Windows XP - Receive error message 'updater.exe dll initialization failed' during system restart

AUTORUNS

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902  

I would scrutinize what you have loading on StartUp. You need to see if you have programs loading during boot process which might be changed to on demand.
With Autoruns you can uncheck an item, which disables it from starting, or you can right click an item and then delete it. If you uncheck you can recheck to re-enable the item. It is a much safer approach than editing the Registry and better than using msconfig.
Another useful feature of the program is that you can right click an item and select Search Online to get information about the item selected.

When using Autoruns you will need to click on the "Logon" tab to see what is running at start-up.

post back with any questions, tell me what programs you have recently installed

version of xp , home, MCE, or pro

service pack?

Elizabeth23,

Thank You for your advice. I ran the Registry Cleanup tool from Norton 360 and that seems to have cleared up the problem. I am running Windows XP Pro V2002 SP3. Can't recall installing any new programs recently. I have downloaded the Autoruns program so if problem re-appears, I will investigate potential startup issues.

Thank You

okay, but be very careful with registry cleaners, read the following:

Courtesy of PA Bear:

TIP: If you ever again think your Registry needs to be cleaned, repaired, boosted, tuned-up, cured, tweaked, fixed, maximized, "swept" or optimised (it doesn't), read http://chris.pirillo.com/are-registry-cleaners-safe-to-use/ and/or http://www.edbott.com/weblog/2005/04/why-i-dont-use-registry-cleaners/ then draw your own conclusions. Also see http://blogs.technet.com/markrussinovich/archive/2005/10/02/registry-junk-a-windows-fact-of-life.aspx

have a good new years!!