Windows Update Freezes and Locks up my laptop every time

I have a Windows XP Pro laptop running SP1A. I recently ran windows update
and it sort of forced me to install the new update software. Now ever since
the software installed and I go to Windows Update to download the new
patches, my laptop completely locks up and I have to hard boot. I can work in
everything else without a problem, until I go back in to try and update from
the Windows update site. ANy suggestions

Using Windows Explorer, navigate to the WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution
folder and delete the contents of every folder EXCEPT for DataStore.
Temporarily disable your antivirus program and any script blocking
component of it. Now try to access Windows Update.
You may need to delete the contents of the DataStore folder if this
does not allow you to access WU.
Reenable your AV after the software controls are installed.

MowGreen [MVP]
===============
*-343-* FDNY
Never Forgotten
===============

jvinsky wrote:

> I have a Windows XP Pro laptop running SP1A. I recently ran windows update
> and it sort of forced me to install the new update software. Now ever since
> the software installed and I go to Windows Update to download the new
> patches, my laptop completely locks up and I have to hard boot. I can work in
> everything else without a problem, until I go back in to try and update from
> the Windows update site. ANy suggestions