My friend's computer will download Microsoft downloads but won't install them. However, it will install 3rd Party downloads. It also starts slow and he uses MSN Hotmail but can't store any mail or pictures on his Hard Drive Prior to this the screen went black and another friend re-installed the OS. Thanks, Golfer 24

What are we talking here? MS downloads or MS updates and patches? Or both?

What error messages do you get? Do you get any at all?

"It also starts slow"

The computer starting up?

"and he uses MSN Hotmail but can't store any mail or pictures on his Hard Drive"

You're jumping about here. Are you saying that hotmail itself is not storing mail correctly? Or, are you saying you actually can't save any content to the hard drive?

You say it's a recent install?

You don't necessarily have to clarify the answers to those questions because the first thing I'd do is download and run Delindex or Crap Cleaner (if you choose the right options) and then repair Internet Explorer and try again.

To repair Internet Explorer go to control panel >> add & remove programs >> highlight "Internet Explorer ...." >> click the "add & remove" button and select the "Repair Internet Explorer" radio button option in the proceding dialogue box and click OK. Follow the procedure through.