I installed the latest Windows Updates (which were for .Net framework I think) and the install hung. I reinstalled it and I thought everything was fine. Now, however, whenever I try to download something (via an http link through IE or Firefox), it will stall at some point. It's not an issue with very small files, but anything of any significant size, and the download will not complete. I don't get any error messages, but the download window just stays stuck at a percentage. It's not locked up or anything. The file transfer graphics are going as usual but the download speed, percentage, etc is not showing any progression. It's not a modem, router or connection issue as I have other computers on my home lan and they download fine. I think it might have something to do with the Microsoft services because there was a message about this before the original install hung. I've tried disabling all firewalls , anti virus app, but has no effect. Anyone have any ideas? I'd really appreciate any help. I have WinXP SP2 running on a Dell XPS 400 Pentium D 300GHz, 2GB RAM, Motorola Cable Modem with d-Link DIR-625 router. As I said it happens with IE and Firefox and only on this computer. Let me know if you need more info. Thanks.

Try uninstalling the update and see if the problem clears up. If it does then try downloading the update once again.

It won't uninstall and when I try to go to an earlier restore point, none of my restore points work. They all fail!!

Can you remove the entire .Net framework and reinstall? If it's a problem with all downloads maybe try removing the network adapter and re-adding? Maybe flushing out the TCP/IP settings will get it working. If you're not at IE7, can you try upgrading to see if that fixes your network settings?