I have the same problem as Jen - tried step 1 and it gave an Error 1053. This
is on a PC with 128 MB Ram, and is actually stuck at 14% for weeks now.

"Taurarian" wrote:

> To stop the Automatic Updates service, clear the contents of the DataStore and
> Download folders, (if appropriate EventCache) and restart the Automatic Updates
> service
>
> 1. Stop the Automatic Updates Service.
> Click Start, Choose Run.
> In the Run box, type services.msc.
> Click OK.
> Right-click the Automatic Updates service. Select Properties.
> Under Service status, click Stop.
> Click OK
>
> 2. Now you’ll need to clean out the Download folder for WU5 by deleting the Contents
> of the DataStore and Download folders.
> Click Start, Choose Run.
> In the Run box, type %windir%\SoftwareDistribution.
> Click OK.
> Delete the contents of both the DataStore, (and perhaps the EventCache) and Download
> folders.
>
> You will lose your WUv5 History – not important
> Have a look at:
>
> http://v5.windowsupdate.microsoft.co...cleid=11&ln=en
>
>
> Then you can either Order the CD or get the full download from 2nd link below
>
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/d...s/default.mspx
> Order Windows XP Service Pack 2 on CD
> or
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
> Windows XP Service Pack 2
>
> Please also visit this site for Service Pack 2 information
> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/xpsp2.htm
> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm
>
>
>
> "Jen" <Jen@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:6551B222-2CF3-4835-A42F-E1DAD0B39FD7@microsoft.com...
> > windows update has been downloading an update for about 3 weeks now. For the
> > past week and half it has been stuck on 36%. Doesnt go any higher. How can I
> > cancel the update?
>
>

"Andy" <Andy@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:6D98541A-A021-4296-9141-F9B8DB041388@microsoft.com
....
> "Taurarian" wrote:
>
>> To stop the Automatic Updates service, clear the contents of the DataStore and
>> Download folders, (if appropriate EventCache) and restart the Automatic Updates
>> service
>>
>> 1. Stop the Automatic Updates Service.
....
>> 2. Now you’ll need to clean out the Download folder for WU5 by deleting the Contents
>> of the DataStore and Download folders.


>I have the same problem as Jen - tried step 1 and it gave an Error 1053.

<example>
F:\>net helpmsg 1053

The service did not respond to the start or control request in a timely fashion.
</example>


The real point of stopping the service is to make step 2 possible.
An alternative to stopping the service would be rebooting in safe mode
(assuming that this service would not be started in safe mode)
and then trying step 2


Good luck

Robert Aldwinckle
---