Following a clean install, Windows Update remains at "Checking For Updates" forever...

Anonymous
2016-01-19T16:22:55+00:00

I've reloaded hundreds of Windows computers over the years and I like to think that I am reasonably proficient at that process.  I have just encountered an issue that required a lot of time and effort to resolve and I am posting this to try and save someone else the same ordeal.

My customer had a late model, name-brand Windows 7/64 SP1 computer with a disk drive that was failing.  I changed out the disk drive with a replacement and went through the recovery process, using the manufacturer-provided Recovery Media.  That media is supposed to be identical to the image loaded on the drive from the factory - Windows 7/64 with SP1.

Following the reload, I followed my normal procedure and launched Windows Update.  Windows Update remained at "Checking for Updates" for hours, without ever displaying any updates to install.  I restarted the PC and tried again, with exactly the same result.  The Software Distribution folder would get built and there were plenty of entries in WindowsUpdate.log, but eventually disk activity would cease but CPU activity would remain over 50%.  And Windows Update just showed "Checking for Updates" forever.

I decided the reload must have been bad and so I repeated it from scratch again with exactly the same result.  At that point I decided the image on the manufacturer's Recovery Media must be defective and so I reloaded from my MS Partner Program Windows 7/64 SP1 DVD.  I had the same exact symptoms and result again.  I thought that maybe I was not waiting long enough, so I left it running overnight.  The next morning, it was still at "Checking for Updates".

I tried additional reloads using SURT and that also remained at "Checking for Updates" without accomplishing anything.  I tried using the Windows Update Troubleshooter - with no luck.  Ditto for manually resetting Windows Update and various combinations of these techniques.  I verified that Windows was activated and that date/time were correctly set.  Nothing made any difference.

I then started meticulously documenting everything as I went along and I think I've found a solution:

After the reload, I checked the Windows Update components in C:\Windows\System32. The components are wuapi.dll, wuapp.exe, wuaclt.exe and wuaeng.dll and all are version 7.5.7601.17514 dated 11/20/2010.  Once you launched Windows update or run SURT, these are all updated directly to version 7.6.7600.320.  At that point, I get the symptoms described above and there doesn't appear to be any way to recover.

When Windows Update is launched, it first updates itself automatically and without the user having any option.  It appears that upgrading the WU components from7.5.7601.17514 directly to 7.6.7600.320 causes the issue.  I suspect that it works fine for computers that are updated incrementally.

Once WU version 7.6.7600.320 is loaded, there is no easy recovery that I could find.

CURRENT PROCEDURE:

  1. Download https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3020369 and https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3172605 in advance.
  2. Disconnect the computer from the Internet so Windows Update cannot automatically update itself to 7.6.7600.320.
  3. Perform a fresh reload from Recovery Media or Windows 7/64 with SP1 RTM.
  4. When the installation prompts for updates, choose "Ask Me Later".
  5. Apply KB3020369 and then KB3172605 in that order.
  6. Restore the Internet connection, configure update settings to your preference and launch Windows Update as normal.

Credit to Canadian Tech, Volume Z and other contributors for developing this current procedure.

ORIGINAL PROCEDURE FROM JANUARY 19 2016 HAS BEEN DEPRECATED BY THE NEW PROCEDURE ABOVE:

  1. Download KB3083710 and KB3102810 in advance.
  2. Disconnect the computer from the Internet so Windows Update cannot automatically update itself to 7.6.7600.320.
  3. Perform a fresh reload from Recovery Media or Windows 7/64 with SP1 RTM.
  4. Manually install KB3083710 and restart - WU components will now be version 7.6.7601.19016 dated 9/25/2015.
  5. Manually install KB3102810 and restart - WU components will now be version 7.6.7601.19046 dated 10/20/2015.
  6. Restore the Internet connection and launch Windows Update as normal.
  7. After a few minutes, you should have plenty of updates to download and install.

Ken Morley

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Windows update

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-02-08T20:24:07+00:00

    Well done that man .. Worked a treat :-)

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-02-04T21:56:23+00:00

    Hi again,

    Some progress to report on the PC issue - Update trying to download W10 when I go for install critical updates.  I used the suggestion in CT's response starting: 

    If you see the Windows flag on the bottom right of your screen, chances are pretty high, your computer already has the Win10 files. Even if you do not, it may be on your computer shortly anyway.  Here are instructions on how to rid yourself of it:

    First download and run GWX Control panel.  A free app: *http://ultimateoutsider.com/downloads/*

    http://www.infoworld.com/article/2979572/microsoft-windows/gwx-stopper-an-easy-way-to-permanently-delete-get-windows-10-nagware-in-windows-7-and-81.html

    It will allow you to prevent any future operating system upgrades ...

    I followed the first part (GWX) and, sure enough, the W10 icon disappeared - progress.  I then looked through installed updates and found/removed some of them.  I can say which ones if it matters.

    I then ran the check for updates (setting Never update) and after a couple-three hours I got the list I'd seen already.  I went through it and deselected/hid the files on the list that I could find (again, details available).

    I also hid all the non-security files and went for install updates.  W10 started downloading again!  

    The only option , because I'd hidden all optional files) was to review critical files, which means I can't find and deselect W10 update (not that it helped last time).  What have I missed?

    Edit:  I clicked on Restore hidden updates and the W10 one was missing this time.  Previously, it had been there, ticked.  I reselected one just to see what would happen.  When I went back to the main screen a search for update started.  It's still running.

    Edit 2#:  I ran GWX again and it found a low-level reference to W10, which I deleted.  I then ran Update and downloaded the critical updates successfully.  I then checked GWX again - no references to W10.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed but think this may be a result!  Thank you Ken and CT.  NHow to try the same fix on my laptop before I go for a clean install.  I'll report back.

    Thanks,

    Ian

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  3. Anonymous
    2016-02-04T08:50:00+00:00

    Thanks Ken and CT,

    Process was: Install W10, fail.  I believe that this occurred after a search for updates began; revert to W7, fail to update; consult MS, fail to resolve; try restore, hung on start up screen, fail; fresh W7 install (before I saw this thread) fail to update, which is when I came here.

    I'm happy to follow your instructions for a clean install on the laptop and can see that I don't need to know how to download and install individual updates to do it.  I'll have a go and report back. 

    Meanwhile, I still have the problem with the PC, where attempts to download listed updates result in W10 download starting, even after I've unselected and hidden the link.  I'll go through the list and delete the ones you've identified, but can't get past first base.  The process looks like this:

    Check list of updates - W10 install not on the list;

    Select updates;

    Back to main screen, hit update, W10 starts downloading;

    Hit stop, recheck list of updates and there is the W10 upgrade, selected.  Deselect and hide;

    Repeat. with same result.

    I'll create an image for the laptop, noting the DVD type required.  Is there any point in doing this for the PC as it stands, just in case,  noting that all the peripherals are live, eg AV software?

    Thanks again for your patience,

    Ian

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  4. Anonymous
    2016-02-04T03:25:49+00:00

    Ian:

    From your earlier posts, I was under the impression that you had already reloaded Windows 7 to recover from the Windows 10 upgrade fiasco.  If that is accurate, then I don't understand what there is to lose - I apologize in advance if I misunderstood the issue or your situation.

    This write-up is intended to help those who installed Windows 7 and can't get past Windows Update and the "Checking for Updates...." (forever) issue.  If you have a different problem, then this write-up won't be of much help to you.  

    I have explained how to avoid the Windows 10 upgrade previously.  Please revisit those posts for the solution to that particular issue.

    Best Regards,

    Ken Morley

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  5. Anonymous
    2016-02-04T03:10:46+00:00

    CT:

    I also do clean installs quite frequently - certainly on at least a weekly basis.  That's how I have done hundreds over the last few years.

    It's great that you aren't having the problem - count your lucky stars ;).

    I would guess there are others having similar problems and that's why I went through the trouble of documenting this issue.

    Best Regards,

    Ken Morley

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