Windows 7 Checking For Updates stuck forever

Anonymous
2011-05-31T17:23:58+00:00

original title: Windows 7 Checking For Updates stuck forever - I know this is answered, but the solutions don't work for me. Please see details!

I have installed a legit Windows 7 OS on my laptop. Its not an upgrade, it was a blank hard drive. WIndows 7 installed flawlessly, picked up all my drivers. The only problem is I am having problems with Windows 7 updates. When I choose Windows 7 update, it says "Checking for updates" and stays like that - forever. Even the next day. I did heavy heavy research, found out others are having the same problem. I tried all the fixes I could find, which are listed below:

  1. No Anti-virus programs installed yet - brand new Windows 7 ultimate installation
  2. There is no spyware - its a brand new clean install
  3. Firewall shut off
  4. Temp files, cookies, history cleared
  5. background intelligent transfer service set to automatic in services.msc
  6. software distribution folder renamed
  7. tried shutting off automatic updates and doing it manually
  8. Added windowsupdate to trust zone
  9. ran MicrosoftFixit50202 in normal and advanced mode

Even with my internet SHUT OFF (turned off modem) it still checks for updates and doesn't fail with "No internet connection available".

Please, please help. Anyone.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | 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 No comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2011-06-08T21:01:42+00:00

Problem solved.

It was my internet connection!! I logged onto my neighbors via wireless unsecured (ssh... don't tell lol), and within 30 seconds, 77 updates came through!

It has to be something in my network.

Thanks for helping though!!

Was this answer helpful?

200+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments No comments

261 additional answers

Sort by: Newest
  1. Anonymous
    2016-09-11T23:01:02+00:00

    Double click the .msu file. After successful installation, reboot and check for updates. :)

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  2. Anonymous
    2016-09-11T22:47:42+00:00

    Volume Z,

    And then what?  I realize I probably sound stupid, but I feel so close to the end of a 48 hour nightmare that I am paranoid of doing something that will put me back at the point of the error and a forced clean install.

    This is the condition now:

    The update KB3172605 is downloaded to my hard drive.  How do I install it?

    The PC (image) was last updated about 355 days ago.  What should I expect when I initiate the update install?  A one minute wait, ten minute, hour?

    What do I do if and after the update installs?

    Thank you.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  3. Anonymous
    2016-09-11T22:20:56+00:00

    it has been the "Checking for updates" condition now for over two hours.

    That condition is caused by an ongoing search in the background. It takes temporarily setting automatic updates to "Never check for updates" and rebooting to stop it reliably. It would prevent you from manually installing any update.

    KB3020369 is likely to be installed already if your image is more current than April 2015. Otherwise KB3172605 will report "This update is not applicable to your computer".

    Regards, VZ :)

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  4. Anonymous
    2016-09-11T22:03:01+00:00

    Volume Z

    I am not very familiar with windows.

    1. How do make sure that update search is not running in the backgroung?

    2. I know how and can set automatic updates to never check for updates.

    3. I know how to reboot.

    1. How do I install KB3172605?
    2. What about this other one (KB3020369) that you mentioned in another thread.

    6. Then what?  What do I do after I install the updates per your instructions.

    Thank you.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments