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

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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!!

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-11-15T03:42:51+00:00

    When I try Windows Update, nothing happens. To solve the problem,  I tried to download the specific updates that you identified, and others as well.  For every update, I get a message that says "Windows Update Standalone Installer/The update is not applicable to your computer."

      My computer has Windows 7, Home Professional, SP1.  I do not already have the updates that you identified, because the last updates on my computer  were in 2014.  Any idea why I'm getting this message and cannot download any of the updates that should solve this problem?

    +++++++++++++++++++

    AFTER I POSTED THIS QUESTION, I FOUND THIS ANSWER, WHICH WORKED:

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows\_7-update/windows-7-update-solution/f39a65fa-9d10-42e7-9bc0-7f5096b36d0c?page=1

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-11-11T20:05:18+00:00

    :) You're welcome.

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  3. Anonymous
    2016-11-11T19:21:52+00:00

    Sorry, Just to correct a typo in my earlier message. I referred to KB 3030369, and it should, of course, have been KB3020369.

    Also, since writing my  earlier comments, I have discovered an article by Volume Z on this forum in which he details the whole process for remedying the update problem. Great stuff; thanks again VZ.

    Phil.

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  4. Anonymous
    2016-11-11T16:42:50+00:00

    There is no need to install absurd amounts of outdated Update Clients in an absurd order.

    Install June 2016's (latest) Windows Update Client, included in KB3172605.

    If not already present, also install its prerequiste KB3020369, the April 2015 Servicing Stack Update.

    Regards, VZ

    Please try the following: Set automatic updates to "Never check for updates" and restart Windows. Install KB3020369 and KB3172605 (in this order).

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3020369

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3172605

    Regards, VZ

    This worked FLAWLESSLY - issue had been driving me nuts for over a week since I reinstalled Win 7 Pro on my old Alienware M17xr3.  Much appreciated VZ!

    I am grateful to you Chumzeus, and I am specially grateful to VolumeZ for all the help he has given on this thread.

    I installed the update (KB3172605) yesterday. KB3030369 was already installed on my computer, as it notified me when I tried to install it. Following installation, my updates worked perfectly, for the first time in months, and I have now received all the missing updates that have failed to arrive during the past few months. I'm really grateful.

    For the benefit of anyone who is planning to install these updates, I would also stress a few points: -

    I) There are alternative versions of both these updates, depending on which O.S. you have, and it is therefore important, before you begin, to check which edition of Windows you have, and whether it is 32-bit or 64-bit.

    ii) Windows update needs to be switched to 'Never check for updates', and then restarted, before you commence installation. You can switch automatic update back on after you complete the installation.

    iii) You need to do a Restart after installing each of these two updates.

    Thanks again!

    Phil.

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