Windows Updater Problems: Vista

Hi I've been having problems with Vista's Windows Updater, and it seems that for some updates, my computer installs them, and then when it restarts to configure the updates it basically says there was an error and then it "Reverts changes" and goes back to the way it was before, but then I usually end up having problems starting my computer after this configuration error. My dad figured itd be best to format the disk and reinstall my drivers and I did and everything has been working fine. I then created a restore point and am looking to try to figure out whats wrong with these updates. Dell told me that some of the updates may act like a virus or may end up corrupting my computer, not sure if thats true or not. Just looking for some advice because it is a tiresome process.

 

In Windows Updater window there is a View update history link in left side menu.
Click on that and then a list of successful/failed updates should appear.
Double-click on failed updates will display a window with detailed information. There should be an error code which you can refer to.