Windows Update just spins and spins, seemingly without end

...Everything was working fine with Windows Update until Security Update for Windows Vista KB3168965 was posted on July 12...

Please answer each of the following [admittedly tedious] diagnostic questions in a correspondingly-numbered list in your very next reply, preferably without quoting my post:

1a. When (approx. date) did you purchase the computer?

1b. Who manufactured the computer (e.g., Dell; HP; Lenovo; Toshiba)?

1c. Is it a Vista 32-bit or a 64-bit computer?  See http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827218

1d. Have you ever had occasion to do a Repair Install or a clean install of Windows Vista?

2. What is the full name of your installed anti-virus application or security suite and when (approx. date) does your current subscription expire? What anti-spyware applications (other than Defender) are installed? What third-party firewall (if any)?
3. Has a(nother) Norton application or a McAfee application EVER been installed on the computer since you bought it?
4. Did a Norton free-trial or a McAfee free-trial [pick one] come preinstalled on the computer when you bought it? (Doesn't matter if you never used or Activated it.)
5. Is KB3160005, KB3159398, KB3161561, KB3161949, KB3164033, KB3164035, and/or KB3161664 listed in Installed Updates (not Update History)? [1]
6. Assuming Java is installed => Is Java Version 8 Update 101 (or higher) installed? TEST HERE USING INTERNET EXPLORER ONLY! => http://java.com/en/download/uninstallapplet.jsp [2]

• Java Update: Patch it or pitch it

http://krebsonsecurity.com/2014/07/java-update-patch-it-or-pitch-it/

• Is it time to disable/uninstall Java?

http://securitygarden.blogspot.com/2013/01/java-zero-day-again-time-to.html

7. Is Adobe Flash Player v22.0.0.209 (or higher) installed? TEST HERE USING INTERNET EXPLORER ONLY! => http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/
8. Assuming IE9 is installed => What Update Version & KB number are displayed in the second line of text in IE9's Help | About [Alt+H+A] tab; e.g., Update Version: 9.0.54 (KB9876543) ?

• Effective 12 January 2016, IE9 is the only supported version going forward. If IE8 or IE7 is still installed, the computer will not be offered any further updates.

9. Is Firefox version 47.0.1 (or higher) and/or Google Chrome 49.0.2623.112 [sic] or any other alternate browser installed?
10. Are you in the habit of using "Registry cleaners" (e.g., Registry Mechanic; System Mechanic; RegCure; RegClean Pro; Advanced SystemCare; Total System Care; Glary Utilities; Registry Booster; McAfee QuickClean; AVG Quick Clean; AVG PC TuneUp; Norton Registry Cleaner; Norton PC Tuneup; PCTools Optimiser; SpeedUpMyPC; FixMyPC; PC Doctor; TuneUp Utilities; WinMaximizer; WinSweeper; Comodo System Cleaner; Advanced System Optimizer; CCleaner Registry Cleaner component)?

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[1] Start | Control Panel | Programs and Features | View installed updates (in left-hand menu)

[2] No need to install Java if it's not already installed!

I did this and it didn't help. I turned off automatic updates in Windows Update, restarted computer, checked for updates, let spin for 13 minutes. Nothing. I tried the manual download again, it installed fine, and searched for 12 minutes. Nothing. Cancel button didn't work, so I had to close it in Task Manager.

1a. Computer was purchased used in August 2014.

1b. Dell

1c. Vista Ultimate 32-bit

1d. No

2. Norton AntiVirus Online, expiration date unknown. No

anti-spyware or third-party firewall.

3. No
4. No
5. Yes, all are listed in installed updates.
6. Java not installed in IE9, which I rarely use. I mainly use

Firefox.

7. Version 22,0,0,210 on IE9.
8. IE9 update vers. 9.0.51 (KB3160005).
9. Yes, Firefox 47.0.1, which automatically updated from 47.0

when I checked the version.

10. No, I only use the system tools that came with Windows.

While we're awaiting Volume Z's return to the thread, please answer-by-number as before:

1. Where or from whom did you purchase the used Dell computer in August of 2014? [1]
2. What, if any, anti-virus application or security suite was installed when you purchased the used computer?

3a. Did you install Norton AntiVirus Online or...?

3b. Are you a CenturyLink (ISP) subscriber?

4. In Windows Explorer [WinKey+E], navigate to & right-click on:

• **C:\Program Files**Norton AntiVirus Online [or similar name] <=this folder

Select PROPERTIES: What's the CREATED date displayed on the resulting GENERAL tab?

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[1] You cannot trust the security of any used computer unless & until YOU have formatted the HDD and then done a clean install of Windows (or paid someone else to do it for you).