Security Update installation problem

On my XP Pro system I keep getting reminded to install "Security Update for Windows XP (KB2478971). So I install it and it installs with no errors.

Next time, even when I try it straight away, Microsoft Update tells I need to install that same update. It's as if it goes through the motions of installing but doesn't somehow complete or register that it's complete. Checking Add/Remove software doesn't show it in the list of updates.The installation log below shows some errors but I've no idea of their relevance.

[KB2478971.log]
1.421: ================================================================================
1.421: 2011/03/15 19:35:26.437 (local)
1.421: C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\Download\6006b16c1fd02cf49cb91496eb5460a0\update\update.exe (version 6.3.13.0)
1.421: Failed To Enable SE_SHUTDOWN_PRIVILEGE
1.437: Hotfix started with following command line: -q -z -er /ParentInfo:3060c0cb32e3ba46aef25f4b40475010
1.437: In Function GetReleaseSet, line 1240, RegQueryValueEx failed with error 0x2
1.562: In Function TestVolatileFlag, line 11825, RegOpenKeyEx failed with error 0x2
1.562: In Function TestVolatileFlag, line 11857, RegOpenKeyEx failed with error 0x2
1.562: ---- Old Information In The Registry ------
1.562: Source:C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\logishrd\LVPrcInj01.dll (12.10.1110.0)
1.562: Destination:
1.562: Source:C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\logishrd\
1.562: Destination:
1.562: ---- New Information In The Registry ------
1.562: Source:C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\logishrd\LVPrcInj01.dll (12.10.1110.0)
1.562: Destination:
1.562: Source:C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\logishrd\
1.562: Destination:
1.578: In Function GetReleaseSet, line 1240, RegQueryValueEx failed with error 0x2
1.578: SetProductTypes: InfProductBuildType=BuildType.IP
1.578: SetAltOsLoaderPath: No section uses DirId 65701; done.
1.593: Files To Attach c:\windows\KB2478971.log c:\windows\KB2478971.log
1.593: LoadFileQueues: UpdSpGetSourceFileLocation for halmacpi.dll failed: 0xe0000102
1.609: ref tag c:\windows\system32\sp4.cab does not exist
1.609: ref tag c:\windows\system32\sp3.cab does not exist
1.609: ref tag c:\windows\system32\sp2.cab does not exist
1.609: ref tag c:\windows\system32\sp1.cab does not exist
1.609: ref tag c:\windows\system32\driver.cab does not exist
1.609: ref tag c:\windows\system32\fp40ext.cab does not exist
1.609: ref tag c:\windows\system32\fp40ext1.cab does not exist
1.609: ref tag c:\windows\system32\wms4.cab does not exist
1.609: ref tag c:\windows\system32\wms41.cab does not exist
1.609: ref tag c:\windows\system32\ims.cab does not exist
1.609: ref tag c:\windows\system32\ims1.cab does not exist
1.609: ref tag c:\windows\system32\ins.cab does not exist
1.609: ref tag c:\windows\system32\ins1.cab does not exist
1.609: Starting AnalyzeComponents
1.609: AnalyzePhaseZero used 0 ticks
1.609: No c:\windows\INF\updtblk.inf file.
1.609: OEM file scan used 0 ticks
1.609: AnalyzePhaseOne: used 0 ticks
1.609: AnalyzeComponents: Hotpatch analysis disabled; skipping.
1.609: AnalyzeComponents: Hotpatching is disabled.
1.609: FindFirstFile c:\windows\$hf_mig$\*.*
1.625: Waiting For watson First time ...
1.968: Waiting For watson First time ...
1.984: Waiting For watson First time ...
2.828: KB2478971 Setup encountered an error: The update.ver file is not correct.
3.296: KB2478971 Setup encountered an error: The update.ver file is not correct.
3.343: AnalyzeForBranching used 0 ticks.
3.343: AnalyzePhaseTwo used 0 ticks
3.343: AnalyzePhaseThree used 0 ticks
3.343: AnalyzePhaseFive used 0 ticks
3.343: Files To Attach c:\windows\KB2478971.log c:\windows\KB2478971.log
3.359: Waiting For watson First time ...
4.468: Waiting For watson First time ...

Any thoughts on how I can resolve this would be appreciated. In the meantime I've hidden the update.

That update installed OK on my XP MCE (= Pro) on 2 Feb 2011. I have had 2 Windows Update sessions since, without it reappearing.

Afraid I no longer have its log for comparison, as I jettison them after update completed.

It installed on my XP Home netbook as wel (but no log)l Weird.

Just wondered if the log gives clues to them that understand it.

Is the update listed in Add / Remove Programs?

Edited by nredwood (Wed 16-Mar-11 16:02:42)

Regrettably no (as I mentioned in the OP).

Looks like a number of required files are missing and unable to access the reg.
Have you tried:
a - a reboot (leave off for 10 seconds) and then update?
b - restore to an earlier point?
c - safe boot with network enabled?
d - repair windows installation (use original disc and it should ask if you want to repair or re-install.

After that I usually burst into tears!

That update installed on my XP on 9 Feb 2011. I have had 2 Windows Updates since without problem.

Sorry, I missed that before

If you go to c:\windows, can you see an uninstall folder for it at all. You'll have to untick "Hide protected operating system files" if not done so already

Also, is the PC running on SP3 (sorry if I've missed that as well)?

No such uninstall folder. (I usually run with Hide protected... unticked)

Edit: Yes, it's SP3

Edited by cheshire_man (Wed 16-Mar-11 17:32:28)

Have you tried a manual download and install?
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?f...