Each time I try to use windows update whether its through the start menu or IE, explorer crashes and then restarts. Any ideas why yet?

Try doing this, helped many of us today:Found this on the other thread "Windows Installer Crash"posted by dalejr33. Resolved the issue for me as well: "I found this elsewhere, so I take no credit.start regeditnavigate to HKLM\Software\Microsoft\SQMClient\Windows\DisabledSessionsrename MachineThrottling to _MachineThrottlingSolved the issue for me."Added by Forum ModeratorWarning: While this solution solves the issue or problem, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall the operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk. For more information about modifying the registry, seeMicrosoft support article 256986.

Yes it worked! Before I got this reply, I did these things that I found in a search:Did a system restore to just before installing Office 2003Explorer stopped crashing but I could not install programs because windows installer then crashed.So I did a system restore undo and it took me right back to where I was with explorer crashing with a new one - windows installer crashing followed me here.I then read this reply, did the regedit thing, and voila! I did a windows update with success and also the windows installer now works again.I was having issues with slideshow on the desktop black screening when I use my own pictures. The included pictures seem to work ok. I will switch back to my pictures and see if this registry change helped that too. Thanks bunches for the reply!

I didn't try the Regedit but mine started after Firefox 3 install after uninstall it started working again.

Well so far my slide show has not crashed while using my own pictures. The reg key was the culprit for a bunch of issues it seems.