I am unable to download anything on my laptop. the download starts and then an error message appears saying internet expolrer has encountereed and error and has to close, thus closing the dowloand window.
I previously until a fewdays ago had also been unable to downlaod or watch any form of media either from the net or watching videos on sites such as youtube.

i tried to downlaod update voa microsoft and have this error for the remaining three updates.
Microsoft Windows XP


Security Update for Windows XP (KB924191)
Typical download size: 842 KB , 1 minute
A security issue has been identified in the way Microsoft XML Core Services (MSXML) is handled that could allow an attacker to compromise a Windows-based system and gain control over it. You can help protect your computer by installing this update from Microsoft. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer. Details...

Security Update for Windows XP (KB922819)
Typical download size: 290 KB , less than 1 minute
A security issue has been identified that could allow an attacker to cause Denial of Service conditions on Windows-based systems. You can help protect your computer by installing this update from Microsoft. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer. Details...

Security Update for Windows XP (KB899587)
Typical download size: 560 KB , less than 1 minute
A security issue has been identified that could allow an attacker to gain access to sensitive data transmitted through your Microsoft Windows-based system in a domain environment, and to perform denial of service attacks against domain controllers. You can help protect your computer by installing this update from Microsoft. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer. Details...

any help would be very appreciated.

Hello Seanbhoy,

Welcome to PCHF.

Can you follow PCHF Prework on my signature and post a Hijack and AVG log back here. You will probably need to download the software onto another PC, and transfer it across. A member of security and check your logs for malware.