Vista & Windows Update

I have a new PC running Windows Vista Ultimate Edition. On powering it up
and connecting it to the internet for the first time the automatic updates
facility downloaded 12 new updates, but the system froze on installing the
5th one (an update for Internet Explorer 7). Several re-boots later I then
rolled back the system to the earliest possible restore point and tried again.

Now on selecting Windows Update, I get the message "To check for updates,
you must first install an update for Windows Update." and an "Install Now"
button. On clicking the button the downlaod begins, the window disappears,
and a little later I get the message "Windows Modules Installer stopped
working and was closed. A problem caused the application to stop working
correctly. Windows will notify you if a solution is available."

I can get no further than this.

Can anyone help..?