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
    2014-07-03T12:30:43+00:00

    Hello Cuz,

    Thank you again for the response.

    It is good to know that Windows update works.

    However, I hope that important update will install after installing Symantec software.

    Please do let us know if you need any further assistance.

    Thank you

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2014-07-03T12:24:38+00:00

    Yup, Windows Update is now working.

    To test this I uninstalled a previously installed update, rebooted, and then launched Windows Update. I held my breath. Then I saw the "1 important update is available" message. Great!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2014-07-03T11:43:30+00:00

    Hello Cuz,

    Thank you for the response.

    If you have activated Windows defender and firewall, then your computer is surely protected.

    Sometimes, there may be difference in the security software settings and its versions in different computers with same operating system installed.

    Please keep us informed about the status of the issue after reinstalling Symantec software.

    Thank you

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2014-07-03T10:56:25+00:00

    I just uninstalled my 3rd party antivirus program (Symantec Endpoint Protection 12.1.3001.165), and before anyone goes screaming:

    "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"...

    Please note: I switched over to the Windows Defender and Windows Firewall. My computer is protected, I hope.

    I then ran Windows Update and voilà... it works.

    The next step is to re-install my 3rd party antivirus (Symantec Endpoint Protection 12.1.3001.165) to see if Windows update still works or breaks.

    Another point to note: I know of 4 other Windows 8.1 PCs with the same configuration, ie the same antivirus software and mostly the same software that don't have this Windows Update issue.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments