For some time I had issues to update the Microsoft Windows XP pro operating system that runs on my system. As it's running in VMWare Fusion I usually don't start it every day but only when I need to run Windows-specific software.
Whatever, the problem was that Windows Update failed due to '3 different services not running'. Unfortunately for me these 3 services were running. Digging trough the Microsoft Support pages I found a way to contact MS with a support request. After a copy-paste of the error and after adding a description of the problem the website told me I should get an answer in the 24 hours.

24 hours later (work-days) I got a reply ! Great !.

Case Reference Number: SRZ070127002312.
Dear Christophe,
Thank you for contacting Microsoft Technical Support.
I would like to introduce myself as the ‘Support Engineer’ that has taken ownership of 
your Microsoft Support Case.
<snip>
>From the case details, I understand that you are facing an issue, while Updating 
Windows. If this is incorrect or I have misunderstood the issue you are experiencing, 
please provide me with the exact details.
Please log on to the following link:
<http://djlizard.net/software/Dial-a-fix-v0.60.0.24.zip>
It would ask you run or save the file, Click on Save and save the file on the desktop. 
Run the saved file which is known as “dial-a-fix”------- Tick all the options in the window 
------ Click on Go ------- it will prompt you for the time and date set it correct and Click Ok.
After completion of the process (it might take 5 minutes) Click Exit and try to update Windows.
<snip>

Do you notice something weird?
Microsoft Support telling me to run a 3rd-party Freeware to fix their own buggy software/operating system !
Well, I can't really complain. The fix worked. But I kindly asked MS to make a donation to that guy. :-)