automatic updates error message

Lately when I try to update I've bee getting and "application error" The instruction at 0x0be5d0e9 referenced memory at 0x8f6d9bbc. The memory cannot be written cancel or debug and it closes.

Since I've also been getting them for Internet explorer 7 which reads "instructions at 0x60cbb2af referenced memory at 0x0c581944 cannot be read" I un-installed and re-installed Internet explorer. It didn't help.

Any ideas? I have auto updates set but all I get is the badge saying loading updates and it stays at 0% then goes away.

Thanks ....
angela