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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
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
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:
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
64 bit
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.
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.
Age of computer?
Age of hard drive?
Age of the Windows 7 installation?
Do you have a usable Microsoft Product key?
Do you have access to a Windows 7 install disk for 32 bit and whatever edition yours is?
No security software is just plain foolish. It is highly likely your computer is infected. No one in their right mind would try to troubleshoot your problem under these circumstances.
Age of computer?
Age of hard drive?
Age of the Windows 7 installation?
Do you have a usable Microsoft Product key?
Do you have access to a Windows 7 install disk for 32 bit and whatever edition yours is?
No security software is just plain foolish. It is highly likely your computer is infected. No one in their right mind would try to troubleshoot your problem under these circumstances. My clients use Bitdefender Antivirus + (note this particular and specific product).
3 years old. All of it. Yes, it's a valid key, and I may have the disks around here somewhere.
I'm not going to buy your security software, shill.
Considering all that you have told me, I would advise you to buy a subscription to a top quality antivirus software and do a complete re-install of your operating system. If you are willing to do that, I would be happy to provide you here with a step by step process that I use for my clients.
"I'm not going to buy your security software, shill."
Calling somebody a "shill" when they try to help you by suggesting a product is very rude. I'm sure that product is not even 'his'. As for using the Internet without any security software, calling it "foolish" is quite generous. It's actually just stupid.
There are several good security products that offer free anti-virus versions such as AVG and Avast. There are others. In addition, the excellent and highly regarded Malwarebytes (for malware protection and removal) offers its product in a free variety though you can only use it for launching manual scans. The premium version which does real-time scanning actually costs money (gasp!).
It is correct to assume that any computer that has been used for Internet surfing for a significant period without protection is infected with something. That assumption becomes a near certainty if the computer in question is having problems. A re-format and re-install of Windows is a very solid recommendation in such a case but only if it is followed by installing some sort of protection. Otherwise it may be a waste of time.
I'm aware that there are several fine security software suites available. As of this writing, I've run AVG and Malewarebytes. Neither scan found a single problem with the computer.
These computers do not browse the internet. They only serve to operate lab equipment. They have Teamviewer installed for remote operation but other than that they are not used online. Additionally, we're behind a vast and powerful firewall maintained by my institution's IT department.
I called him a shill because of the very specific program he told me to install. He said "My clients use Bitdefender Antivirus + (note this particular and specific product)." Emphasis is mine. If that's not a shill, I don't know what is.
