Can't do XP update,error0x80072EE2..still.

Hello again,I tried this last week but then couldn't sign in,same problem on
ebay,cured by deleting cookies so I tried it on this and lo I am IN.Why
should I have to delete cookies to sign in? Never had to before.
Main problem: can't update. The green line goes for about a minute then
error m
essage.My ISP gave me this: http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=836941
this page showed several methods but I'm stuck after method 1 - which just
checked the inet connection, which is OK.Method 2 said reconfigure or update
firewall program. Well I don't know how to do this. And which firewall
anyway? We also have Norton Internet Sec which has a firewall.
Also we have 2 adware thingies Dc15.htm and Dc16.htm which my son thought
he had deleted but they're back.On Google I read something about Windows
Explorer might help but I don't seem to have that on this computer.
I really hate it when I am made to feel inadequate! Since we got this
computer 6 months ago I have DAILY done Windows and Norton updates and
thought it would keep us safe.Since January we've been on dialup. Does anyone
have suggestions? please...