windows update download problem - in windows sp2

How can I make sure I have the safety updates without installing sp3?

Until now I have chosen not to install windows sp3, but to download other
updates. but today this was not possible. I now have IE 6 on my computer and
windows sp2. Actually I would prefer to keep these settings as in the past by
doing an update straightaway my computer gave a lot of problems. these were
solved only a couple of years later (I have an old laptop).

The update site only gives either the option for sp3 or a message that a
problem was wound. I do have a valid windows version on my computer.

Thanks for any info.