Microsoft Update in Windows XP Home.

Is it possible for someone to help me fix Automatic Updates to make it work?,I have not had any updates for some time for XP and IE7. I have tried everything up to now with no joy!and have tried all the obvious methods to no avail?. Microsoft are no help whatsoever(no suprise there!.
Iam concerned about my PC’s security.Auto updates will download and install Office files and nothing else.
Here’s hoping some good samariten can ease my pain.
regards,
Keith.