automatic update fails to install realtek audio driver

[ylustrata]

Windows XP SP2. Automatic updates on.
Step 1: One update ready to install: Realtek High Definition Audio Driver.
Click to install. Installation failed. Go to Step 1:

What's wrong? My multimedia Audio Adapter is indeed Realtek HD Audio. PC is HP Pavilion a820n

 

[linney]

The opinion of many users (shared by me) is, do not use Windows Updates for Driver Updates, there are too many problems caused by the installation of incorrect drivers obtained from Windows Updates.

If you need an updated driver get it from Realtek or HP, making sure it matches you currently installed "Realtek High Definition Audio".

The reason the Windows Update is failing is probably because it is trying to install the wrong driver for you.
Have a look at the Windows Update.log in your Windows folder.