datadrudge,
Do you also have the "Gold" release of the Office 2007 Compatibility Pack installed?  If so, it sure sounds like the exact same problem.

We're seeing the same error in our environment running Office 2007 Compatibility Pack vs 12.0.6215.1000.  I was able to install both patches manually after uninstalling the Comp Pack.

We are seeing the same issue with about 100 of our 3000 machines.  The same patches keep trying to reinstall themselves. If  you remove the 2007 compatibility pack they install fine.

Symantec is aware of this issue and is actively working on a resolution. 

We have been able to isolate the issue and are working on a resolution.  in this case the computers that the update is failing on are not vulnerable.  The negative side affect is that it causes compliance numbers to be low when in fact vulnerable computers are patched.  KB's 47815 and 47813 have been created for each update, please subscribe to them to get updates on the status.

 For those not familiar with our KB system, here are the direct links (don't worry Doug, I don't mind doing all your work for you...;-))

https://kb.altiris.com/article.asp?article=47813&p=1 (KNOWN ISSUE: MS09-027 KB969613 is failing to install with error 17031)

https://kb.altiris.com/article.asp?article=47815&p=1 (KNOWN ISSUE: MS09-021 KB969679 is failing to install with error 17031)

Hmm...looks like product managers can't properly insert URL links into forum threads...;)

What, you expect 100% satisfaction from a Product Manager?
How many Product Managers get things right the first time?
Yup, typical Product Manager - promotes functionality that doesn't exist!

I could go on and on...;-)

No problem Andrew...I fixed your links for you.