Windows Update error 80072efe or 80072f76

You may encounter temporary connection-related errors [e.g., 0x80072EFE] when you use Windows Update or Microsoft Update to install updates

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/836941

As I stated in the original question, "I have downloaded the cab file and run it locally".

This means I have downloaded the update FROM the microsoft site onto MY machine and then ran the update FROM MY MACHINE. It still failed.

I do not have a problem with my connection and even if I did, downloading it bypassed that non existent problem. So waiting and trying again is not going to work, because that is not the problem.

(If it is the problem, what the **** have microsoft downloaded to my machine?)

COMMENT: Your computer still communicates with the update server when you manually install an update, hence the temporary connection-related error KB.

*Assuming Win7 (64-bit) SP1 with IE8 installed...*

Please answer *each of the following* [admittedly tedious] *diagnostic questions* in a correspondingly-numbered list in your very next reply, preferably *without* quoting my post:

1a. When (approx. date) did you purchase *the computer?*

1b. Did Win7 64-bit come preinstalled on the computer when you bought it, did you do a clean install of Win7,
*or did you upgrade the computer to Win7?* 

2. What is the *full name* of your installed anti-virus application or security suite and
*when (approx. date) does your current subscription expire?* What anti-spyware applications (other than Defender) are installed? What third-party firewall (if any)?

3. Has a(nother) Norton application *or a McAfee application* EVER been installed on the computer
*since you bought it*?

4. Did a Norton free-trial *or a McAfee free-trial* [pick one] come preinstalled on the computer
*when you bought it?* (Doesn't matter if you never used or Activated it.)

5. *Again assuming Win7 (64-bit) SP1 with IE8 installed =>* 
Are ALL of the following updates listed in **View installed updates** 
(*not* ***Update History***)? [1]

    (a) KB2809289, KB2807986; KB2797052, KB2789645, KB2778344, KB2799494, KB2790655 & KB2790113;  

    (b) KB2769369, KB2742599, KB2756921, KB2736422 & KB2757638 or possibly KB2758694.  

    (c) KB2753842, KB2758857 & KB2727528;  

    (d) KB2705219 & KB2712808;  

    (e) KB2676562 & KB2644615.  

6. Assuming it's listed, when (exact date) was **Service Pack for Microsoft Windows (KB976932)** installed according to
***Update History*** (this time)? [2]

7. Has **Windows Internet Explorer *10*** ever been offered
*or installed?* 

8. Is Java Version 7 ***Update 17*** (or higher) installed? TEST HERE USING INTERNET EXPLORER (*ONLY!*) =>
[http://java.com/en/download/installed.jsp](http://java.com/en/download/installed.jsp)

9. Is Adobe Flash Player v11.6.602.180 (or higher) installed? TEST HERE USING INTERNET EXPLORER (*ONLY!*) =>
[http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/](http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/)

10. Is Firefox, Chrome or any other alternate browser installed?

11. Are you in the habit of using "Registry cleaners" (e.g., Registry Mechanic; System Mechanic; RegCure; RegClean Pro; Advanced SystemCare; Registry Booster; McAfee QuickClean; AVG PC TuneUp; Norton Registry Cleaner; PCTools Optimiser; SpeedUpMyPC; PC Doctor;
 TuneUp Utilities; WinMaximizer; WinSweeper; Comodo System Cleaner; Advanced System Optimizer;*CCleaner Registry Cleaner*)?

==============================================  

[1] **Start | Control Panel | Programs and Features | View installed updates** (in left-hand menu)

[2] **Start | Control Panel | Windows Update | View update history** (in left-hand menu)

1a: I obtained the machine in july 2011 as pre assembled parts with no OS

1b: I installed windows myself onto a clean disk

2: Avira Free Antivirus. Free version, no expiration date. Firewall is the hardware one in my router, not windows defender.

3: No, I have never used norton or McAfee on this machine.

4: No.

5: These are missing from the installed updates.  I tried downloading and installing them

KB2809289 (after downloading, not applicable to your computer)

KB2797052 (after downloading, not applicable to your computer)

KB2758694 

6: service pack 1 is on the disk so got installed with windows.

7: It has been offered. I have tried to install it. According to installed updates it is installed. When I click the help->about key on explorer, it says version 9 update version KB2809289.

8: Java is installed. ie9 is the only browser that will NOT verify its installation.

9: It is now.

10: Opera is my first choice browser, then firefox, chrome and ie. I am a software developer

I use ie for testing purposes only.

11: Not in the habit, but they have been used in the past. Just before Christmas was the last time

I used CCleaner and that is the only one I used.

I cannot turn off ie10 using the Turn Windows Features on or off, neither can I unistall it. I get "an error has occurred".

Just as a side note about my connection. all the other updates from windows have worked.

1. May we assume that you were running IE8 immediately after you installed Win7 back in July 2011?

2a. When (exact date) was Windows Internet Explorer 10 installed according to Update History (this time)?

2b. When (exact date) was Windows Internet Explorer 9 installed according to Update History*?*

3. When (exact date) was KB2807986 installed according to Installed Updates?
4. IE10 - not IE9 - is listed in Turn Windows features on or off, is that correct?

5a. How long (approx.) was the computer connected to the internet before you got Avast Free installed?

5b. Neither Avast Free nor Avira Antivir Free is subscription-based but you must obtain a license to use it and you must renew the license annually in order for it to keep working. Have you been doing so?

6. What happens when you try to check your Java version by opening Internet Explorer (only!) to http://java.com/en/download/installed.jsp ?
7. Do you have backups of ALL the changes CCleaner's Registry Cleaner has EVER made to the computer? [1]

===========================================================

[1] Injudicious use of registry cleaners may be playing a role here. TIP: If you ever again think your Registry needs to be cleaned, repaired, boosted, tuned-up, cured, tweaked, fixed, maximized, "swept" or optimised (it doesn't), read http://chris.pirillo.com/are-registry-cleaners-safe-to-use/ and/or http://www.edbott.com/weblog/2005/04/why-i-dont-use-registry-cleaners/ then draw your own conclusions.  Related => http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2563254