Microsoft updates will not install

[dacetwin2]

I have Windows XP on my system and I can't get Microsoft updates to install.  They download, but will not install.   I would also like to know how to remove downloaded updates that will not install. They are not listed in add/remove on the control panel. 

[dahlarbear]

They download, but will not install.

Do "they" say anything?  Please include the "exact" text and/or numbers of any error messages that result from the install failure?

[dacetwin2]

I'm really thinking I'm having registry problems and I think I will get me some software and try that.  The only error message I get is when I try to get into the control panel and it says "windows\system32\netsetup\cpl." I get all my other updates, except Windows. 

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

What is the item that won't install from Windows Update?

[Broni]

The only error message I get is when I try to get into the control panel and it says "windows\system32\netsetup\cpl."

I'll bet you $5, it says more, then that.

[patio]

I'll kick in another $5.00....

[dacetwin2]

I'll bet more than $5 that the only error message I get is the one I mentioned.    Nothing installs from Microsoft. 

[patio]

"windows\system32\netsetup\cpl."

This is all it says ? ?
I've never seen this before...

[Broni]

Post a screen shot, and then we'll see who owes who $5.

[dairyman]

I'll add $10.

dacetwin2, what are the "other updates"?

[Broni]

I'll add $10.

I've heard, you were tight on money, lately...LOL

[dairyman]

I'll add $10.

I've heard, you were tight on money, lately...LOL

 

[dahlarbear]

1.  I'm going to assume (going out on a limb...) there are two separate problems:
    o  windows\system32\netsetup\cpl
    o  Windows Update

2.  Windows XP (Edition and Service Pack Level).  Home Edition or Professional?  Original, Service Pack1 (SP1), SP2, or SP3?

To find out:
Left click on "Start"; hunt for "My Computer"- it's somewhere close; right click on "My Computer"; left click on "General" tab.  Should be listed on that tab window somewhere.
 
3.  windows\system32\netsetup\cpl.

If Windows XP SP2, then see here for 'You receive an "Error occurred while Windows was working with the Control Panel file" error message when you open Control Panel in Windows XP SP2'.

4.  Windows Update Failure.  Is it possible your system is configured to automatically download but not install the updates?  See How to configure and use Automatic Updates in Windows XP.

Or the user friendly version:
Automatic Update for Windows XP

5.  Remove Downloaded Updates.  This is uncharted territory for me, so you probably should do some reading or get some confirmation that this is what you want to do before you start operating on your system.  A working system is probably better than a broken one.
How to delete downloaded but uninstalled update.
can't stop an update download, please help

[dacetwin2]

Thanks, dahlarbear, you helped me out.  You gave me the information I was  looking for.  My error message was only one line that stated  windows\system32\netsetup\cpl. I'm sorry they lost their $10.