I recently wiped my computer and put XP Pro back on it, but it won't let me download any service packs, and when I go to Windows Update it tries to download BITS 2.0 and WinHTTP 5.1. It fails almost instantly. Any ideas?

can you be a little more specific. what happens when it fails. does it show you anything or does it quit? is there an error code? are your required services running (automatic updates, BITS and event log)?

You can try to install update manually instead of through the Windows download center via KB842773
Mega_Man, if it fails to install on manual be sure to check if they're not already installed and try to remove them via the instructions in the below link I gave to hiigaran.

@hiigaran, for more information about BITS 2.0 and WinHTTP 5.1 look here.

Also, you might want to check your Internet Explorer security Zone. You might have it set too high and will need to either lower it, or add the windows update site into the approved site. Also, I believe you'll need to allow Active-X through so that the updates for BITS and WinHTTP go through.

I've got everything enabled. When it goes through and tries to download, it says:

"The following updates were not downloaded:
Update for Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) 2.0 and WinHTTP 5.1 (KB842773)"

It doesn't specify why, and when I troubleshoot it can't seem to find the problem.

This message was edited by Mega_Man on Nov 16 2009.

Alright, I've downloaded the file described in my previous post for you and uploaded it.
Try it here.

Thanks, but when I try to run it it says the file is corrupt.

That's happens to me when something isn't downloaded right as in it cancelled before completing this usuall happens on ie try firefox or try a torrent

I've tried the file myself. I'm positive it isn't corrupt.

It might be wise to see if you have a virus and/or spyware, because this isn't sounding right...
Please download HijackThis! and upload your logfile here.

Post back the URL given here and also scan your PC with Spybot S&D.

Alright, just scanned it. Results