win 2K updates installs - failed

Greetings Geeks!
I am running W2KProSP4 and recently downloaded about a dozen or so 'critical updates' from MS. They downloaded fine, but when I go to install them, one at a time, it reports -failed. Then tries the next one and -failed. AVG, Spybot, AdvSysCarePro all say the machine is free of any nasties and clean.
1. Why will the updates not install and how can I fix the problem?
2. There is another strange circumstance I have with this machine and another running the same OS. Once the machine boots I often have to open Task Manger and click 'cancel' twice, or mouse clicks will not perform any functions! This is more annoying than a problem, but anyone have a clue about that. About the same time I noticed that happening I lost the ability to drag and drop and must always do a copy and paste instead, whether it be desktop icons, files, folders or whatever! The second machine has had no problems with recent updates and neither machine has had a virus as far as I know. I am running AVG, etc. on both and scan frequently. AVG updates at computer start up.

Something must be amiss in the registry, but I can't find it. Any ideas?

Thanks!!!

 

What 'updates' would these be?

And more importantly, do you really need them?

 

Hi Guys,

1. Spybot is not running.
2. I'm using Windows Updates.
3. No error messages. The updates downloaded fine but when I try to install them, one at a time the update just displays -failed. Then tries the next update...and...-failed.
4. These are the latest security updates and are probably needed!

I have not had trouble updating in the past and my second machine running the same OS updates fine.

Strange, huh?

Thanks!!!

 

Not necessarily.
It depends upon your exact implementation.
Do you have any version of .net installed?
Some updates will only install if you have this.

What version of Internet explorer do you have?

Personally we have had a 2K based network at Studio T running continuously for over 6 years now. Auto updates are turned off with no ill effect. Every so often we look at possible updates. some install some don't. Again no ill efffects.

I honestly think good setup and practice are better protection than Windows security updates. Microsoft doesn't release system updates for 2k any more, so you would gain no functionality from them.