not able to install critical win xp sp2 updates!

Hi,
I just installed SP2 on my WIN xp computer from SP1. All went smooth until
after the reboot. I was then asked to allow the critical updates from the
Microsoft site to be downloaded and installed.

Several updates were listed along with the first installation of the
Microsoft Installer 3.1. After initiating the installation, the screen
displayed, " UPDATES WERE UNABLE TO BE SUCCESSFULLY INSTALLED".

I had the new firewall set to off before the installation of the updates,
but doubt that was related to the failue to install them.

Pleae help, as upgrading to sp2 without the ability to install the critical
updates, seems awful useless.

Thank you very much for any help you may provide to rectify this.

Miles