I was wonderind if I can UPDATE OLD files, 1 is 4mths. old
the other is 2 yrs. old? naive to computers I needed to know?
thanksWhat "old files"?   microsoft updates:
IE 8 Windows XP
Security Update KB946648
Update Windows XP KB95295
Security Update KB951072
Update Windows XP KB951072Don't understand the question at all.these are the old files i was ASKING  if i can update. IE 8 4mths.
old the others are 2yrs old; i ask 'cause they all failed updating.
if there's nothing you can do, that's the breaks, i guess 

~ Sweetie ~Sorry, maybe it's just me. But I still don't understand what you are talking about.you do i am naive to computers, i tried my best
( whatever that mightv'e been ) to explain. hey
that' cool...  Sweetie - KB946648 requires XP SP.3, have you installed SP.3 yet?  To check press WinKey+Break to open System Properties.

yes, i have xp Sp.3 installed. Is this " BreakKey, Pause/Break? winkey, where do i find this one? my key board is a Logitec MK300. i don't know where to find this winkey,    sorry.The Winkey is usually in the lowest row of keys.  Mine is between the Ctrl and Alt keys.
And it has the Windows flag on it.  It's actually handy for a lot of things.Okay Sweetie.  You can download/install any update you wish to but please note that KB951072 (Aug.2008) has been superseded by KB955839 (Dec.2008).  Before MANUALLY installing any update you should check the update details by reading the MS Support site for that update and checking in the installed update list in Control Panel>Add Remove Programs on your pc.  Here is the MS Support page for KB951072, note the first para labeled Important.

I think that as you have SP.3 installed and if AUTOMATIC Updates are enabled your system will be fully up-to-date.  As you state you are "naive to computers" this would be the best way to go.

Good luckokay, thanks! i can use all the luck i can get.