How to fix "windows features" empty dialogue box, update problems, KB938371, error 80073712

Hi, Ok this is everything about this issue that has plagued everyone.
I was installing Vista Ultimate and proceeded to updates when it all went horribly wrong. Culprit eventually traced after 14 hours to KB938371.
Because SP1 was on the product DVD and therefore installed this caused conflict with the download. The error is fatal
So the fix is :-
You must use system restore, to before the attempted install of KB938371. If you cannot, then you must roll up your sleeves, buckle down, grit your teeth, curse microsoft and re-install from scratch. I'm sorry but after 14hours of research of all the blogs and research on the PC in question the missing features will only re-appear when all trace of the Rogue KB938371 is expunged forever from your system. All the faults mentioned can be traced to this.
If you already have service pack one then you have no need of this download, keep clear, hide it and never look at it again; after all, you have the service pack it was meant to service !!!
The reason i speak with confidence is that i was installing a new system when i noticed this and took good note and tried every fix and every blog..
For a final note - Tips
1) you must go back to basics with vista (as with the early days of xp) - plenty restore points - ideally before you update. also wait a long time after each update as processes are still installing in the background. A reboot here can damage the install
2) install updates slowly (3 max) so any future conflicts can be resolved in just 2 steps by restoring back.
3) every so often when your system is running just how you want it - create a restore point !!! easy - i call mine 'everything ok here'
4) vista is very very slow and careful on its installs and promises to be much more of a rock-solid system than xp even was when everyone has plugged the current gaps.
So if you are unlucky enough to have to re-install, then take it on the chin, stand straight, curse microsoft and get on with it - I had to and I did !!!
Mark