Windows Update error 0x8024402F in XPSP3 fresh install

Well, I made a nice fresh install of Windows XP with SP3 slipstreamed and got 0x8024402F running Windows Update. Long story short, the Automatic Updates service was not running. WTF? Run "services.msc" (or use computer management, etc etc) and check to see if this service is operative before running through your other options.