issues with installing windows updates

I just did a repair install on my windows xp sp1 OS
Before i did the repair, i ran windows update and it would download the
updates but get stuck at the point where it says "Initializing installation".

I tried to just download the SP2 to see if it works but it hands when it
gets to the point where it says "Finishing installation" ... it basically
stays the same way for 7 hours and it doesnt do anything so a friend of mine
told me to do a repair installation.

I have done that now and it seems nothing has changed.

Also with my windows xp OS, it takes about 45 mins to install any program
that contains an installshield installation.

NB: I had just done a fresh install of windows XP.

I am hoping someone can help me with this issue.

Thanks alot for any help

I had the issue with it hanging on "initializing installation" as well. I
have also had a problem getting tthe properties on my folders to show. I
fixed it though.

Press control+alt+delete, click the processes tab at the top find
inetinfo.exe, select it, and at the bottom click end process. The updates
should then load.