John;
Disable any spy blocking software, Tweakmaster, download accelerators
etc.
Disable any antivirus application.

Try this:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=319585

For Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Server 2003.
Manually install the latest controls:
Download the controls from:
http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.co...code/iuctl.cab
Save them to your desktop. Extract the .cab file following the steps
below:
1. Go to the desktop and right click the iuctl.cab file.
2. Click "Open".
3. Select all the files listed.
4. Right click on them and click "Extract."
5. Point to a known location (like the desktop) and click "OK."
6. Go to the location you selected and right click the iuctl.inf file.
5. Click "Install."

Otherwise try these:
Go to:
**Windows XP**
C:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\

**Windows 98/me**
C:\Windows

Right click on "hosts"
Click "Open"
Select Notepad for the application to open it.
Delete these lines if they are present:
akamai.net
Windows Update
Verify the following sites are fully trusted:
1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Click "Tools," and then click "Internet Options."
3. Click "Security."
4. Click the Trusted Sites icon.
5. Click "Sites."
6. Clear the check box "Require server verification (httpsfor all
sites in
this zone."
7. Add all five sites listed above.
http://Windowsupdate.microsoft.com
http://V4.Windowsupdate.microsoft.com
https://v4.Windowsupdate.microsoft.com (Note: The https is correct)
http://Download.Windowsupdate.com
https://a248.e.akamai.net

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
An easier way to read newsgroup messages:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/p...oups/setup.asp
http://dts-l.org/index.html


"John" <johncross@wideopenwest.com> wrote in message
news:071601c38151$fa0a29d0$a401280a@phx.gbl...

If you want an easier fix for update looping, do this:

open cpntrol panel, open system folder, open "automatic
update", put check in box at top to allow windows to auto
update, you can also check box that allows you to control
when and what windows gives you. This remedy works, it
gets you out of loop and takes you to the correct update
link. I have tried manual update and found the
(iuctl.cab) file to be corrupt. Let me know if you get
fixed.
lazor