Spaz, I'll keep throwing links your way if that doesn't work. Maybe something will click. Some might be a free trial but it might be worth it to try.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/267511

http://www.tuneupadvisor.com/fix-exe.aspx

http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/default.htm

You might try this information

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

.... or you could try restoring your system to a time just prior to
installing the Windows Updates, as long as you can access the "Safe Mode with
Command Prompt" option from the Advanced Options menu (in order to access the
menu, press the F8 key just before Windows begins to load / directly after
POST). You'll need to log on as the administrator, or a user that has
administrative rights. At the command prompt, type...

%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe ...and then press ENTER.

....then just follow the instructions on the screen. Another possibility is
to select the "Last Known Good Configuration" (your most recent settings that
worked) option from the Advanced Options menu.