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

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
Answer accepted by question author
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

Was this answer helpful?

300+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

63 additional answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2017-12-04T02:31:28+00:00

    "Windows could not search for new updates"

    "An error occurred while checking for new updates for your computer."

    "Error(s) found: Code 80248015 Windows update encountered and unknown error."

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2017-12-04T02:38:08+00:00

    Tried it, works like a charm... Thank you

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2017-12-04T03:21:55+00:00

    Worked for me as well.

    Windows Update was telling me that updates were available, but when I went to download and install they were not there and the trouble started.

    Tried several other things first, but renaming the Software Distribution folder is what finally fixed the problem.

    Thanks!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2017-12-04T10:48:05+00:00

    Hi Jose,

    Brilliant! Thank you so much for this simple solution, which solved instantly my Windows Update issue.

    Regards, JFG

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments