[TChad]

Vista is still supported by Microsoft. Vista SP2 extended support ends on April 11, 2017:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/13853/windows-lifecycle-fact-sheet

If Windows Update is broken in Vista, try the solution here:

http://www.thewindowsclub.com/windows-update-not-working

After you clear out the SoftwareDistribution folder and start Windows Update again, let it run its "Checking for updates..." for a very long time, at least eight hours, perhaps much longer. Eventually the list of updates will probably appear.

[ducttape45]

I'll bookmark that second link you provided and check it out. Thankfully WU started working this morning. For how long I'm not sure but hopefully I'll be able to finish this job before the end of the day.

Thanks.