Trouble w/ SP1 AND System Update Readiness Tool

HELP! I'm trying to get my girlfriends computer back in commission and I am finding out that she is completely clueless when it comes to vista. For some reason, she has failed to update her PC since the day she's gotten it. I am trying to install SP1 but it is not showing up in the windows update section either. I did some research and I found the system update readiness tool and tried to give that a go. It may have been working but it was taking a long time and I ended the task because I was afraid it was going to be unsuccessful anyways. I wanted to try to install it again and it does not even begin to install, it just gets stuck in the very beginning (the progression bar does not move at all like it did the first time I tried installing it) and does not allow me to install the tool.

SO... I need your help. Im wondering if any of you can help me figure out a way to have SP1 show up on automatic updates (I have found that installing a stand alone version can be horrendous if the PC is not ready for it), or help me figure out a way to install the "System Update Readiness Tool".

I'm sure the reason for both of these is a/are corrupt files(s) somewhere along the way.

Thought it would also be worth mentioning that a security update is failing (repeatedly) to install in the update center, and only the "important" updates are available for install, recommended are not showing up anymore even though i have that checkbox checked allowing to download and install like an "important" update would.
-she is running vista home edition (32 bit)

Any info you have for me would be great. Thanks in advance guys!

try this:

Boot system in "safe mode with command prompt" (not in classic safe mode see:http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/88009-advanced-boot-options.html
)

and type:

del C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\*.*

if cannnot to do that (any error is returned),boot Vista DVD or Vista Recovery Disk http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/141820-create-recovery-disc.html

choose language>>repair computer>>command prompt

and type:

del C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\*.*

If you have any linux you can use it also to remove all files from C:\Windows\Logs\CBS folder

Okay... I tried that... I was able to do it... but nothing unfortunately. Im lost. I got the update readiness tool to run but it didnt give me any results, it just said it finished. I also tried moving/renaming the softwaredistribution folder and that didnt produce any fruitful results.

Still- kb973565 (security update) is not installing either.

Any other suggestions?

Thank you so much for your help so far