Windows Update hangs on "checking for updates". Haven't been able to install updates since Oct. 2011

Anonymous

Hey there everyone,

I'm having an issue with Windows Update on my Windows 7 64-bit computer. My last most recent update check was on 10/3/2011 and my last actual update was on 9/29/2011. What is basically happening is that Windows is telling me that I need to check for updates. I click on Check for updates, and it basically acts like it is checking for updates, but never moves beyond that. I can leave it checking for hours, and nothing will happen. It won't get me to the screen where I can actually select updates, nor does Windows even acknowledge that I checked for updates.

I've already tried using the Windows Update Fix tool, but there was no success with that at all. I thought that maybe it was my firewall or internet settings, and it's not that either. Does anyone have any suggestions. Thanks!

Peter

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Anonymous

Hi,

Try the following methods

Method 1:

1. Click Start

2. Type ‘cmd’ in the search bar.

3. Right click Command prompt and choose “Run as Administrator”

4. At the command prompt, type the following, commands and then press ENTER after each command:

a. net stop wuauserv

b. net stop bits

c. net stop cryptsvc

Please do not close the Command Prompt window.

Method 2: ****Rename folders pertaining to Windows Update.

At the command prompt, type the following commands, and then press Enter after each command:

a) ren %systemroot%\System32\Catroot2 Catroot2.old

b) ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

At the command prompt, type the following, commands and then press ENTER after each command:

a) net start wuauserv

b) net start bits

c) net start cryptsvc

Close the Command Prompt window and check the issue if issue reoccurs

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237 additional answers

Anonymous

2015-12-20T15:08:03+00:00

None of these methods work worth anything. Its is and miss. I have tried reinstalling windows ultimate 64bit, Windows 7 pro 64 and windows home 32. All version have the same issues upon being updated to SP1. I have even installed versions with service pack 1 and the same issue occures. I can then upgrade the windows update and updates will work for a short time but even this does not work all the time and a total reinstall is then needed. This issue did not always happen and yes I have tried different computers. So my question is what has Microsoft done to cripple the Windows 7 update?????????????????????? I need a fix that works reliably. I am running a home theater pc and Windows 10 is useless.

Jesse Marshall
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Anonymous

2015-12-15T12:04:30+00:00

seeing as method one doesn't do anything and doesn't link up with method 2 this adds more confusion and quite frankly, I give up

The commands in Method 1 stop the services. This enables you to run the commands under Method 2. You would otherwise not be able to execute the commands because you cannot make the changes with those services running.

You can see the origin of what Vinod has written in KB2509997, except that he has added Method 1 and Method 2:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2509997
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Anonymous

2015-12-14T23:41:20+00:00
Let me explain how vague those instructions are;
1. It was down to me to assume that the alphabetical bullet points were just your presentation rather than the actual commands to type
2. You have 2 'Methods' listed which suggests try one or the other... seeing as method one doesn't do anything and doesn't link up with method 2 this adds more confusion and quite frankly, I give up
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