE564F9328EE04A4&l=en&s=gen

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&dn=1090643

To find and download the drivers for your system, scroll down the page on click on
"Drivers and Downloads". Then enter your Service Tag or model number of your computer.
Select your operating system and then download the drivers that you need.

 

Two firewalls cause more issues than you think unless you have expert experience.  The greatest threat to your computer is the perosn who holds the mouse.  If you have a router and have secured it with a strong password, the basic Windows firewall is more than sufficient along with a good AV  program.