Multiple entries of updates

[Edan]

I am trying to learn about Windows Update, but I am new at this so please
bear with me while I try to explain. I did look in the forum but I did not
see this issue specifically.
I installed XP Pro on 10/9/08 and proceeded to install SP3 and all the
suggested critical updates. (29 in total)
After rebooting and checking again, it stated that it had all the updates.
Starting the computer on the 10th, Windows Update stated I needed 11 new
updates; some dated back a couple of years when I checked on Google. I
installed these and checked again. Windows Update again stated everything was
updated.
Starting up my system on the 11th, I was told I needed 9 critical updates. I
installed these.
I then installed the normal updates on the 14th and again windows stated
that my system was up to date.
Upon checking the update history I have noticed the following:
KB941569 was installed three times. All of the times show a successful
install. This was due to the fact that I would install the updates that were
suggested and reboot and check again and install the next group of updates.
I failed to notice at the time that included in the list was the same one.
KB 956390 was installed on the 14th and windows stated the update was
successful, but it again asked me for this update on the 15th and I installed
this successfully.
The one thing I noticed in common is a discrepancy under the SOURCE in my
update history. For KB941569 one was Automatic Updates, and the other two
were Microsoft Update.
For KB 956390, one was Automatic Update and the other was Microsoft Update.
I have my system set for “notify me but don’t automatically download or
install them.”
My windows update log file looked ok as far as I could tell. It stated the
multiple repeated updates were installed correctly. (up to 3 times for the
one)
My primary concern is on those days that Windows stated I was up to date, it
appears I was not, or is this normal for Windows Update?
How do I know if these updates are installed if I have to keep re-installing
them?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated as this has been very
frustrating for me to try and find an answer
Thank you.

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Short answer: As long as Windows Update website is not offering you any
critical security updates right now, don't worry about it. Just make sure
Automatic Updates is enabled.

Long answer: You ask a lot of questions, all of which are complicated by the
recent clean install of WinXP and then WinXP SP3. Your best bet would be to
open a free support incident:

Pick one:

Start a free Windows Update support incident request:
https://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=6527

Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3), until 14 Apr-09. Chat and
e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada. Go to
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173 | select "Windows
XP" then select "Windows XP Service Pack 3"
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/