A fresh install of Windows XP actually has problems with Windows update at this point, especially if you're starting pre-SP2. If you have Windows XP with no service packs, you need to get a copy of SP1 or SP2 to install to get Windows ready for SP3. This may not be required, but I have had issues in the past going from non-SP XP to SP3. I'm not sure if this was due to a requirement or just that I had issues once and now that's how I do it. If you have SP1 or SP2 included or installed you should download SP3 installing. Once SP3 is installed you should use internet explorer 6 to download firefox. Once you download firefox you should use firefox to download internet explorer 8 from microsoft. Install IE8, then using IE8 start your windows update process.
I've had to do this a couple of times in the last month as I recycle old computers and donate to families around town who either have no computer, or it's REALLY old (Where a 5 year old PC is an upgrade). Good Luck, Christopher Fisk
