Cannot Upgrade anything using windows update. I get error code 80070005.

Question：I have windows vista home basic on my computer, and for the last 2 months or more, windows update has failed at every attempt, giving me error code 80070005.
I'm afraid to try anything, for fear of screwing up the whole system. I've been doing a tonne of reading, and there seems to be a number of different things to try. I don't know what to do first? 

Answer 1：

Hi,

Thank you for visiting Microsoft Windows Vista answers forum.

The error code 80070005 generally means "Access Denied", which happens due to improper security settings.

To restore the security settings, you may follow the following KB Article link:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/313222

You may also try disabling the security software that is running on the computer.

Please let us know if it helps.

Thanks and Regards,
Santosh

Answer 2：

Thank you so much for your reply. I followed the link you suggested, and it seemed to have done what it should have, however , now when I try to do an update, I am getting error code 8007042D ?   Any more suggestions for me ???  
Thanks again  for your help !
J

Answer 3：

Hi,

Thank you for replying us back.

The error code 8007042D basically pops up when the "Windows Update" service is stopped.

Follow the steps as below to start the Windows Update service.

1. Click Start, type services.msc in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.

If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Continue.

2. Locate and double click on the service "Windows Update" to open its properties.

3. Under the general tab, make sure that the startup type is set to Automatic and the services is started.

4. Click on Log On Tab.

5. Under "Log on as" make sure that the option "Local System Account" is selected and "Allow service to interact with desktop" is unchecked.

6. Click on Ok and then try to run the Windows Updates.

Please let us know if it helps.

Thanks and Regards,
Santosh