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
    2012-06-03T11:49:52+00:00

    Hi over there, hi Jose,

    thank you for your help on the 0x80248015 error problem with Windows update.

    You knew exactly what it was and described a workaround that really runs and cures the problem.

    I'm still overwhelmed how easy it was.

    In aviation we have the term "IFR", standing for instruments flight rules

    (also known as "I Follow Road").

    But that's all I had to do: follow road, your road!

    Now updating Windows works as if there has never been something easier than that.

    Buckets of beer for you.

    Wolfgang

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  2. Anonymous
    2012-06-04T15:13:18+00:00

    Many thanks Jose for a clear, straightforwardly expressed solution to my Update problem.

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  3. Anonymous
    2012-06-08T05:43:25+00:00

    Have Windows 7 Home Premium 32&64. Avast Home antivirus. C0mpaq Presario CQ56 laptop.

    Was away for 4 weeks. Got back on 16th May and updated fine. On 18th noticed Updater not working with the code in question. Defender update also doesn't appear to be working.

    Tried your fix, in fact tried it twice (now have 2 old files). Still not updating, appears to run but nothing downloads and now I get Error 80072F78. No viruses, did a boot scan and there are 2 corrupt files in softwaredistribution\downloads with error 42127

    Have tried all the MS Fixits as well

    Extremely grateful for any more suggestions.

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  4. Anonymous
    2012-06-08T09:31:40+00:00

     I get Error 80072F78.

    Extremely grateful for any more suggestions.

    Is this what you tried, if not, please do it might help

    How to troubleshoot problems connecting to Windows Update or to Microsoft Update

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/818018/en-us>

    UTC/GMT is 09:29 on Friday, June 08, 2012

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