A one-click fix for Windows Update problems - How do I reset Windows Update components ?

First off Mow, thank you for your help.

My answers are based on the first computer I was dealing with. The guy from the second computer is probably no more a concern of mine. I was originally helping him get the Enterprise version of Office 2007 to install correctly, but he has been evasive in answers to several important questions (mainly where he got it, key code, ect) and I am beginning to think he has either a cracked copy or or is using some other method to steal the software. I don't steal and I won't help other to steal. I have steered him to a part of the website I'm helping him at populated by UNITE and ASAP certified malware experts to clean his computer of  said malware. I'm still learning malware and am not qualified to clean any computer but my own, but I know enough to look at his logs for the info I want for evidence of stealing. So do they. If he's stealing, they will get him clean, remove his P2p and send him on his way with his stolen software uninstalled and a warning that they will NOT help him get rid of malware if he comes back with his P2P software theft program on his computer.

Did you go over the CheckSUR.log and CheckSUR.persist.log of the Vista system after running the System Update Readiness Tool [CheckSUR]?  They're located in WINDOWS\Logs\CBS The SUR tool did not install with a message it was not needed so I assume it left no CheckSur.log or persist.log. If I am wrong, let me know and I will go to my friends house and take a look at it. If so what am I looking for?Are both systems running Vista ?

 yes, 32 bit.

What is the installed antivirus/security suite on these systems ?

The first computer had that 90 trial version of Norton Security 2008 that Acer bundles along with other assorted crapware on their machines. By the time I got to the machine, it had long expired and the definition data base was out dated. I removed it with the Norton Removal Tool (NRT). I had to use it twice and didn't get the last bits off until we nuked them with ComboFix. After the computer was clean I installed Avast! (free edition), Spybot, SAS, Winpatrol and MBRAM. All were disabled during any attempts to fix the 80072efd problem.

**Is a 3rd party firewall used or the native Vista firewall ?**As I stated above **** he originally had Norton on but I removed it now it is the native Vista firewall. We disabled it, updated it removed it, re installed it, checked the oil and rotated the tires on it. Seriously, I can't remember all the steps I took on the MS firewall, but I can go back to the threads I requested help on and check if you need to know. I remember we changed the values so it wouldn't start (using Combofix) and I had to go to a KB (I forget which one but again I can find out) to reset the firewall and get it working again.

Have you tried Clean booting the systems and then run the Fixit  to rule out interference by 3rd party software ?

It never occured to me to do so as I had the anti malware, AV and firewall turned off. I didn't think more than briefly in terms of other programs. The update history showed the specific date ( around May 17th I believe) when it quit working. I had set it for him to automatic when I set his computer up for him. On checking the OTList It log I was able to see what folders and files were changed/added between the time of his last successful update and his first unsuccessful one. I think that all that was there was the adware/spyware (the spyware they ad to that stupid coupon download crapware) and the accompanying browser jacker that I had removed iTunes software. Are there known issues with iTunes software? I googled but didn't see anything.

For the purportedly infected system, you can get no-charge assistance from MS for the installation issue of SP2 or,contact MS for no-charge assistance in getting the system cleaned up.

Is that the the Onecare site? I actually did go there on his computer and did the download and the free scan. I was a bit put off by the bait and switch type tactics used with the "you have 6 million problems" yet they would never list them for me. Besides, and I say this with no criticism intended and it is probably as irrational a bias as my dislike of Auborn University (Go Dawgs) but...........

I have a hard time having faith in the removal of malware by the same company that wrote the code that contained the original vulnerabilities.  I feel that sometimes a big corporation is exposed to so much (and often frivolous) liability that they will often spend more time trying to dodge "blame" than in finding a solution. I know, it's silly, but isn't any irrational bias?

Anyways, thank you again for your help and I look forward to the answers to my questions.

I had not been able  to get  any updates.  My computer is a Dell 1720 Inspiron with Vista Home Premium.  I tried this "fix it" and it seems to have worked some.  I have my computer set to auto  check for updates.  But it still says that I have updates to install. When I click to install it takes hours.  The windows update window still says that the most recent check for updates was 11/13/2008.  But it also says updates were installed.  The following update for Windows Vista failed but then a couple of minutes later it was  successful. 

The last update "Microsoft .NET framework" shown has always failed.  Is this a problem?

Update for Windows Vista (KB957388)

Installation date: ‎6/‎14/‎2009 10:32 AM

Installation status: Failed

Error details: Code 800736CC

Update type: Important

Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 and .NET Framework 3.5 Family Update (KB951847) x86

Installation date: ‎6/‎15/‎2009 2:36 AM

Installation status: Failed

Error details: Code 800B0100

Update type: Important

The Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 is a full cumulative update that contains many new features building incrementally upon .NET Framework 2.0, 3.0, 3.5, and includes cumulative servicing updates to the .NET Framework 2.0 and the .NET Framework 3.0 subcomponents. The .NET Framework 3.5 Family Update provides important application compatibility updates. This update is provided to you and licensed under the Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 License Terms.

More information:

http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=133335

Help and Support:

http://support.microsoft.com

Did you go over the CheckSUR.log and CheckSUR.persist.log of the Vista system after running the System Update Readiness Tool [CheckSUR] ?  They're located in WINDOWS\Logs\CBS

Are both systems running Vista ?

What is the installed antivirus/security suite on these systems ?

Is a 3rd party firewall used or the native Vista firewall ?

Have you tried Clean booting the systems and then run the Fixit  to rule out interference by 3rd party software ?

Visit the Microsoft Virus Solution and Security Center for resources and tools to keep your PC safe and healthy. If you are having issues with installing the update itself, visit Support for Microsoft Update for resources and tools to keep your PC updated with the latest updates. 

MowGreen MVP Data Center Management - Update Services Consumer Security

I've used both fix its you have linked in this thread (got the fix it main page bookmarked lol) and neither one has helped with the 80072 EFD error I'm trying to fix on two different computers, one a friends, and the other at a different forum, and before you ask, yes lol, I've read and done, this and this as well. One computer is certifiably malware free while I'm fairly certain the second one is infected (he can't get office or Vista SP2 to install either). I've also done the system update readiness tool and installer 4.5 on both machines as well. Anything else I might be able to try other than teaching said machine to fly (ie, tossing them out a window lol)?

EDIT: Used both the passive and the aggressive methods for the reset Windows Update components.