Win 7 Windows Update 80246002 Unable to run updates

As suggested by Microsoft, the failed security update MS14-045 requires actions to be take. You recommend manual uninstall of KB 2982791. This I did. The system reboots. I then went to try and use Windows Update so that it finds and installs the replacement, KB 2993651.

Windows Update is now corrupted. It issues error code 80246002. All attempts to run the Troubleshooter to fix it, says it is unable to automatically resolved the problem. It has entries with a red X in the list. When you ask for the detailed report, though, it shows no problems against any of the entries.

 now; the first time I ran it, it showed an Error 1 accessing Windows\SoftwareDistribution, access denied.

It's unconscionable that MS should generate even more severe errors when trying to back out from an existing error from a failed update. And simply deleting one KB, now renders the entire Windows Update process unusable.