IE and Windows Update
 

Ok, after reformatting I use IE to do a Windows Update, it asks me to install their Windows Update software. I think clicked yes, with the always trust content from microsoft box checked. Now I go there and it just says "Checking for the latest version of the Windows Update software..." and doesn't do anything. I've reset the settings I knew how back to default and still nothing. Anyone have any ideas?

Have you tried rebooting the computer and trying it again? Rebooting seems to solve most problems for Windows-based computers.

Is your system date correct? Oddly enough, Windows Update flips out if your system date is wrong.

bendsley: Yes, I've rebooted many times since then. It's been about a month now... I've put in SP1 for IE and SP1 for Windows since, and still nothing.

DJMala: Yes, the system date is correct.

I'm still thinking it may be an issue with IE itself, but have no clue what it might be. I've deleted all of the downloaded objects and emptied the cache, etc. I don't think I can uninstall IE and reinstall it, is there?

Ah, good old windows update, the only thing that keeps me from living on firefox alone...

are u a tinkerer that u disabled ur BITS service ? coz i think thats needed for the latest windows update or something along those lines
its M$ , thus i dont give it much attention

I do a fair bit of tweaking, but what's BITS service?