Hey Richard - I'll supply the CBS logs when I can. Didn't post before as it's a pain to transfer files from that computer at the moment.
Firstly, please force a sync of system time (right click on system clock > Adjust date/time > Internet Time tab > Change settings > Update now).
Tried that previously - fails each time. SSL also didn't work. However, I've since changed the time manually. Updates are now installing - as soon as they're done I'll recheck the internet time sync and SSL.
Don't worry about the CBS logs. We have found our problem. I don't need them any more.
Firstly, well done for resolving the problem. The system time has be pretty much correct, otherwise digital signatures and the like can't be safely verified (you wouldn't be turning the time back to try to get away with an out of date signature would you!? Windows Update is too clever for that!)
If the time is wrong, SSL can't be verified either. Same reason. Will be interested to hear whether it is successful now.
Finally, the Microsoft Time Servers are not exactly what I would call reliable. In fact, they are downright unreliable. I suggest changing to another server and giving that a try.
If none work, you might have a service problem. Please open a command prompt and type these commands:
net start w32time
w32tm /resync
Any errors from either? Don't worry about the w32time service being stopped. It is normally stopped: it only comes on as necessary. The only question from your computer is whether it comes on when asked.
Richard