Windows 7 won't update after clean install

Anonymous
2016-02-11T15:40:22+00:00

I recently acquired a Vista laptop that I upgraded with an SSD and Windows 7 Professional.  After an uneventful install on a new SSD and activation, I discovered that Win7 won't update, the update console just continues to search for updates, and CPU activity hovers around 50%.  I've tied several fixes from this site and others with no luck.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Install and upgrade

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Anonymous
2016-05-09T22:04:19+00:00

I am not a PC expert, but I (FINALLY) know what caused this problem and how to solve it !!  But first note that this is the solution for my WINDOWS 7, 64 bit Home Premium right after a clean install.  I don't know if this scheme will work for 32 bit systems or other Win 7s, but mayhap with minor alterations and some searches...??

The part of Windows 7 that searches for updates would normally take 24 to 48 hours to finish its search.  You can tell you have this problem, whilst you wait for the updater to search, by CTRL-ALT-DEL, start Task Manager, then look at PROCESSES TAB, then click: Show Processes From All Users.  Look down the list until you find a SVCHOST.EXE being run by SYSTEM that is using 50% or more CPU and a huge chunk (73%) of memory.  So, go to Windows Update in Control Panel and tell it to never look for updates.  Then back to Task Manager and KILL the big fat 50% process you just found.

MS has produced a fix (2 KB patches) that you cannot ordinarily get to without an update.  There is a way to download those 2 KB files, but then...

You cannot ordinarily install them without using WUSA (the Windows Update Stand-Alone installer).  And if you try to use it to install the fixes, WUSA will first begin another 48 hour search for updates before installing anything.  This is a circular trap !

Go to the following link to download Windows6.1-KB3102810-x64.msu

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=49540

Use the SAVE option, DO NOT RUN IT!

Go to the following link to download Windows6.1-KB3112343-x64.msu

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=50023

Use the SAVE option, DO NOT RUN IT!

Look for these two files in your DOWNLOADS folder.  Copy them to your DESKTOP.

Now to install them, you must use the StandAlone installer, WUSA, BUTyou must FORCE IT to simply do it without searching forever.  Here is how:

First, copy the following line exactly and completely:

"C:\Users*Edmund*\Desktop\windows6.1-kb3102810-x64.msu" /wuforce

Click the Start Globe;

Click in the Search Programs And Files box;

Type: RUN

(make sure you are running as Administrator)

Click on the RUN at the top, then Right Click on it, and select PASTE;

Change the Edmund to whatever your USER name is;

Hit ENTER and let it roll.  After the install is done, then...

Copy the following line exactly:

"C:\Users*Edmund*\Desktop\windows6.1-kb3112343-x64.msu" /wuforce

Click the Start Globe;

Click in the Search Programs And Files box;

Type: RUN

(make sure you are running as Administrator)

Click on the RUN at the top, then Right Click on it, and select PASTE;

Change the Edmund to whatever your USER name is;

Hit ENTER and let it roll again.  After that install is done, RESTART your computer.

You should now be able to setup the UPDATEs in Control Panel and Search For Updates.  Within about 10 minutes or less, you should have a huge list of KBs to download and install.

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-02-12T22:34:34+00:00

    OK, here you go!

    http://1drv.ms/1mvcajk

    Thanks!

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-02-12T17:39:34+00:00

    Your Event Viewer System log file only contains a single report whereas it should contain multiple reports. Do not place the cursor in the list of reports before selecting Action from the menu.

    Please upload and share with everyone a fresh copy of your System log from your Event Viewer to your One Drive and post a link here. It helps to avoid confusion if you remove any earlier copies of the log files from your OneDrive.

    To access the System log select Start, Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Event Viewer, from the list in the left side of the window expand Windows Logs and select System. Place the cursor on System, select Action from the Menu and Save All Events as (the default evtx file type) and give the file a name. Do not provide filtered files. Do not place the cursor in the list of reports before selecting Action from the menu. Do not clear logs whilst you have a continuing problem.

    It is always sensible in this situation to run a check for malware

    I recommend that you run Disk CleanUp or cCleaner to remove temporary files as this will reduce scanning times by security software. cCleaner comes with a Registry tool. Do not use this tool as like any registry cleaner it can lead to the creation of very difficult to resolve system errors

    Please download and install Malwarebytes (freeware version for home users only -not the Trial version –watch the checked boxes whilst installing), update definitions and run in normal mode. Disable other security software whilst you are doing scans. http://www.malwarebytes.org/mwb-download/confirm/

    Please make certain you uncheck the box before Enable free trial of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Premium.

    Please upload a copy of the report on what it found as a shared file to your OneDrive and a post a link here.

    Please download and run ADWCleaner and upload a copy of the report produced to your OneDrive. Remove all that it finds. : http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/adwcleaner/

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  3. Anonymous
    2016-02-11T19:28:43+00:00

    I believe this is what you requested.

    http://1drv.ms/1mvcajk

    Thanks

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  4. Anonymous
    2016-02-11T17:19:22+00:00

    Please run the Windows Update Troubleshooter:

    http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9830262

    Please provide the exact details of any problem it reports as not fixed.

    Please provide more information to enable your problem to be diagnosed.

    Please restart your computer and allow 20 minutes for the system to run before uploading information. When examining Event Viewer log files many, not all, problems show in the period immediately after the computer has been booted.

    Please provide a copy of your System Information file. Type System Information in the Search Box above the start Button and press the ENTER key (alternative is Select Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Information). Select File, Export and give the file a name noting where it is located. Do not place the cursor within the body of the report before exporting the file. The system creates a new System Information file each time system information is accessed. You need to allow a minute or two for the file to be fully populated before exporting a copy. Please upload the file to your OneDrive, share with everyone and post a link here. Reports in normal mode preferred. Please say if the report has been obtained in safe mode. If the report is in a language other than English, please state the language.

    Please upload and share with everyone a fresh copy of your System log from your Event Viewer to your One Drive and post a link here. It helps to avoid confusion if you remove any earlier copies of the log files from your OneDrive.

    To access the System log select Start, Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Event Viewer, from the list in the left side of the window expand Windows Logs and select System. Place the cursor on System, select Action from the Menu and Save All Events as (the default evtx file type) and give the file a name. Do not provide filtered files. Do not place the cursor in the list of reports before selecting Action from the menu. Do not clear logs whilst you have a continuing problem.

    For help with OneDrive see paragraph 9.3:

    http://www.gerryscomputertips.co.uk/MicrosoftCommunity1.htm

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