Can't update, missing programs, empty files

Chances are that you're seeing the affects of a hijackware infection.

1. See if you can download/run the MSRT manually:
[URL="http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx"]http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx[/URL]

2. Run this online scan (in safe mode w/networking, if need be):
[URL="http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/center/howsafe.htm"]http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/center/howsafe.htm[/URL]

3. Run additional checks for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis
log to an appropriate forum.

Checking for/Help with Hijackware
[URL="http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm"]http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm[/URL]
[URL="http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm"]http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm[/URL]
[URL="http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878"]http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878[/URL]
[URL="http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm"]http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm[/URL]
[URL="http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm"]http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm[/URL]
[URL="http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html"]http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html[/URL]
[URL="http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm"]http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm[/URL]
[URL="http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/"]http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/[/URL]
[URL="http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware"]http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware[/URL]

When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
([URL="http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe"]http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe[/URL]) is the preferred tool to use (in
conjuction with some other utilities). HijackThis will NOT fix anything on
its own, but it will help you to both identify and remove any
hijackware/spyware with assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
[URL="http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachinesforum/index.php?board=10.0"]http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachinesforum/index.php?board=10.0[/URL],
[URL="http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22"]http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22[/URL],
[URL="http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30"]http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30[/URL], or another appropriate forum for review
by an expert in such matters, not here.**

If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this
isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA) computer repair shop.
=====================
Start a free Windows Update support incident request:
https://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=6527

Support for Windows Update:
[URL="http://support.microsoft.com/gp/wusupport"]http://support.microsoft.com/gp/wusupport[/URL]

For home users, no-charge support is available by calling 1-866-PCSAFETY in
the United States and in Canada or by contacting your local Microsoft
subsidiary. There is no-charge for support calls that are associated with
security updates.
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