Updates will no download

When trying to download updates on my XP system, Windows Update goes out and
finds the most recent updates available (which in my case are less than 10
total), but once I click on download and install, the window comes up that
says "Preparing for Download", but it never starts. I've let it set for
more than 2 hours and it never starts the download. It does not give an
error code at all. I can click on "Cancel", then it will send me to the
troubleshooter to offer suggestions - which obviously none of them has
worked for me.

Anyone else seen this? It just started about 2 weeks ago.

Thanks!

How to troubleshoot Windows Update, Microsoft Update, and Windows Server
Update Services installation issues:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=906602

Tip: Temporarily disable real-time protection by your anti-virus and/or
anti-spyware applications (e.g., CounterSpy, Spysweeper, Spybot, AVG
Anti-Spyware) and/or any third-party firewall (e.g., ZA) before attempting
to install the update(s)...but make certain that the Windows Firewall is
enabled.

1. See the "Need more help? Tell us what problem you are having" section of
http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=ph;en-us;6527

2. You cannot install some updates or programs
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;822798

3a. Check Windowsupdate.log (%windir%\Windowsupdate.log) for errors
associated with the download/install.

How to read the Windowsupdate.log file
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/902093

3b. Compare errors to those listed here:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/blog...showentry=1122
and/or go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com > click on Help and Support
link in left pane > Solve problems on your own.
===========
Start a free Windows Update support incident request:
https://support.microsoft.com/oas/de...spx?gprid=6527

Support for Windows Update:
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/wusupport
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L.ORG http://66.39.69.143/

Bert wrote:
> When trying to download updates on my XP system, Windows Update goes out
> and
> finds the most recent updates available (which in my case are less than 10
> total), but once I click on download and install, the window comes up that
> says "Preparing for Download", but it never starts. I've let it set for
> more than 2 hours and it never starts the download. It does not give an
> error code at all. I can click on "Cancel", then it will send me to the
> troubleshooter to offer suggestions - which obviously none of them has
> worked for me.
>
> Anyone else seen this? It just started about 2 weeks ago.
>
> Thanks!