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

2016-12-03T23:14:09+00:00

Seems like a quick way to spread confusion to me. See:

Windows Update is taking an unusually long time to scan and install updates
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Anonymous

2016-12-03T22:58:47+00:00

Quick way to get Win 7 Updated to November 2016 + restore rapid AutoUpdating

Dreaded Widows Update Agent 7.6.7600.32 can kybosh any further updating of Windows 7 even after a clean install of Win 7 with SP1.

7.6.7600.32 can be bypassed with a little ingenuity. Now that Microsoft “convenience roll up packs” are available for all win 7 versions.

PREPARATION first store these on your computer or usb key as it’s best to install them all offline (ie with internet disabled and Windows Update settings set to “never download updates” (that stops 7.6.7600.32 from it’s nasty habit of forcing itself on you!)

Download (1) KB3138612 then (2) KB3145739 (3) KB3172605 (4) KB3179573 (5) KB3185278 (6)KB3185330 (7) KB3197868 take care you get the download for x64 (or x86 if your machine is 32bit).

Now do a clean install of your Win 7 SP1 from disc. If it has SP1 great! If your pc is old rather than downloading SP1 it is better to download the iso version of your specific Win 7 OS. (Win 7 Home Premium, Professional, Ultimate etc) as they are available from Microsoft online and they include SP1.

Get the Win 7 version right as you will only be able to activate iso windows using your product key for the version that came with your pc!

So do that clean install of Win 7. (You need to download and install WinCDEmu-4.1 if you wish to use a Win 7.iso for your clean instal from an existing Win 7 pc.

Easier from Win 10 simply right click the iso file and select "mount". Go to your newly created virtual CD drive to commence setup.

Once clean install is complete, keep offline with WU at “never install updates”

Then commence installing (1) to (7) in the order given. That will update your machine to November 2016 and you can then enable internet and return WU to Automatic downloading or await future monthly convenience roll up packs!

Do Backup your Windows 7 OS partition once you're satisfied as it takes an hour or so to install all these KB*** downloads.
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