Win 7 Windows Update 80246002 Unable to run updates

Anonymous
2014-08-27T22:00:30+00:00

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.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Windows update

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-08-28T15:23:53+00:00

    Change your DNS servers to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 and it will fix the problem. A reboot may be needed.

    I must say the support here is totally useless. Microsoft knows this issue and knows the temporary fix as well.

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-08-28T15:01:25+00:00

    Same issue for me windows updater totally broken reinstalling windows for 17th time now...

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-08-28T14:36:02+00:00

    Same issue for me as well.

    Windows Update

    Windows could not search for new updates

    Error code: 80246002

    Error message when first checking for updates, not when trying to apply an update.

    All updates successful in update history. No failed updates. 

    Here's what I've tried:

    -- Rename the Windows Update download folder

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/958056

    -- Stop and restart  the windows update service via services.msc

    (can't remember where I found this)

    -- Ran "Fix Microsoft Windows Update Issues" as found here:

    http://support.microsoft.com/gp/windows-update-issues/en-us

    file ran: WindowsUpdateDiagnostic.diagcab

    In the CheckSURLog.cab output.txt I find the following line that might mean something (but might just be echoing the same error):

    Last Displayed Message :2014-08-28 09:58:51:228 728 9fc AU  # WARNING: Search callback failed, result = 0x80246002

    -- Ran FixIt found here:

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/troubleshoot-problems-installing-updates#1TC=windows-7

    File ran: MicrosoftFixit50123.msi

    -- Tried turning Windows Firewall AND Security Essentials off to see if they were somehow blocking.

    (no effect)

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-08-28T14:15:19+00:00

    Hi John,

    Apologize for the difficulties that you have been put through to fix this issue. Let's try some steps in order to resolve the issue. Before that I would like to know few information from your end for better understanding of the issue.

    1. Please confirm as to what is the KB # of the update that fails with the error code 80246002.
    2. Which anti-virus software are you using in the Computer? Have you tried disabling the anti-virus Software and check if that helps in fixing the issue?

    Since you've already tried few basic things on your end, I would suggest you to download and run the System Update Readiness Tool from the following link:

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947821

    Let us know the status of the issue. Get back for further assistance.

    I am having this problem with both my work and home PC, and following the steps above did not help.... still get error code 80246002 when checking for updates.

    As an FYI, I use TrendMicro on my home PC and Kaspersky on my work PC.

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  5. Anonymous
    2014-08-28T13:42:29+00:00

    Got KB2993651 installed on two different systems with no Windows Update errors afterward. 

    Here are the steps I took. 

    FYI – Running Norton Internet Security 2014.  No impact.

    Previously uninstalled KB2982791.

    Uninstalled KB2993651 through Control Panel.

    This got me back to a functional Windows Update without errors.

    Running Windows Update ver. 7.6.7600.320

    IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOU GET BACK TO A WORKING WINDOWS UPDATE.  

    Hid KB2993651 in Windows Update so it wouldn’t come up again.  (Have no idea whether this had any effect on my success).

    Rebooted.

    Ran Windows Update Trouble Shooter

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/open-the-windows-update-troubleshooter

    Saved to desktop and ran from there.

    Ran Fix it in

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/troubleshoot-problems-installing-updates#1TC=windows-7

    Don’t run Windows Update.  Just do the Fix it part.

    Did a manual download of KB2993651 from

    https://technet.microsoft.com/library/security/MS14-045

    and installed.

    Reboot required.

    Checked Windows Update and it still worked. Checked History and KB2993651 installed successfully.

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