"Security Essentials" updates automatically, "Windows Update" does not?

Anonymous

Hi:

I bought a new Dell last month pre-installed with Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit).

I immediately downloaded Microsoft Security Essentials (after removing via Control Panel a trial version of McAfee, I believe it was, which I never enabled/activated) to use as my Security Suite.

According to my "View Update History", Microsoft Security Essentials updates automatically every day.

"Windows Update" itself, however, does not.

This is despite the original default settings being in place, i.e., "install updates automatically" is checked.

When I finally noticed this and attempted to manually check for updates, I kept getting the dreaded "server is busy" error code. This lasted several hours. When I was finally able to connect, I received a long list of updates to download/install. However, when I tried to do so, several "Failed" (according to "View Update History"), including some marked "Important". Further, when I manually check for updates again, these "Failed" updates don't reappear, so I don't know how to get them.

More importantly, I don't understand why "Microsoft Security Essentials" updates automatically and daily and without problem, while "Windows Updates", though set to update automatically, does not?

True, my computer is turned off at 3:00AM (the default update time), but my understanding is that the update should then occur (delayed) the next time the computer is turned on.

I've read several of the questions/answers here, and have tried most of what was suggested - for example:

My internet connection is obviously working fine.
I have no "Proxy Server".
I ran "TDSSKiller" and there was no threat found.
I also run the Microsoft "Fix Tool", which shows that something was fixed, but it has no effect. And every time I run it, it apparently "fixes" the same thing. To no effect.

I ran Windows Update again manually before posting here, and it seems to have worked okay, but why does it not work automatically?

Thanks,

Five

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Anonymous

If all were well with your computer:

You should not be getting 80072EE2 errors [1] when running a manual check for updates assuming your User Account has the requisite Permissions.
You should not be seeing any "Managed by your system administrator" if your User Account has the requisite Permissions. [2]
KB2572077 should be installed IMHO, especially if Win7 SP1 is installed. [3]

I appreciate your help...but let's not (both) let this become a full-time career!

Computer security is my full-time career! <wink> [although I'm a volunteer here]

===============================================================

[1] See http://support.microsoft.com/kb/836941

[3] For home users, no-charge support for security updates (only!) is available by calling 1-800-MICROSOFT (1-800-642-7676) in the US or 877-568-2495 in Canada. For more information about how to contact your local Microsoft subsidiary [i.e., in other regions] for support issues relating to security updates, visit the following Microsoft International Support website: http://support.microsoft.com/common/international.aspx?rdpath=4

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49 additional answers

Anonymous

2013-04-07T15:03:30+00:00
I have had this issue for years on my refurb Dell Studio laptop running W7 HP 64 bit. My issue was 100% identical to the one here, absolutely no variation. Yesterday a friend of the wife stops over who works in the business stopped over and looked at this issue. An hour later it's resolved. The fix was given by a prior poster, the tech answering the questions advised against doing it. We did it and it was fine. I think I am done with Dell as it seems certain that something they did in the refurb process is going to be root cause. Here is the post this techie found and executed, works like a champ and no bad effects at all. (reboot is mandatory, it will not fix until you reboot):

The other day, I encountered a bizarre issue when performing a routine setup on a refurbished (read: practically brand new) Dell Studio laptop. The problem manifested itself when Windows Update was run; rather than successfully connect to the Windows Update server and download updates information, the client would return an error:

Quote:

Error Code 0x80072EE2 <br><br>You receive updates: Managed by your system administrator

This sort of behavior is expected if your PC is set to receive Windows Updates via the WSUS service; in other words, not from the standard Windows Updates servers. But this computer was all-new (a new Windows install) and had never had a group policy set related to this (at least, it wasn't supposed to have had it set)!

None of the usual Windows Update repair tools corrected the problem. Luckily, however, after a bit of research and experimentation, I devised a solution. Please note that this solution should not be performed if your computer uses a Group Policy for Windows Update:
1. Open RegEdit and navigate to *HKLM\Software\Policies*
2. Remove any and all values within this key. Most likely, the culprit is a faulty Windows Update source server. Sometimes this is the result of a latent or previous infection.
3. Finally, download and run Microsoft FixIt 50202. Try the Default settings first, and if that does not work, try Aggressive.
4. Reboot the computer and check to see that Windows Update is working properly.
An annoying issue to be sure, but at least this solution works! Please let me know if this solution has helped you.

__________________

-Steve

Born a technician, though always willing to learn and improve. :)

Managing Editor, DigitalChumps.com

Senior Editor, Notebookcheck

Owner/Sole Proprieter, Triple-S Computers
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Anonymous

2013-04-07T18:13:27+00:00

If you think a refurbished computer is the equivalent of a (practically) brand-new computer, I've got a nice bridge you may be interested in! <wink>

PS: We've learned that GP resolution you referenced is very often necessary when dealing with refurbished computers, most of which are Returns from Business customers whose workstations update via WSUS.
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Anonymous

2013-04-07T18:37:41+00:00

You would figure any return would be completely wiped and reloaded os prior to resale, but, apparently not. I previously bought a 'off lease' Dell and that one was certainly reloaded and I was really happy with that deal. This one, it was a really nice machine at a real good price and other than this I have been happy with it. When it arrived it could not be told from new. So did this issue hurt anything? Seems not. Did it eat many many hours of time? Yes. A major brand, selling such machines as 'same as new', should not be shipping stuff with these little glitches off their 'home and home office' site.

The bigger disappointment is with microsoft. To issue this obscure error code and they certainly do not have this fix info anywhere on their site - that's just poor. Not surprising that their market share has declined and is continuing to decline. People just get to the point they've had enough. I really do not know it the mac platform is worth the premium it costs, but, over the next year or 2 I am likely to find out. It cannot be worse. You get tired of funding this nonsense.

I just feel better for now, knowing it's resolved.
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Anonymous

2013-04-07T18:48:40+00:00

How is any of this Microsoft's responsibility?

Group Policy on brand-new computers (including brand-new Dell computers) is a blank slate. [I know because I've got one!] Microsoft didn't set any GP restrictions, the previous owner of the computer did.

Yes, you'd expect that a Refurbished computer would have been "wiped 'n reloaded" but all-too-often such is not the case.

Caveat emptor!
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