Resolved Windows update and MS Security Essentials

A friends computer wouldn't update MSSE. I tried to uninstall and reinstall but was told I didn't have permission. Both accounts on the computer are administrators, but neither could make changes on system. I followed several MS steps to fix that, uninstalled MSSE and enable the firewall that I found wasn't working. Now that the firewall is working again and both accounts have full control, Windows Update doesn't work and MSSE won't install. Update gives error# 80070422, and MSSE gives error# 80070643. I tried the steps MS offers and the "fixit" programs to no avail. I've checked for malware, run CHKDSK, cleaned the registry, and tried to run SFC, but it won't run either. This is a 64bit system. Any way to get everything back to normal without reinstalling Windows?

 

Thanks for the help.
Two of the services you mentioned were disabled. I thought I had checked them before. I'll post back in a few minutes

 

Nope. MSSE still won't install, same error and update gives a different error code now. #80073712

 

I'm downloading the MS update system readiness tool now. Will post back later.

 

That tool got me nowhere. I also tried the Deployment Image Servicing and Management from am elevated command prompt. Both ended with error 87.

 

Ok, It said error 87. Doesn't have a list of errors and what to do about them. it would be a lot faster installing windows and starting over than reading the almost 1Mb log file of gibberish to try track down the problem. I hope somebody knows how to fix it. Did I mention System Restore isn't working either?