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
    2014-06-26T14:03:30+00:00

    Hello Cuz,

    Thank you for your response.

    Third party antivirus softwares have strong firewall which may stop windows updates to download and install. They sometimes, impose permissions on windows files which may cause similar issues.

    However, antivirus software can help protect your computer against viruses and other security threats. In most cases, you shouldn't disable your antivirus software. If you have to temporarily disable it to install other software, you should re-enable it as soon as you're done. If you're connected to the Internet or a network while your antivirus software is disabled, your computer is vulnerable to attacks.

    Thank you

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2014-06-26T13:13:20+00:00

    Not sure if anyone else experienced this but if I disable my Antivirus program (Symantec End Point 12) I am successfully able to run Windows Update. The problem returns when I re-enable Symantec.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2014-06-19T13:32:57+00:00

    Hello Paz,

    Thank you for the update.

    I would suggest you to run check disk to repair bad sectors in the hard drive and see if it helps. Please

    follow these steps.

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

    b. Type the following command in command prompt and press Enter.

    chkdsk /f /r

    Check disk will take some time to complete.

    Note: While performing chkdsk on the hard drive if any bad sectors are found on the hard drive when chkdsk tries to repair that sector if any data available on that might be lost.

    I hope this information helps.

    Thank you

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2014-06-19T13:21:54+00:00

    thanks again. but alas that did not help. any other ideas. it seems that this problem has no solution, even re installing OS seems to not be a cure..

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments