Vista - Windows Update failed

Windows update has stopped working,
WindowsUpdate_80070005 WindowsUpdate_dt000
also my network adapter although working fine, sees no network, i have tried renaming and restoring new, the software distribution folder, they say this is the fix, it's not! Have searched the entire net, except here, and MS technet and the knowledge base and NOTHING. this is the last resort before scratching the OS, hope someone here knows what to do.

things i have tried

a new software distribution folder

a restore to a point far before the start of the problem, restore successful, update unsuccessful

turning on all services

giving every account permissions

turning on administrators accounts

other things to many to remember

TIA Mark

You need to do an in place upgrade or start fresh. I went thru 10 or so emails with microsoft tech. My disk is not upgrade compatible so I did fresh install. You can order an upgrade disk from microsoft for $12

That is what i did, there is no fix for this problem, i suspect it has something to do with the fact that windows stopped seeing my network adapter properly, but who knows, fresh install all the way! thanks

Is it the realtek 8111B driver you are updating to? I have had it try to get me to update to that several times and everytime I do it claims there is no cable connected. I simply rollback the driver (which goes to a newer one I believe (8111C instead)) and everything works again. Don't know if this is the came problem you are having but it sure confused me for a while.