Paul,
     I have seen similar issues on some machines and it has to do with
the Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool.  Here are the details
below.

WGA Validation tool (KB892130) failure to install

1) go to this site to make sure all activex components are installed
and functioning
Microsoft Genuine Advantage – Diagnostic Site
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/diag/

*if the webpage is giving you fits...you can use this offline tool
MGADiag @ http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=52012

2) go to this site to make sure the install of Windows has been
validated as genuine
Microsoft Genuine Advantage – Validate Site
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/downloads/faq.aspx

3) if both those fail to work restart the windows machine and then
download and manually install the WGA validation tool update at the
link below: (watch out for text wrapping)
http://www.download.windowsupdate.com/msdownload/update/v3-19990518/cabpool/windowsxp-kb892130-enu-x86_7e1189ce89fb0c693cad6432a4c2f982dcea49a0.exe

The rest of the windows update process should run normally. There is
one more obscure thing in the registry that could affect this process
so be sure to read the following.  Supposedly the MGA diag tool is
automatically supposed to take care of this as well but just so you
know. :)

1. Click Start, and then click Run
2. In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK
3. Expand HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
4. Locate the subkey HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\LegitCheckControl.LegitCheck
5. Right-click the subkey and select Permissions….
6. Ensure that Administrators allowed Full Control permission
7. Repeat steps 3-6 for the subkey
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\LegitCheckControl.LegitCheck.1

hope this helps,
Derek

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