Error Code 80248015

I think you found the simple fix. I did the turn off update and deleted the contents of the SoftwareDistribution folder but your fix sounds better.

Quick update after restoring Win Update functions ALL previous histories --including the 'Hidden updates' were restored.

I too encountered this Win Update problem and resolved it relatively easily.

Upon launching "Windows Update" the RED Check for updates for your computer appeared --after an extremely long delay.  All options (in the left column also took an extremely long time --even closing the process.

Once I got the 'Change settings' screen to respond, I selected the 'Never check for updates' option and unchecked the 'Give me recommended updates ...'.  I then closed the process, and restarted/power off the system.

After powering on the system and checking for updates a 'normal looking' "Check for updates...." appeared.

A check of the various options in the left column appeared to show normal responses  -except for "Hidden updates", which was empty.

Then in the 'Change settings' screen I reset the choice to "Check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them".  Upon clicking "OK" the system immediately went to "Checking for updates...".

Updates downloaded and were able to be installed.  All setting restored to the way I normally keep them, and all seems well at this point.

Essentially the 'fix' was to simply: Turn Win Update OFF, restart, and the turn it ON again.

Worked for me,   YMMV

I deleted mine and nothing happened except the loss of the update history. Installed updates is still there. My file was 6.5gigs. Leave it or blow it away, it is up to you.

I was the one who suggested (re)installing Silverlight (page 5 of this thread) to get those Microsoft update option choices back. ;o))

And WU is working correctly for me this morning on this Win 7 32-bit PC, though it took a long time searching before offering the latest MSE definitions today. Guess millions of PCs are all competing for time on MS servers to get updates today after yesterday's mess...