Error code 0x80070005 for Update KB898461

Recently had to re-install Windows XP. Now, Microsoft would like to have me
install all kinds of updates. Unfortunately, a critical update (KB898461)
fails to install. I've read the user forum and tried the apparently usually
successful strategy of renaming spudsvc.exe - didn't work. I've tried
manually downloading the update file and installing - didn't work. I know
this is Windows, which almost by definition means "it doesn't work".
Nevertheless, I'm getting kind of frustrated. Does anyone have a clue what I
might try to get this update downloaded and installed?

Solved my own problem, with the assistance of "ludo". Entered the c:|WINDOWS
directory and renamed the following folders to something innocuous

$hf_mig$
$NtUnitstallKB898461$

Then ran automatic update from Windows, and will wonders never cease,
KB898461 was successfully installed. This was promptly followed by a list of
about 75 updates that I needed to add.

Thanks again, and a "tip of the hat" toe Ludo

"Macmoose" wrote:

> Recently had to re-install Windows XP. Now, Microsoft would like to have me
> install all kinds of updates. Unfortunately, a critical update (KB898461)
> fails to install. I've read the user forum and tried the apparently usually
> successful strategy of renaming spudsvc.exe - didn't work. I've tried
> manually downloading the update file and installing - didn't work. I know
> this is Windows, which almost by definition means "it doesn't work".
> Nevertheless, I'm getting kind of frustrated. Does anyone have a clue what I
> might try to get this update downloaded and installed?