Code error 80072EFE during Windows Update

Anonymous
2010-03-20T07:33:01+00:00

ERROR CODE 80072EFE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO UPDATE IN WINDOWS UPDATE MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. McAFEE installed after win security ess. uninstalled. several problems w/  programs " not responding" constantly and pc running very slow.  compaq presario  SR5550F

Windows for home | Other | Windows update

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

64 additional answers

Sort by: Newest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2010-09-08T20:47:06+00:00

    How did your computer get infected in the first place? What other infections may still be plaguing the computer?

    ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear) ~ MS MVP (IE, Mail, Security, Windows & Update Services) since 2002 ~ Disclaimer: MS MVPs neither represent nor work for Microsoft

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2010-09-08T20:05:26+00:00

    Mosty likely, the computer may be infected with ROOTKITS.

    Try to run TDSSKILLER to find any rootkits.

    Download and run from here

    http://support.kaspersky.com/downloads/utils/tdsskiller.exe

     

    Having tried every other suggestion, this was the answer for me

    XP Home edition

    Many, many thanks

    If this post answers your question, please mark it as the Answer.

    Mike H

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2010-09-07T21:34:47+00:00

    Same issue here.. had tried Malwarebytes, which was finding one item here and there that it would remove, but would seem to come back after a few reboots.  SUPERantispyware found two additional (non-cookie) items, but that didn't make a difference as far as Windows Updates went.  Had some other issues that would pop up after the computer had been running for a little while (typing more than one letter into the Start menu search bar would freeze things).

    Ran TDSSKiller, and it found a rootkit "Win32.Pakes.tx" I believe.  Removed that and Windows Updates functioned again fine.  All is working well now.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2010-08-31T18:17:08+00:00

    Elegant, Simple and correct solution to my problem, Thank you Sir

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments