Windows Error Code 8024402F Windows Update encountered an unknown error

Anonymous

original title: Windows Update still giving error Code 8024402F Windows Update encountered an unknown error even after fresh install (Win7 Professional x32 and x64)

Hi,

I recently installed Windows 7 (fresh install). Prior to that, I was using Windows Vista and everything was working OK.

I upgraded to Windows 7 Pro x32 bit (using the download version), installed various softwares and everytime I tried updating through Windows update, I get the error Windows could not seach for new updates: An error occured while checking for new updates for your computer. Error(s) found: Code 8024402F Windows Update encountered an unknown error.

I clicked on "Get help with this error" and used the "Windows Update troubleshooter" but it could not find the error.

A week later, the problem still persisted and decided to redownload the entire windows 7 but this time downloading the ISO version and installing the x64 one. As soon as it completed installing (no other software installed even antiviruses), I immediately tried running Windows Update. I got the same error message. Tried doing the "Windows Update troubleshooter" to no avail.

This might also be related. In both installations, I also tried to set up Windows Media Center. When it tried to install PlayReady, it gave me the error: An error encountered while downloading the installation package (Error code: 0x80240022). When I ignore that, the next phase (downloading TV setup data) stops with a one tiny dot in the progress bar-- even after half an hour.

Again, I used to use Windows Vista and it updated fine without any issues. In my Windows 7 installation, I am able to connect to the network, surf the internet, download files, and use various software (e.g., Yahoo Messenger, Skype, Kaspersky Antivirus which updates fine).

Hope you can help.

Thanks!

Regards,

Jay

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.

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Anonymous

@Uma R - Microsoft Support.

Thank you for your information.

Actually I was about to advise of a work around that worked for me, all that was necessary was to turn off the Windows Firewall.

Of course this is not a final solution as it is obviously not a good idea to turn off the firewall while downloading, also after I turn it back on I assume Automatic Updates will again be blocked. A message to the effect that Automatic Updates were being blocked was what first drew my attention to the problem.

I would suggest that someone on this forum who is in contact with the appropriate Microsoft group should pass on this information for a correction to be organised. Now that I can download Updates I should be able to install it. :-)

Regards

ken

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132 additional answers

Anonymous

2009-11-01T01:23:57+00:00

Run the fix it from the link below:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058

Good Luck!
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Anonymous

2011-06-02T06:18:30+00:00

I have the same problem. On mine, it's a fresh install of Win 7 Ultimate. Firewall is turned off. No other firewalls installed. I have another machine running Vista Business wired to the same router - Windows Update works perfectly well. I've tried every resolution listed in the multiple threads on multiple boards, and nothing resolves the issue.

Microsoft, please do something about this. This very thread is from 2009! This is unforgivable.
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Anonymous

2011-03-01T17:22:56+00:00

Hi,

I am totally disgusted that the Microsoft experts have done nothing to resolve this issue which, from the number of search hits, is a major problem.

At Christmas I bought a new Dell Vostro laptop that came with Windows 7 Pro (32 bit) pre-installed. The only actions I have taken are to install Office 2007 and connect via wireless to my router. I have declined a test run of the AV software supplied by Dell, as I will use McAfee which is a free download from my bank.

Since then, I have tried many of the half-baked solutions from the experts:-

Troubleshooters wouldn't download

"Fix It" would'nt download

My original error was 80072f8f, so I checked my date and I was a day out so I changed it. I then tried to synchronise which it would not let me do. Finally for some unexplained reason it allowed me to and then the error changed to 8024402f, which I have had ever since. Total frustration and swearing at Bill Gate's cohorts and Dell.

I have now turned Firewall OFF and it is very slowly downloading 67 updates (478MB) for Windows 7 . About 40% so far. So fingers crossed. Thank you "kenbec" for suggesting this. I then need the Office 2007 updates.

However it is not a secure solution and I would like Microsoft to propose where I go to from here.

I nust add that it has been a total waste of my time. I never had this cr*p with previous versions of Windows.

I await a reply.
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Anonymous

2009-11-05T10:15:26+00:00

I followed the above series of instructions from Uma R of Microsoft Support, the only result has been to change the error code from 8024402F to 80072F8F.

I am running a dual boot with Win7 64 bit and XP Pro 32 bit. I can access Microsoft Update under XP.

Can someone please tell me what is going on, and how to fix this error so I can access Microsoft Update under Win 7.

regards

ken

I went back and deleted "SoftwareDistribution.old" which was set up during the procedure mentioned above. I am now back to the old error code of 8024402F.

I can't call that progress but at least it is now agrees with the original question :-)
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