Service Pack 2

In addition, download and install Belarc Advisor, http://www.download.com/Belarc-Advisor/3000-2094_4-10716621.html?tag=lst-0-1. It is a free program and it will show what 'updates' are installed and tell you what might be missing.
Good luck,
Eddie

According to the Belarc Advisor, I am missing 61 or more updates....Silly question, I'm assuming that I have to d/l each one individually? from first listed to last listed? wow, this is gonna take a while .......... Should I do this first? Or do what the post previous to yours suggested?

It could be spyware thats keeping the 'auto' update from working, so you could try "Bob's" suggestion, it might be faster. Or Rick's suggestion should also work. If you still think it might be spyware, try one or more of the following free online scans: A-Squared On Line Trojan Scan -- http://www.windowsecurity.com/trojanscan/
BitDefender On Line Scan -- http://www.bitdefender.com/scan8/ie.html
Ewido On Line Scan -- http://www.ewido.net/en/onlinescan/
F-Secure On Line Scan -- http://support.f-secure.com/enu/home/ols.shtml
House Call Anti-Virus http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/start_corp.asp
Kaspersky http://usa.kaspersky.com/services/free-virus-scanner.php
Post back if your still having problems,
Eddie

Okay, thanks Eddie. I did what Bob suggested, and ran my AdAware and Spy Blaster. All found items that were problems. I've taken care of that. Do you know if it's better to do what, I think it was Rick, suggested before I begin d/l'ing all the updates? I don't think the auto update was the problem. The person who gave me the comp said they didn't d/l SP2 when it first came out because of the "problems" associated with it, and then they never bothered updating at all, ugh. Thanks ~

you need to believe that your computer is clean before you do anything else. If it were me, I would first go to start/control panel/add and remove programs and review what is installed. Sometimes people install stuff, trying to fix their computer, and then these 'new' programs cause problems. So if you suspect anything, maybe Google it and or post back here. If its bad stuff then of course uninstall it. Then I would run some more 'anti' programs. Then go to updates to see if that will work. Adaware is a 'spyware' hunter, what do you have 'installed' in the way of an 'anti virus' program? You need at least two 'anti spyware' programs, one anti virus program and a firewall.
Good luck,
Eddie

I have McAfee Security Center, Anti-Virus and Firewall included. I've run everything and all if well. I will check into the add/remove programs, if I can get to it. Like I said, I get an error message going to my control panel. I'll let you know how it goes.
-Maryann

I recognize most of what is on here, didn't recognize some but googled them and they appear to be ok/needed. Here are some that I'm not sure about, so if you could advise I'd appreciate it
Broadcom Advanced Control Suite 2
Hyperload Candystand Billiards (just for a game? if so I'll uninstall)
OTTO
Relevant Knowledge
There is also a Yahoo Toolbar along with address auto complete, anti spy, extras etc. installed. Should this toolbar and all the yahoo stuff be uninstalled? Or is it okay to leave? I notice it has a pop up blocker and anti-spy in the toolbar also. Thanks Eddie.
Maryann

Broadcom Advanced Control Suite 2 -- keep
Hyperload Candystand Billiards -- your choice - sometimes they bring spyware - I would uninstall
OTTO - could be mp3 player stuff - again, your choice - sometimes they also bring spyware - I would uninstall
Relevant Knowledge - Google - I would uninstall
Yahoo Toolbar - your choice - its OK to leave - although "I" don't like to have to many 'toolbar's - just reduces my viewing area.
Afterwords, reboot and run those anti's and check update site. If any 'anti' stuff finds something that it can't remove because of 'System Restore' then you might have to turn off system restore and then rerun those anti programs.
Good luck, Maryann
Eddie