Can't install Windows updates on XP machine

I can't seem to install windows updates on this XP professional machine.(with service pack 3)

When I try and download/install any further updates, I get the stop code: 0x80070643.

I've been on Microsoft's KB article here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/958052 but that didn't prove any results.

I've also tried this KB article here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058

still nothing. Short from Reformatting and starting over I'm hitting a wall here.

This machine was infected with viruses previously which have since been removed.

 

Thanksfor the quick reply David.

I do not see any links n your post though.

also side note: I'm ran malwarebytes (with updated definitions of course) in safe mode, a avira resuce cd, a vipre deep scan (updated definitions-installed and run in safe mode AFTER attempt with avira rescue cd) and combo fix to remove viruses

 

ps. I've also tried installing updates with no active virus scanner or firewall enabled.

If I go to shut down the computer it says it's installing the updates, however, upon reboot the same updates appear

 

pss. I've also stopped the automatic updates service and deleted the files in the "downloads" and "DataStore" folders of the SoftwareDitribution folder..

 

When all else fails, reformat!

I'm assuming after this machine was so badly infected, even after the virus removal that something was either damaged or corrupt so.

I always love the smell of a clean windows install

 

I'd run a sfc /scannow, then do a windows over windows repair if there is a lot of stuff on the system you don't want to reload.
Alternate XP update programs: Autopatcher apup updater or
http://www.windowsupdatesdownloader.com/