Windows Update - Cannot install

[#1]

I am in a pickle with the latest Windows Update.  I have installed KB974417 nearly ten times, each time assuming that it was a different update.  I download the Update and then select Express Installation .  Following a re-boot, lo and behold there is always another Update to install.  I take no notice and just install it.  But then another Update pops up and so it goes on.
Finally, I started to take more notice of what I was installing, and now realise that it is always the same one, over and over again. 
What can I do to either successfully install the Update or to put an end to the endless requests to install it ?

Quote

Microsoft.NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 2 Security Update for Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP (KB974417) Size: 10.9 MB A security issue has been identified that could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to compromise your system and gain control over it. You can help protect your system by installing this update from Microsoft. After you install this update, you may have to restart your system. More information for this update can be found at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=161067

Any ideas would be gratefully received.

[#2]

I would try the repair route
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/908077

[#3]

If it has installed then you can right click the update and choose to hide it and it wont bother you anymore, Well the right click and hide works for windows 7.

[#4]

Steve M> probably the best of a bad lot (of choices)

[#5]

Thanks for the suggestions.  Sadly, none of these work - no, in XP I do not seem to be able to hide the update.
The link to Microsoft also does not work.  I have tried to follow the isntructions but each time, either there are conflicts or things just do not exist.
I am perfectly prepared to uninstall .net framework and re-install it.  But do I also need to uninstall .net framework 3 as well as 2 ?  The problem is with 2 but I suspect if I only uninstall 2, and reinstall 2, then 3 will be out of sync somehow. 
Even so, it appears from what I have read that Add/Remove Software does not actually uninstall .net framework.  So how exactly do I do it ?
Thanks.

[#6]

I don't know how credible this is but see my screen-shot and checkout this link....http://www.sevenforums.com/system-security/88028-security-alert-warning.html
And if so then this may help....http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_6130252_remove-fake-microsoft-windows-update.html
I think I may be barking up the wrong tree but is it a possibility?

[#7]

Thanks for the info.  I have read the articles and my problem seems to fit.  However, I have exactly the same problem with my laptop which is strange.  But there also seems to be some debate as to whether the reported virus is indeed a virus or not.  However, none of the files it recommends should be deleted to remove the virus are present on my system; so I can only assume that I am not infected until I have done more research.  In the meantime, I will run my virus checker on a deep search before I do anything.
So it looks like I am back to trying to delete .net framework and re-install it but all attempts so far have been frustrated.

[#8]

I have seen this sort of problem before; it's not a virus attack.  Yes, some malware does pretend to be a Microsoft Update but not in the manner you are experiencing, see http://blog.webroot.com/2010/03/10/fakealert-accurately-mimics-windows-update/ .
The solution that worked for me was to use the .Net framework removal tool linked from here http://www.aboutonlinetips.com/repair-remove-and-uninstall-net-framework/ then re-install. 

[#9]

Hi ReedRichards
Thanks for the tip.  I have seen lots of references to Arnold Strebner's .net framework removal tool when searching for answers.  So following your suggestion and link, I will now try it and let you know what happens.  Fingers crossed and again, thanks.