I can not update my apps that came with my computer- all I get is an error message saying i need to sign into the account I purchased the apps with

If your profile is accurate you are on 10.7.1 Suggest you first update to 10.7.4 via ... http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1524 ... then restart your machine.

Then try to sign in (always assuming you remember the signing in details of the account you purchased the apps with).

I tried to help OP in another forum and then suggested that he post in the MAS forum (which he also did), so there are now three different forums involved - getting a bit confusing.

Yes, I picked up on that a few minutes ago. Thank you for letting me know ... hope I am forgiven. 😊

Nothing to forgive 🙂