Would really appreciate some advice.

I'm using Vista and Windows Updates [WU] as of December 11/11 is unable to check for updates.  This is what I've found so far:

Software Licensing Service stops whenever I try to check for Windows updates.  I saw this before my very eyes when I had both pages opened side by side. While WU was checking for updates I kept an eye on the Software Licensing Service status.  It suddenly stopped.  I immediately started it again.  After about a minute it stopped again.  Suffice it to say that Windows Updates has not updated anything since December 11.

My Norton's Anti-Virus program found nothing, however Spybot Search and Destroy found the following malware:

W3i.IQ5.fraud
RegistryFix

These have been removed but my problem has not been fixed.

I tried using Microsoft's Fixit program.  It is suppose to fix this.  It did repair some Update components but it also said the Windows Update location has changed and:

"Change Windows Update locations to Windows Default"

Is this causing my problem?  How do I make this change?

Can someone tell me what is causing the Software Licensing Service to stop?  
How do I fix it?
How do I prevent it from happening again?

Is it possible to uninstall Windows Updates and do a re-install?

I'm very concerned at this time because I'm receiving you automatic updates and cannot even check for them.

Update KB971033 is probably your problem.

Google it and read all the problems it causes.