Windows update problems

My problem is as follows. My Windows XP (SP3) automatic update has recently started to, apparently unsuccessfully, try to download and install the same update (KB2656351) over and over. As I use a slow dialup internet connection, this is a major inconvenience. I tried to fix the problem by doing the following:

Step 1: Verify the relevant Windows Update services
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1. Click Start, (for XP click Run), type services.msc in the box and click on Services in the list above (or just hit Enter for XP)
2. The Services window will open. Search for Background Intelligent Transfer Service in the right hand pane and double click on it.
3. Under the General tab make sure the Startup Type is Automatic (Delayed Start). (In XP select Automatic) Then click on Apply if you have made any changes, click on Start if the service was stopped and then click on OK.
4. Scroll down the list and repeat the above steps with Windows Update. (In XP look for Automatic Updates)
Step 2: Rename the Windows Update Download folder
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One possible cause is that Windows Update's Download folder contains corrupted files. This step will disable the Download folder so that a new one will automatically be created.
1. Click Start, type: cmd in the Search box then right click on cmd in the pop up and select Run as Administrator. (For XP click on Start, then Run and type cmd in the box and hit Enter)
2. In the command window, type net stop wuauserv and hit Enter. Watch for confirmation that the service has been stopped and leave the Command Prompt window open.
3. Click Start, (for XP click Run) type: %windir% in the box and hit Enter.
4. Scroll down the list in the left hand pane and click on SoftwareDistribution. (For XP look for the same folder and double click on it)
5. In the right hand pane, right click on the folder Download, select Rename and change it to Download.old Close the window and confirm any prompts.
6. Back in the Command Prompt window, type net start wuauserv and press Enter. Close the window. Reboot the PC and future updates should download and install without any more problems.
Note: After resolving this Windows Update issue, please feel free to delete the Download.old folder.

This didn't correct the problem. I tried to cancel and deny the update altogether by checking the small box that said "do not show this update again". It is still showing the little update sign in the system tray at the bottom of the screen. I fear I may have stopped all updates by doing this and still have the original problem.
Does anyone know what I can do to get out of this mess that doesn't involve a suitable application of hammers and cursing?

 

I just downloaded, installed and ran Microsoft's Fixit tool......no joy.

 

Are you going to Windows update letting it scan for updates?? If not try and see if it will allow the update to install. A couple of times I get the update shield and click it and it will download then disappear,,not installing until I go to WU and do it that way>

 

Thanks, Nick T. I just checked and there appear to be no updates to download. Of course, WU says the update in question has installed fine so I really don't know what is happening at the moment. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Maybe it's one of those mysterious things that gets fixed by itself.
Anyway, thanks for your reply.:confused

 

I have had some problems with recent updates, (not the specific one you are having trouble with), and went to the Microsoft Download Center and downloaded and ran the specific update from my desktop. Sometimes having to Ignore or Retry the update as it ran.
This can be a possible work around if you have additional update problems.

HTH

 

I have had no repeats of the update in question for a couple of days now. Maybe it's worked itself out. I still don't know what happened or what was going on but as of right now all is well.
Thanks to all.:wave

 

Your post was a God-send. My computer would work fine then start having multiple problems. the only thing that would solve the problem was a system Restore. and the latest automatic restore created was done because of a Win-7 automatic update. I turned that off using your post, and I'm sure my problems are solved. I'll just update Win-7 myself as needed. Thanks!
Tiny