Windows update will not download updates - stuck at 0% downloading

Anonymous

Everytime I start windows update it won't download the updates. The bar keeps on running but nothing downloads and the percentage stays at 0%.

Whats wrong? Anything I can do to fix this?

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Anonymous

I found a solution to my problem when Windows would search for updates, but then when it started downloading it would stay at 0% forever. I started by stopping the Windows Update service (in my case the service proved to be frozen so I restarted my computer and disabled the service before it starts) and the Application Experience service. After that I went to the C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution folder and pressed ctrl+a and shift+delete to empty its contents. Mine contained more than 70,000 files so it took a while. I started Application Experience and enabled Windows Update. I let it check for updates and try to download them. It worked perfectly.

Do not worry about deleting important windows files in this case. The contents of SoftwareDistribution is used as a cache and data for Windows Update. When Windows Update starts again it rebuilds the cache repopulating it with up-to-date versions of the files and chewing up a ton of harddisk space again.

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Anonymous

sash123,

If this issue is still happening, then take a look at article: Vista Update stops at stage 3 of 3

Then let us know the results.

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216 additional answers

Anonymous

2016-03-10T23:10:04+00:00

I would maybe look into repairing the host file. Check for viruses with avast boot scan. There is only one program i trust to repair the host file. Malwarebytes always point us in that direction. It may be hijackthis i cant remember right off. Let me know some things about your hardware specs and net connection type maybe i can further help.
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Anonymous

2016-03-10T22:57:09+00:00

It would seem my problem is a bit different from that of others ..They are coming through but/upon inspection of the agent list, it shows failed attempts prior to (me) cancelling them ..This means it tried to d/l them .. but couldn't ..****???...

I'm more worried of Microsoft botching up with a bad patch than i am of hackers ..

problems with attacks? 0

software probs??? MS Win ..WLM post 2009 being **** ..FF corrupt SQL db's ..bad patch involving MSIE last ..

All else 'xcept the last on there was my doing ; but, this is the deal..They parade out a new product it turns out being worse (save for my last FF update; the reg edits were simply too long hence incompatible ..i just imported settings from Chrome (which i had imported from FF 3.x.x) that i can understand ..).
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Anonymous

2016-03-10T03:37:08+00:00

If you are using a core 2 duo of any kind or under then the long updates 4 to 6 hrs. are from that. This is how microsoft or the industry alike shifts settings in their servers to force people to upgrade to newer technology so the money keeps going round and round and round. They figure if you want the best then spend some money. There has been a shift in windows software that effects outdated cpu's came quickly after win 7 service pk 1. If you want to run those older computers then you may need a elite computer guy who has been around a long time to help repair, backup and make very edgicated assumptions about running older stuff.

Sorry i cant be every where to help but with a little luck you may find a me to help you in your area.

Note) these chips may still function great but not exact as before, using a WIRED CONNECTION ONLY to do the updating.
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