Update won't connect..

Tech Tip: Click here to run a free scan for Windows Errors and optimize PC performance

Updates were esaily done in the past,but I did a refortmat/ reinstall of XP
Pro and the updater doesn't even complete a "handshake".in other words the
"blue bar that shows connection progress/success just stalls at about1% to 5%
compltion.
I have been in contact with Microsft Help for updates on this and have tried
several things ( for which there is not enough room here). In short: Cick on
Update in the Start Bar, or type in the address or go off anothe Web site and
I get the same lack of response from the software. i then have to shut down
or END the software running by C-Alt.D.
Also when Itry to unistall the "HotFix" I get a list of 25 programs that
might not run correctly, so I cancel the unistall. I tried that in Add-Remove
prog. because the HotFix does not show anything in "Size".
What to do?
.

Relevant Pages