Windows Update issue - Definition Update reoffered

Thanks to everyone for joining in the discussion of this problem - especially to Windozers for his research efforts. However reassuring it might be to know that several other users are experiencing this apparently rather widespread problem (as illustrated perfectly by Windozers posted picture, reply #9), I should - with all due respect - wish for some further comments by a Microsoft support engineer, seeing as all suggested methods have not led to a solution (Update Troubleshooter, Manual Reset of WU components, Disk Cleanup etc.).

I would like to know, please, if the problem submitted here is recognized and being looked into by Microsoft Support?

PS: I was still typing when PA Bear MS MVP posted.

Please don't edit a post of yours after someone's replied to it or to a later post in thread. Thank you.

@Windozers only...

I just restored my system from a known good image backup.       

Assuming Win8.1 64-bit...

Please answer each of the following [admittedly tedious] diagnostic questions in a correspondingly-numbered list in your very next reply, preferably without quoting this post:

1a. When (approx. date) did you purchase the computer?

1b. Did the computer come with Win8 (or Win8.1) preinstalled, did you do a clean install of Win8 (or Win8.1), or did you upgrade a (e.g., Win7) computer to Win8?

1c. Assuming you started with Win8 => When (approx. date) was Win8.1 installed?

1d. Have you ever done a Refresh or a Reset since you bought the computer?

1e. Was the computer fully-patched at Windows Update when you created the 12 Mar-15 image?

2. What is the full name of your currently-installed third-party anti-virus application or security suite (i.e., not Windows Defender!), if any, and when (approx. date) does your current subscription(if any)expire?
3. What third-party anti-malware applications (other than MBAM; i.e., not Windows Defender!) are installed, if any?  What third-party firewall, if any?

4a. Has any other McAfee application or a Norton application EVER been installed on the computer since you bought it?

4b. Did a McAfee free-trial or a Norton free-trial [pick one] come preinstalled on the computer when you bought it? (Doesn't matter if you never used or Activated it.)

5. When & why was MBAM installed? Is it MBAM Premium or MBAM Pro? Has MBAM ever detected & quarantined anything?

6a. Is KB3032359, KB3030377, KB3032323, KB3035131, KB3034344, KB3035126, KB3035132, KB3039066, KB3033889, KB3046049, and/or KB3025417 listed in Installed Updates (not Update History)? [1]

6b. Is Automatic Updates enabled & set to the default Automatic configuration?

7a. What Update Version & KB number are displayed in the second line of text in IE11's Help | About [Alt+H+A] tab; e.g., Update Version: 11.0.54 (KB1231231) ?

7b. Is Firefox, Chrome or any other alternate browser installed?

8. Is Adobe Flash Player v17.0.0.134 for Internet Explorer installed? TEST HERE USING INTERNET EXPLORER ONLY! => http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/
9. Are you in the habit of using "Registry cleaners" (e.g., Registry Mechanic; System Mechanic; RegCure; RegClean Pro; Advanced SystemCare; Registry Booster; McAfee QuickClean; Glary Utilities; AVG PC TuneUp; Norton Registry Cleaner; PCTools Optimiser; SpeedUpMyPC; PC Doctor; TuneUp Utilities; WinMaximizer; WinSweeper; Comodo System Cleaner; Advanced System Optimizer; CCleaner's Registry Cleaner component)?

<EDIT>

10. Is it the same computer as in one or both of these previous threads of yours?...

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows8_1-system/strange-issue-with-pc-settings-icon/b4296f98-f43f-4146-8dfd-91f56d1a5619

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows8_1-windows_update/windows-81-displays-the-please-wait-screen-even/4089ce20-f5d5-453d-af0e-2b2cf0558387

</EDIT>

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[1] Control Panel | Programs and Features | View installed updates (in left-hand menu)

The same issue here. I've tried all recommended troubleshooting steps, but none of them work. I've noticed that WU reoffers me 1.193.3002.0 update and the latest update (now it's 1.193.3384.0) if I check for WU twice. All updates are installed successfully, but are stuck in a loop.

Greetings.

Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro x64

Windows Defender

Thanks, Windozers for all the info - I will keep trying find info and/or a solution to this in the forums I belong to.  If and or when I do, I will post in here. Appreciate your efforts.