Next time turn off uodates. Get rid of flash and all other adobe products, replace IE with a more reputable browser like firefox. Don't install any 3rd party sofware. Do not install any browesr extensions or add-ons. Do not install any updates. Finally, practice safe email. Do not click on any email attachments. I install a few things like bash, Stallman's emacs and python, but those are super-safe.
(My XP system had been up and running for years, using FIREFOX, CHROME and IE, and was well-protected. I had MSE, MALEWAREBYTES, and SUPERANTISPYWARE. Never had a problem with the computer, other than scanning and removing any attacks).
HOWEVER, none of those protect you from a MICROSOFT UPDATE.
As to your suggestions, one might as well just unplug the LAN cord and never access the internet. That way you will SURELY be safe.
I no longer have the XP system. I had them copy all my data over to a newer WIN 7 DELL. That is what I am on and have only had one day of ‘user experience’ so I am having to RELEARN how to do certain tasks as they have CHANGED the way you get to those tasks. And they didn’t make it easier.
They did add a bunch of flashy gadgets designed to impress the inexperienced and easily impressed new user. I really needed that ‘nifty’ WALL CLOCK thing. Gee, how would I ever know what time it was without that ?