Can't start Automatic Updates Service

[PapaShabaz]

Op Sys: XP Home. Any attempt to start Automatic Updates (AU) produces the message that "Error 1058: cannot be started because it is disabled [duh!] or because it has no enabled devices associated with it". I check the LogOn tab and the profile is enabled, it's also checked as a local system account and not allowed to interact with the desktop. Coincidentally, also getting frequent ad popups, especially anti-virus scams that can't be shut by clicking (starts downloads)--they need to be shutoff with Ctrl+W. Booted in safe mode and did a full scan at MS http://safety.live.com, which identified 84 items, 30 issues, and 203 invalid registry entries, and cleaned all but 13 items supposedly. If I were able to start AU, I could update the service pack to 3, which would allow me to install NAV 2009. MS has not solved the problem for me yet. I'm on the verge of reformatting yet again, a total hassle. Also have the hijack this log and a text list of URLs of the scam pop-ups if that's any help for troubleshooting.

[NonSuch]

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