Can't install Windows updates-- error code 80248015

Anonymous
2012-05-21T14:15:05+00:00

error code 80248015 can't install updates.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Windows update

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Anonymous
2012-05-21T15:17:32+00:00

Verify that the time, date/year & time-zone are set correctly

<<Set the clock>>

Always remember to set a System Restore point before doing any work on your computer.

Rename the Windows Update Softwaredistribution folder

That is what I got when searched around for error 0x80248015

This problem may occur if the Windows Update, Software distribution folder has been corrupted.

 We can refer to the following steps to rename this folder.

Please note that the folder will be re-created the next time we visit the Windows Update site.

  1. Close all the open windows.
  2. Click the "Start" Button, click "All programs", and click "Accessories".
  3. Right-click "Command Prompt" and click "Run as administrator".
  4. In "Administrator: Command Prompt" window, type in " net stop WuAuServ" (without the quotes) and press Enter.

Note: Please look at the cmd window and make sure it says that it was successfully stopped before we try to rename the folder.

  1. Click the "Start" Button, in the "Start Search" box, type in " %windir%" (without the quotes) and press Enter.
  2. In the opened folder, look for the folder named "SoftwareDistribution".
  3. Right-click on the folder, select "Rename" and type " Sdold " (without the quotes) to rename this folder.
  4. Still in "Administrator: Command Prompt" window, type the command " net start WuAuServ" (without the quotes) in the opened window to restart the Windows Updates service.

Note: Please look at the cmd window and make sure it says that it was successfully started.

Note: If the issue is resolved and you can successfully download and install updates, you can safely delete the SoftwareDistribution.old directory to recover disk space.

The windows update team and other users who regularly read the forum can either share their knowledge or learn from your interaction with us.

UTC/GMT is 15:15 on Monday, May 21, 2012

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-08-15T19:00:34+00:00

    I followed the instructions because I was having the same issues and not being able to update. I am now getting another error code message 80072F78.   Also when I try to update my Itunes it says windows installer may not be installed correctly.

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  2. Anonymous
    2012-08-15T18:34:20+00:00

    error code 80248015 can't install updates.

    Big Thank you from me, Did not work at first  but now I have the updates all 79 of them.

    PC World had just had my PC fpr repair....one of a few repairs but not had this problem before.

    Thanks again

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  3. Anonymous
    2012-07-14T02:22:11+00:00

    Thank You Jose -

    Your original post seems to have fixed my problem - Windows 7 64-bit.  Apparently my Alienware came from the factory with this problem as it had never updated.  Despite this, their lame warranty support group wanted to charge me to fix the problem - even though I have over 2.5 years left on my warranty. 

    Thank you for posting this solution.  I tracked down your page by searching the error number from the Windows Update log. 

    Thanks Again,

    Shilly

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  4. Anonymous
    2012-07-10T03:57:42+00:00

    Bless you brother, this was driving me crazy but after I found the command prompt and the run box in Win 8 I did exactly what you said and presto it works.  Thank you so much.

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