Outsourcing has definitely helped Microsoft's support, well, I shouldn't say that, many aspects of their support hasn't really changed at all.

My automatic updates attempted to install 'Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework, Version 1.1 Service Pack 1 (KB886903)' but failed, I tried to go to Windows Update and manually choose and install it and this failed as well. I see a link there to contact Microsoft Support if you have issues with the Windows Update Site, so I decide for curiousity sake to click it.

I fill out a very detailed error description, giving both the update I am trying to install and the error I recieved, I state that this is one of 4 updates Windows Update tried to install, the others installing correctly while this one failed, and mentioned both tries at install.

The email I recieved in return humorously explains to me in a 3 page form letter how to get the Active X control needed to run Windows Update installed and working...

I am starting to see where Microsoft could cut some costs...if you aren't actually offering me support then remove the link and the phone numbers.

Sure, the answer is most likely as simple as downloading the actual exe for the patch and installing it myself. I wasn't looking for a solution, but was curious what someone would get had they been.

Thanks Steveb for not letting me down again ;)