Problem downloading setup files that reconnect to download program files

I have a home network running both a Windows XP and Windows 98 machine. On the XP I can no longer download setup files that require a reconnect to download the prgram files. Such as Windows update for IE or service packs for XP. I have tried everything. I have taken the XP off the network and run a direct connection to the internet (which is cable service). I have disabled antivirus. I don't know what has changed in XP to lock this out. Microsoft's site will ask about a proxy server which I do not run. My 98 machine has no problems at all with antivirus running and behind the router firewall. Any help that can be given would be appreciated.

 

WU is a very finicky site. Some weeks I have to turn off my firewall---some weeks I don't. Sometimes I need to bypass the proxy server---other times not.

You may be caught in some sort of Twilight Zone where the service packs would fix the problem you have getting them.

In any case, you can download the service pack for IE6 here:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/critical/ie6sp1/default.asp

and the entire SP1 for XP (which includes the IE pack, if you don't mind downloading around 140 megs for the entire pack. Not a bad idea---burn it to CD.):
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/downloads/servicepacks/sp1/default.asp