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

Hello Wilson,

Thank you again for the reply.

As you have already reinstalled Windows, so this issue seems to be related to hardware.

I would again suggest you to contact a local tech shop for further assistance.

Thank you

Hello Alan,

Thank you for the response.

It is good to know that Windows update is working.

Please feel free to reply, if you need any assistance with Windows in future.

Thank you

Hello Paz,

Thank you for keeping us updated on the status of the issue.

I appreciate your efforts for finding a resolution of the issue.

I hope that your suggestion may help other community members to resolve similar issues.

Thank you

As you have already reinstalled Windows, so this issue seems to be related to hardware. 

I would again suggest you to contact a local tech shop for further assistance.

On August 16-17, Windows Update automatically initiated and eventually completed what appears to be 24 updates. I was able to cause a couple of manual updates after the automatic update was initiated to correct failed installs.

Since then, Windows Update does not show that it has checked for updates, and manual updates give the same old error message (80240442). So I ran the windows update troubleshooter. It gave the following report:

Issues found

Some security settings are missing or have been changed Fixed

   Reset security settings Not run

 Service registration is missing or corrupt Fixed

    Reset service registration Completed

 Windows Update error 0x80070057(2014-08-28-T-11_11_30A) Fixed

    Resetting Windows Update data store Completed

 Problems installing recent updates Fixed

    Repair Windows Update Completed

 Potential issues that were checked

Windows Update environment variables are incorrect Issue not present 

Check for missing or corrupt files Issue not present 

Windows Update services are not running Issue not present 

Cryptographic service components are not registered Issue not present 

InformationalDataStoreAndWULogFiles.zip

21.23MB

File Name:  DataStoreAndWULogFiles.zip

Detection details Expand

InformationalError Report

RootCause: RC_DataStore

ErrorCode: 0x80070057

TimeDetected: 2014-08-28-T-11:11:30A

InformationalCollected File

File Name:  CheckSURLog.cab

InformationalService Status

Problem with BITS service : The requested service has already been started. More help is available by typing NET HELPMSG 2182. 

Collection information

Computer Name:  JW-ASUS

Windows Version: 6.3

Architecture: x64

Time: Thursday, August 28, 2014 11:11:03 AM

Publisher details Expand

Background Intelligent Transfer Service

Find and fix problems that may prevent background downloads from working

Package Version: 1.2.1.20140627

Publisher: Microsoft Corporation 

I then checked for updates, but got the error message. Also it now reads that I have "Never" checked for or installed updates (which isn't what it said a few minutes ago).

I then ran the troubleshooter a second time. This time there were only two problems reported, the Windows update error, this time coded as 0x80070057(2014-08-28-T-11_22_12A), and the Problems installing recent updates error. Both reported as "fixed."

I then checked for updates a third time. Still no success. Troubleshooter "fixed" same two problems again, plus the "service registration is missing or corrupt" error. Fourth update check, no success.

Given that Microsoft Update worked for a couple of days, this seems to suggest that the problem is with Windows Update, not my hardware. I am reluctant to pay a tech shop to tell me that Windows Update has a problem and that it can't be fixed.