Windows Update XP won't download Critical Updates?

Speaking of securing your PC and keeping it protected from Hackers --

Infopackets Reader Riad S. writes:

" Dear Dennis,

I run Windows XP. I recently ran the Windows Update scan (by clicking Start -> Windows Update) and now it gets stuck at 0% activity, then finally aborts with an error message that reads: ' Windows Update Error. Windows Update has encountered an error and cannot display the requested page. Error no.(0x800C0005) '. I tried all suggestions on the error page, but with no result. Can you please help?"

My response:

According to updateXP.com, the hexadecimal error number '0x800C0005' corresponds with the message "Cannot locate the Internet server or proxy server."

After researching this issue further, I came across a Microsoft Knowledge Base article (KB#830086), which states that "[the error message may appear] if you do either of the following actions: you reinstall the original released version of Windows XP; or, you use System Restore to restore your computer to a date before Service Pack 1 was installed."

A workaround is supplied on the MS Knowledge Base page, however, it may not resolve the issue. Microsoft also recommends reinstalling Service Pack 1a in to restore Windows Update functionality [link here].