Windows update problem in Vista

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Start by beginning a new thread about your problem. State your full Windows
version (e.g., Vista x64 SP1) and IE version (IE7 or IE8) in your first
post.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/313222
How to reset security settings back to the defaults

[Kiran Sridhar]

I installed SP2 on Vista Business edition SP1. But the windows update worked
for some days. The last update it took was on Nov 14th 2009. After which
windows update is showing in red as "Always install the latest updates to
enhance your computer's security and performance". BUt when I click on "Check
for Updates" button it throws a dialog box saying "Windows Update cannot
currently check for updates, because the service is not running. You may need
to restart your computer."

I restarted the computer couple of times, but noticed same error. Also, I
noticed that Windows Media Player 11 is not working.