I have the same problem as the earlier poster. Except mine hasn't sorted itself out.

Three MS updates are continually failing to download and install.

They are

KB 951847 .net framework 3.5 sp1 .net framework 3.5 family update for .net versions 2 through 3.5

KB 2656353 a security update for .net framework 1.1 sp1

KB 982168 update for .net framework 3.5 sp1

I I've had a few goes at solving this and failed and I think I need some help to go back to first principles and work it out.

Background
I'm running XP SP3

Help!

In the first problem you hilight

KB 951847 .net framework 3.5 sp1 .net framework 3.5 family update for .net versions 2 through 3.5
Microsoft say
This issue can be caused by a damaged .NET Framework component. In order to resolve the issue, we have to remove previous versions of .NET Framework and reinstall .NET Framework 3.5, which contains many new features building incrementally upon .NET Framework 2.0 and 3.0, and includes .NET

Step 1: Use .Net Framework CleanUp Utility

Have you tried this already?

If not the steps to remedy this are here Cannot update to .NET framework 3.5 SP1 and family update KB951847 - Microsoft Answers

Doing this (if you haven't tried it already) could also remedy your other Net framework updates problems.

Jim23

I have tried the .net framework clean up utility. But about a year ago and it didn't solve the problem and as I couldn't see any adverse effects from the problem in my day to day use I didn't try any other tools. I don't really know what I'm doing and disdn't want to cause problems.

I'm willing to have a go now because I have collected a couple of viruses (which Broni has cleared) and one of the pieces of advice is to keep all software up to date - particularly MS updates.
I'll try again and keep posting.

OK David

Good luck and keep us posted. Should you receive any error messages make a careful note of them and post back.

Jim23

Try this link to fix your issue with Windows Updates

How to troubleshoot common Windows Update, Microsoft Update, and Windows Server Update Services installation issues

If that link is no good, try this one and choose what will help you most

kind regards,