New Windows Update Agent 7.6.7600.320 causing error 80246002 during search for updates

Anonymous

I am using Windows 7 64-bit with Service Pack 1. Windows Update had been working very well until the Windows Update Agent was automatically updated to 7.6.7600.320 sometime in August 2014. Now when Windows Update attempts to search for updates, it reports that "Windows could not search for updates" and indicates that error code 80246002 was received.

[UPDATE] Since posting this query, I think that I have resolved my problem by following the instructions described on the page "System Update Readiness Tool for Windows 7 for x64 based Systems (KB947821) [May 2014]". I downloaded the file (Windows6.1-KB947821-v33-x64.msu) and then let it install itself. It describes itself as "Hotfix for Windows (KB947821)". The installation took a long time, with much disk activity. When it finally finished, I rebooted my machine, and attempted a Windows Update. It appeared to work properly; it even found an important update which I then installed successfully. So apparently for my problem the Hotfix for Windows (KB947821) provided the solution.

[UPDATE 2] After seeing the posts about changing the DNS to solve the problem, I thought I would add the following information in case it is relevant:

I am using the 64-bit version of Internet Explorer 11, and confirmed that it is operating in 64-bit mode by inspecting the browser's user agent. You can review your browser's user agent by visiting the site http://user-agent.me/
My Internet protocol properties are set to "Obtain DNS server address automatically". This works with my wireless router, and I have never been tempted to change it.

[UPDATE 3] After thinking that I was safe, having done multiple successful searches for updates, the 80246002 problem returned on my machine! I rebooted my wireless router and my machine but it did not help. So, I went ahead and tried the DNS trick: I changed the preferred DNS server to 8.8.8.8 and the alternate DNS server to 8.8.4.4, and then rebooted. Now Windows Update search is successful! I am humbled, and grateful!

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Anonymous

I finally fixed the update problem with an Acer Aspire 5315 Laptop.

I installed KB2993651 for win 7 32 bit.

I then got update error 80244019

I then looked that up & installed KB 971058 -

it went to 100% CPU but less than 100% after 5 minutes.

It then was able to get updates.

It downloaded 187 updates to 100% completion.

It started installing 187 updates & got to 30 % then rebooted & was still going at 32% of updates when I left my friends place.

I phoned her & it seems ok.

I'll have to check next time I'm there that it's all done.

Moral of the story - don't give up - keep trying.

cheers

Bobby

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Anonymous

In my case I got the window update error code 80246002 after I uninstalled KB2982791 as per https://technet.microsoft.com/library/security/MS14-045 and then tried checking for updates. Nothing I did would clear the error (ipconfig /flushdns, renaming the SoftwareDistribution folder, a few MS Fix its, etc...). Since KB2993651 was the replacement update that I was trying to download and install, I decided to manually download the update from the windows update catalog (http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/Search.aspx?q=KB2993651). After downloading and installing KB2993651, I rebooted the PC and then I was able to check for Windows Updates again without getting the 80246002 error code.

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Anonymous

For anyone else who is experiencing issues updating a freshly installed windows 7, i'll share with you my fix. I RE-reformatted windows 7 after making sure to delete both partitions, giving this a clean slate(to eliminate other possible errors). Then begin updating as usual, just around 20(?) updates in is when update agent 7.6.7600.320 is supposed to download. Obviously...don't hit install/update. Download chrome and seek out KB3135445 ( https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=50797 ). Follow install directions, after it's done go back over to windows update and click check for updates. Give it anywhere from 5-10 minutes and it should say you have around 243 ish updates! Hope this helps.

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144 additional answers

Anonymous

2015-04-13T08:39:35+00:00

@SirBobby & anyone else with a similar problem: To avoid confusion & duplication of effort, please begin your own, new thread. State your current IE version (e.g., IE8; IE9; IE10; IE11) and full Windows version (e.g., Vista 32-bit SP1; Vista 64-bit SP2; Win7 32-bit; Win7 64-bit SP1; Win8 32-bit; Win8.1 64-bit; WinRT; WinRT 8.1; Surface Pro; Surface 2; Surface Pro 3) in your first post. Thank you.

See...

    • HOW TO begin your own, new thread about your computer & problem

       http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/Page/faq#faqAskQuestion1

    • What information to post in the Windows Update forum

       http://answers.microsoft.com/thread/1467f44b-ee27-4f7d-98d7-f1c4b35b3395@SirBobby specifically => Your computer should NOT be connected to the internet or any local networks (i.e., other computers) in its current state. All of your personal data (e.g., online banking & credit-card passwords) should be considered at-risk, if not already compromised.

Thanks,

I think I've already put in most details.

I am trying to help everyone not just my friend who has the laptop.

It's an Acer Aspire 5315.

It's a 32 bit system running Win7.

The laptop had a failed hard disc so I installed a brand new hard disc.

The problem is with Windows Update Agent 7.6.7600.320

always happened after loading SP1.

I used an OEM DVD install disc that was intended for the same laptop.

I loaded IE11 for the latest browser.

It is the 2nd time it happened.

After the first time of re-loading windows 7 & many other 3rd part programs including Norton 360

I decided to make a fresh virgin install with no other programs but Microsoft from the installation disc -so that I could prove that no 3rd party software was causing the problem.

It didn't help - it happened again as soon as SP1 was loaded with the updates.

Before SP1 updates are loaded the updates work well.

The fault is that the update process runs at 100% CPU & can't get updates..

The best way to stop it is to change the settings to NOT install any more updates.

The laptop runs very well - it' just can't get updates.

cheers

Bobby
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Anonymous

2015-04-12T22:48:52+00:00

@SirBobby & anyone else with a similar problem: To avoid confusion & duplication of effort, please begin your own, new thread. State your current IE version (e.g., IE8; IE9; IE10; IE11) and full Windows version (e.g., Vista 32-bit SP1; Vista 64-bit SP2; Win7 32-bit; Win7 64-bit SP1; Win8 32-bit; Win8.1 64-bit; WinRT; WinRT 8.1; Surface Pro; Surface 2; Surface Pro 3) in your first post. Thank you.

See...

    • HOW TO begin your own, new thread about your computer & problem

       http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/Page/faq#faqAskQuestion1

    • What information to post in the Windows Update forum

       http://answers.microsoft.com/thread/1467f44b-ee27-4f7d-98d7-f1c4b35b3395@SirBobby specifically => Your computer should NOT be connected to the internet or any local networks (i.e., other computers) in its current state. All of your personal data (e.g., online banking & credit-card passwords) should be considered at-risk, if not already compromised.
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