Windows 7: Windows Installed New Updates...but it didn't

When I restart my computer I get the notification that "Windows Has Installed New Updates. Your Computer was Restarted to Finish Installing Updates".

AFAICT the only updates installed in the last two plus weeks have been MSE definition updates. The last real updates were installed on 11 April. Even though I do not restart my computer often I am sure this only started recently. It has done it for four restarts in the last 24 hours.

Any thoughts? Does this indicate a problem with WU or any previoulsy installed updates which all seem to be reported as succesful?

Apart from a few updates at the usual time, there has also been a windows live update and an MSE version 5, which would be downloaded as an update.
Just as a check, change the way updates are handled by setting to just notify you but not download or install. At least then we know it's nothing just arrived.
If it continues we'll have to look further.

Forgot to mention that's how I have WU set. Nothing downloaded or installed until I say so.

Having another problem with IE8 stopping. Wonder if somehow related.