genuine validation tool won't install, stops XP updates

I have just done a repair-install on a client's system (XP-Home SP2) and now wish to download and install the XP updates. But the process stops because the "genuine validation tool" will not install. There are no error message numbers, just the white box declaring the file failed to install.

Hardware is P4-2.8 cpu, 1 Gb RAM, VIA chipset. Very standard, passes hardware diagnostics, has been a stable machine.

The system is otherwise running well. Client has Norton Internet Security installed, up to date, and working. I do not wish to return machine to client without installing the latest updates and ensuring that the update process will work in the future.

Any suggestions? I have looked at the Microsoft links on updating problems, but have not seen anything relevant to this problem.

 

Thanks for the rapid response, Pete. The link you provided described my problem exactly, and the suggested .bat file struck a home run. By manually registering the relevant dll files, this allowed installation of the updates.

Why has Microsoft kept quiet about this? It appears they are not addressing a serious problem here. Could they be too busy creating new ones via Vista?

Meanwhile, in gratitude, I joined the "windows secrets" list (target of the link you supplied) as a contributing member.