repeated updates to windows update

when I search for updates on the windows vista home edition windows updater,
i get this message

to check for updates you must first install an update for windows update.
your automatic updating settings will not change.

when i follow the prompts to do this it and wait for the installation bar to
finish, it returns me to the original windows update screen. however when i
try to search for updates again it gives me the same message. i have done
this several times over to no avail. any ideas?

Use the appropriate Direct Download link in the More Information section of
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949104 (middle of the page)

Save the download to your desktop, then right-click on it and select "Run as
Administrator" to install.

Reboot for good measure.

Or you could...

Start a free Windows Update support incident request:
https://support.microsoft.com/oas/de...spx?gprid=6527

For home users, no-charge support is available by calling 1-866-PCSAFETY in
the United States and in Canada or by contacting your local Microsoft
subsidiary. There is no-charge for support calls that are associated with
security updates.

Support for Windows Update:
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/wusupport

For more information about how to contact your local Microsoft subsidiary
for security update support issues, visit the International Support Web
site: http://support.microsoft.com/common/international.aspx

For enterprise customers, support for security updates is available through
your usual support contacts.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)
AumHa VSOP & Admin; DTS-L.net

thor wrote:
> when I search for updates on the windows vista home edition windows
> updater,
> i get this message
>
> to check for updates you must first install an update for windows update.
> your automatic updating settings will not change.
>
> when i follow the prompts to do this it and wait for the installation bar
> to
> finish, it returns me to the original windows update screen. however when
> i
> try to search for updates again it gives me the same message. i have done
> this several times over to no avail. any ideas?