Windows Internet Explorer 8 for XP

A week or so ago I downloaded and attempted to install the above upgrade to my Vista machine. For some reason this update did not want to install, after I tried more than once to do so. I will try again this weekend but am not optimistic. I have yet to download the XP version...I really don't want anything to do with it and I would like to keep the update from begging me to download and install it...I want to hide it.

Some time ago there was a Service Pack (can't remember the number of it) for Windows Office. This update probably showed up since I have Word on this XP machine. But I don't have Office or any component of it. When I tried to install the Service Pack, it wouldn't install because some file or other was missing. After trying unsuccessfully to resolve this I was somehow able to hide the update. It does not show up anymore in recommended or critical updates and the little yellow shield is not displayed in the tray.

When I go to the update screen the "restore hidden updates" is grayed out and the "change settings" page doesn't give me any options to hide another update. I simply do not want this version on my computer...I am perfectly happy with the what I have. Does anyone have an idea of where I can go to perform the hidden update procedure. I can't remember how I did this previously. Thanks as usual.