I;ve attempted to update the system from MS's windows update site, where three critical updates are due for me, but each time I download them, they go bad trying to install. I get a message "INF install failure". I'm turning off the antivirus before downloading, but this has happened twice now. As a result, each time I reboot, I get a text screen advising that the system wasn't able to update and I may not be able to run Windows, although hitting any key as advised on that same screen does bring it up in working order. Has anyone else had a problem with MS windows update lately?

try just d/ling 1 and install it ctrl alt delete every thing but system tray and explorer just befot install.

Well, I tried as you suggested, but to no avail. I ran Belarc Advisor, and was able to link to the updates to download without automatically installing them. After the download, I ctl-alt-del'd as you stated, but got the same "error:INF install failure" I got before after one bar of the "install-meter" filled. It did subsequently state that the update was installed, but running Belarc again showed it had not. I still get the white-on-black text screen at startup stating that there was a 'file not found' and the system couldn't update, but below is a "hit any key" to continue loading, which so far has worked to bring up the system properly. Just can't update...

Dennis, You could take a look at this article. Might be useful. I say again, might (281967) Computer Stops Responding (Hangs) During Setup When You Install Updates or When You Add New Hardware

Thanks for that, but it doesn't seem to be quite what I'm getting. Rather than hanging, the install starts then aborts and I get the message of the INF install failure message. I'm gonna delve into that site for more, though. Pehaps I'll find it in there if I search enough. Thanx...

Well, I got it working finally. I ran AdAware and found some malware, a siteviewer or somesuch, got it out of the system, and the next time I tried the update download/install, it worked properly. I can only attribute it to this malware, as I had done nothing else to change anything betwwen tries. Go figure...