Well, if you're getting updates automatically, you don't need to worry too much about being unable to get them from the MS site. It sounds as if you're getting all the updates you should have. MS issues updates monthly on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. You'll always get at least one - the Malicious Software Removal Tool. If it finds nothing, you won't be aware that it's there unless you noticed the icon in the Notification Area while it was downloading.
Out of interest, what happens if you go to the MS Update site and click on "Custom" instead of "Express"? I'll understand if you don't want to try this and risk your PC freezing again!
Madeline.