windows update - stuck in advantage install loop

I have WinXp with SP2.
When doing a windows update I am stuck in a loop installing Windows Genuine Advantage :-


1. When I check for windows updates. at http://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate and click the custom box
I get a page saying "To use this latest version of Windows Update, you will need to upgrade some of its components...."

2 .I download and install the validation tool

3. I get a box saying that it was installed sucessfuly

4. The next page says the software upgrade is complete (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool (KB892130))
Selecting the continue button takes me back to step 1 above!!!


If I select "Review your update history" I can see multiple entries of the form:-
Windows XP familyWindows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool (KB892130) 18 September 2005 Windows Update website

I cant get beyond this point to see the updates that are available.

Any suggestions welcome. Please reply to this newsgroup thread.