Windows Update Doesn't Work even with the SOLUTION

Anonymous
2016-10-23T00:11:52+00:00

FIRST. If Windows Update is not working or taking far too long (more than 15 to 30 minutes) try the Solution described in the thread at

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-update/windows-7-update-solution/f39a65fa-9d10-42e7-9bc0-7f5096b36d0c

If after trying this the problem persists, then follow these directions to first reset Windows Update.

This is a bit technical, but if you can follow it, I think it will work for you.  I work on a lot of computers and this works for me.

I emphasize that for this to work, you must follow exactlyas this describes.

There are two main types of Windows 7 installations: 32 bit or 64 bit.  You need to know what is installed in your computer.  Click the Start globe, type system in the box. Choose System information in the list.  The techie shorthand for 32 bit is x86 and for 64 bit is x64

  1. Start Windows Update and change the Setting to Never check for updates.  Restart.  When you do leave the setting at NEVER, Windows Update will no longer be automatic.  From this point onwards, you are responsible for starting and installing updates.  We recommend you do that a few days following the 2nd Tuesday each month.
  2. The process starts by ensuring that there is nothing running that will prevent the update from working properly.  Click on the Start globe and type services into the text box.  Click on Services in the list that pops up.  In the window that then pops up (its alphabetic), find Windows Update.  Right-click on it (left-click if your mouse is set for left-handers) and choose Stop.

Now, you are going to reset Windows Update components:

Start, All Programs, Accessories, Right-click on Command prompt, Choose Run as administrator, OK.  Type the following in the black box:

  1. net stop wuauserv
  2. net stop cryptSvc
  3. net stop bits
  4. net stop msiserver
  5. ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  6. ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
  7. net start wuauserv
  8. net start cryptSvc
  9. net start bits
  10. net start msiserver
  11. Exit

Tip: Instead of typing each line, you can select the text in each line in the list by high-lighting it, right-click, choose Copy from the pop-up menu.  In the black window, Right-click anywhere, choose Paste from the pop-up menu, Enter.

If steps 5 or 6 do not allow the operation, go back and click on the Start globe and type services into the text box.  Click on Services in the list that pops up.  In the window that then pops up (its alphabetic), find Windows Update.  Right-click on it (left-click if your mouse is set for left-handers) and choose Stop.  It may have re-started itself.

If steps 5 and 6 report that the file already exists, then substitute SoftwareDistribution.old2 for SoftwareDistribution.old, and catroot2 catroot2.old2 for catroot2 catroot2.old

This procedure will erase the list you would see in "View Update history" that you access in the Windows Update window.  It will NOT erase the "View Installed Updates" you access through the Control Panel.

You are now going to download and install either one or two updates manually.  In most cases only the first (KB3172605) of these is needed.  If that produces a result that says the update is not appropriate for you computer, you need to first install the 2nd of these (KB3020369), then install the first (KB3172605).  Choose the one that is for your machine — 32 bit (X86) or 64 bit (X64).

KB3138612 :

32 bit

 https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=51208

64 bit

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=51212

KB3020369:

32 bit

https://download.microsoft.com/download/C/0/8/C0823F43-BFE9-4147-9B0A-35769CBBE6B0/Windows6.1-KB3020369-x86.msu

64 bit

https://download.microsoft.com/download/5/D/0/5D0821EB-A92D-4CA2-9020-EC41D56B074F/Windows6.1-KB3020369-x64.msu

After restarting your computer, wait about 10 minutes until Windows Update completes its tasks.  Do not use the computer for any other purpose during this wait period.

Start Windows Update.  It will take only a few minutes to come up with a list and download the updates you select.  The process is quite normal as it always was from this point onward.

If your computer has not been updated for a long time, it may take longer.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Windows update

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-11-21T07:15:42+00:00

    Thanks, CT.

    That thing hasn't changed too much since July/August but could use some adjustments now since the catalog seems to work with other than IE, but IE always works.

    I looked at the Wiki Author stuff once - perhaps I will revisit it.

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-11-20T21:38:51+00:00

    ElderN, that link you provided leads to a really outstanding bit of work. 

    Have you considered writing wiki's?  I just asked one of the managers about it and after a ONE hour "training" was granted the right to write them.  I think this would make an excellent one.

    Kudo's to you, ElderN.

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  3. Anonymous
    2016-11-20T20:22:50+00:00

    Good.

    There are two problems with two different solutions.  Fixing one does not (seem to) fix both.

    The first problem is the presence of the AU registry key that prevents changes to Windows Update Settings and that solution is here:

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-update/windows-7-update-solution/f39a65fa-9d10-42e7-9bc0-7f5096b36d0c?page=75&msgId=cca3aaae-b748-4a0d-ad2d-0da9a26aabe8

    The second problem is the afflicted Windows Update itself which requires another solution:

    For hundreds and perhaps thousands of systems the solution is usually very simple.

    There are two discussions that should help:

    Windows update problems?   Read this first.

    and/or

    Windows 7 Update Solution

    Feel free to jump in to the discussions to tell of your success or still have issues or questions.

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  4. Anonymous
    2016-11-20T17:52:58+00:00

    I have tried simply setting to never check for updates in the past and than searching myself in a few days and it has work without taking other steps. I was not able ot do this as my update was frozen. which I solved today using Elders suggestion of deleting the AU folder in the registry. I can give it a try now on this computer

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  5. Anonymous
    2016-11-20T16:42:57+00:00

    I solved the problem using  registry editor. it worked.

    Not I need the solve the problem of Windows not finding any updates since September 11.  I did a check with Belaric and 6 updates including 2 critical Security updates should be offered . Will those steps 1-12 solve the problem or is there an easier solutions.

    I checked my system restore points and I have a backup made on September 12, however this was made with and external hard drive and I would need to  connect that to restore. I am well aware that restoring a system image from a backup hard drive will overwrite the entire hard drive. I was was wondering if that was restore through System restore with the back up hard drive connected would it restore in the same manner as other restore points keeping all files and programs in tact.

    I only want to do that as a least resort , so would steps 1-12 offered by Canadian Tech solve the problem or is there another method.

    i

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