Windows Update not recognising it is installed.

Hello

When I run Windows update, it starts as normal, checks the software and
brings up the search preference buttons for Express or Custom. I can press
either button and the message that instantly appears is:

'Files required to use Windows Update are no longer registered or installed
on your computer. To continue:

Register or reinstall the files for me now (Recommended)
Let me read about more steps that might be required to solve the problem'

There is no error code given.

I have tried re-registering using the facility offered, I have re-registered
the dll's manually from a command prompt using the list given in several
postings by MVPs in the MS Discussion Groups.

I have stopped auto-updates, renamed the Software Distribution folder,
restarted auto-updates service and deleted the wu & muwebcontrol class divx
items and the wuweb.dll & muweb.dll and allowed Windows Update to reinstall
them all.

I've tried changing to Microsoft Update instead which appears to install
normally but is still not recognised as being present.

Every time I have taken these actions the same message appears. I have
tried this with anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall both enabled and
disabled. I have also scanned the computer for viruses, spyware etc but
have found none.

The Background Intelligent Transfer service is running as is Remote
Procedure Call.

I have even downloaded and installed the windowsupdate v6 software from the
Microsoft site. I have also re-installed XP SP2 and DX 9c

I thought updating to IE7 might fix it but the installation fails every
time!

I have checked that my account is administrator enabled with all permissions
available.

I have no 3rd party downloader software running on my system.

I can't think of anything else that I can do to resolve this situation. I
really hope someone can help with this as I am very reluctant to do a clean
install of Windows.

Many thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

DavidB


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