Cannot use Software Updates

Hello all. I am a newbie at the Mac as of yesterday.
I am trying to update my 10.5.7 to 10.5.8 - I figure I should be able to do that via the Software updater. When i click Apple - Software Update, the updater window appears with an error message saying "software update can't connect to the update server. Make sure you're connected to the internet, then try again. Software update can't check for updates because of a network problem."
I have combed the forums on the net for the past 3 hours trying to find a solution to this problem. I see many people with the same problem as me and I have tried every solution that has been posted in response but none of them work. I am hoping that seeing they are older solutions, somebody may now have something else for me to try.
Here's what I know:
I am using a macbook 5.1. I can connect to the internet fine using both my wireless connection and my ethernet connection. Browsing is fine as is iTunes updates etc. There are no proxy settings in my networking - Advanced area. I created a new location just in case and that doesn't work either. I am trying to connect as the administrator. I created a new user account as an administrator and that didn't work either (but everything else was fine and I could browse the net ok). I am using Airport. When I run the network diagnostics, it tells me my internet connection is fine. I am now downloading the update as a stand alone install.
I would like to use the updater if only to see what needs to be updated before manually downloading it if I have to.
Can anybody please pinpoint what my issue might be?
Thanks in advance

Hi,
When you have problems using Software Update from your Apple menu, then use a standalone installer, in this case install the v10.5.8 combo update available here. Do this from your admin account.
*The combo update includes fixes that were not part of the original 10.5.8 update*
Then repair permissions.
Launch Disk Utility. (Applications/Utilities) Select MacintoshHD in the panel on the left, select the FirstAid tab. Click: Repair Disk Permissions. When it's finished from the Menu Bar, Quit Disk Utility and restart your Mac. If you see a long list of "messages" in the permissions window, it's ok. As long as you see, "Permissions Repair Complete" when it's finished... you're done.
If you see any warnings re: SUID messages, they can be safely ignored, information here: http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1448?viewlocale=en_US

If you still have problems installing an update, launch Disk Utility from your Applications/Utilities folder (admin account). Select MacintoshHD in the panel on the left then select the FirstAid tab. Click: Verify Disk. If Disk Utility reports problems, follow the instructions here for Using Disk Utility to verify or repair disks
Carolyn

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