"the connection with the server was reset" using MS download site

Been trying to download a specific update file from
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads

Problem has only appeared recently but affects 2 pcs - both connected to ADSL
via the same Netgear DG834G wireless router modem. Both PCs tun XP up to date
with all automatic updates.
PC#1 has IE 7 - trying to download, I get "cannot download 'filename' from
'source'. the connection with the server was reset"
PC#2 has IE6 - starts to download but only manages a tiny (and corrupt)
file. For example trying to get a copy of the XP SP2 update (over 20Mb) I got
a
file of 56k

Very frustrating
Any ideas?

Dick V