It downloads updates but it fails on installing them. I've fixed the registry with CCleaner. I've followed the instructions on the CastleCops wiki and nothing. Anyone run into this issue? Oh, this is a legit copy of Windows XP Pro.

astroraptor, The instructions by "PudgyOne" in the thread at the link below may solve the problem as it has for others.

http://forums.cnet.com/5208-6122_10...

It wouldn't hurt to give it a try.

Tufenuf

Look here.
http://www.computing.net/answers/wi...

Perfect, thank you.

Hey, i ran all of the files in command promt and my computer still wont download the latest ie7 security update...well actually it downloads it but when i go to install it, it says the update could not be installed.

is it just my computer or is anyone else having trouble with it too?

Response Number 2 is the solution. If you read my original post you'll see that that's more or less exactly what my problem was.

i tried that already and i still cant install the update, i do just fine downloading it though. i have a feeling that its the update itself that is having the problem, because i had no trouble installing all of the other ones.

still if anyone knows something that'll do the trick, it'd be nice to know

Check this out: http://www.updatexp.com/0x800A138F....

I had the same problem in that XP suddenly wouldn't recognize my laptop USB drive(s). I have two flash drives and plugged them both in to different usb ports and neither of them were recognized, hence, the problem was with Windows and not the flash drives. Here is the solution I found on Microsoft's website:

CAUSE
By default, the Removable Storage service is disabled after you install Update Rollup 2 for Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005.

Note This change enables Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 to work with supported DVD changers.
Back to the top

WORKAROUND
To work around this issue, follow these steps before you use a tape backup or a program that uses the Removable Storage service:

1. Click Start, click Run, type Services.msc, and then click OK.

2. Locate the Removable Storage service in the Services console.

3. Double-click Removable Storage service. In the Startup type box, click Manual.

4. Click Apply, and then click OK.
Note To use a supported DVD changer, disable the Removable Storage service.

I also started the service. I don't know if that was necessary or not since they didn't say. Anyway, it worked like a charm and I hope it does for someone else. I know how frustrating things like this are and want to help put others out of their misery, too.

Oops! I posted the above message in the wrong place. Sorry about that.