On a friends laptop following some viruses infestations there is a problem in starting the Windows firewall. The error is:

Could not start the Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing(ICS) service on Local Computer.

Error 2: The system cannot find the file specified

When attempting to turn on automatic updates in the security centre, the message is:

We're sorry. The Security Center could not change your Automatic Updates settings. To try changing these settings yourself, go to System in Control Panel. On the Automtic Updates tab, select Automatic (recommended), and then click OK.

All the options under "Automatic Updates" are greyed out.

I've tried the suggestions below and many others:

http://windowsxp.mvps.org/sharedaccess.htm

http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/892199

http://windowsxp.mvps.org/repairwmi.htm

I can't do a repair install because the installer doesn't detect existing versions. It's XP pro service pack 3.