Problem checking for updates - Code 80240442 - Windows Update ran into a problem

Anonymous
2014-04-08T19:18:08+00:00

Just updated to 8.1 update 1 manually hoping that it would clear an issue I'm having with Windows update, but to no avail.  (Oh - and the error message before the Win8.1 Update 1 was 80244FFF.  I think it's the same issue, just a new number.)

I've not been able to connect to Windows Update for over a month, and nothing I've tried has managed to reset it. 

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Windows update

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2014-08-13T22:37:43+00:00

bizarre, my update is working after months of failure. i am not joking. BUT only automatically. if i try to check for updates manually i receive the same error code and no updates

AND i believe i have the solution for all of these problems...

i needed to restart my modem. as soon as it had restarted, automatic updates worked. i think all who are suffering from this problem should at least give this a try. just unplug your modem, wait 30 seconds then re-plug in your modem or push the restart button. it is worth a try. 

paz from mexico

Was this answer helpful?

4 people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

129 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2014-06-04T13:21:04+00:00

    Hello Paz,

    Thank you for the reply.

    It is possible that third party software may be causing the issue.

    You may uninstall it and check the issue. To uninstall it, please use these steps:

    a. Press Windows + X keys and select programs and features.

    b. Right click on the program and select uninstall.

    c. You may restart the computer, if required.

    If it does not help, then I would suggest you to perform system restoreand check the issue.

    Refer this article:

    How to refresh, reset, or restore your PC

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-IN/windows-8/restore-refresh-reset-pc

    Note: When you use System Restore to restore the computer to a previous state, programs and updates that you installed are removed.

    I hope this helps.

    Thank you

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2014-06-04T13:14:39+00:00

    an idea... could it be that i installed SECUNIA update software on my system and this is somehow blocking the ability to have microsoft scan for updates????

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2014-06-04T12:52:53+00:00

    thanks so much for trying to help, but alas this did not work. One thing i really appreciate is the fact that you had me copy and paste ALL, i had tried this command prompt in the past BUT i copied and pasted each one individually. what a waste of time. thanks. maybe just maybe you have another idea. PLEASE.....

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2014-06-04T11:50:43+00:00

    Hello Paz,

    Thank you for your response.

    I would suggest you to try following steps and check if it helps.

    a. Press Windows + X keys and select command prompt(admin).

    b. In command prompt window, copy and paste the commands (all at once):

      net stop wuauserv

      net stop cryptSvc

      net stop bits

      net stop msiserver

      ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

      ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old

      net start wuauserv

      net start cryptSvc

      net start bits

      net start msiserver

      pause

    c. Wait for the process to complete.

    d. Close the command prompt window.

    Now, go to Windows update and check.

    I hope this information helps.

    Thank you

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments