Can I Upgrade to 7 Ultimate with Existing Windows Update Problem

Just this week I noticed I had a Windows Update icon in my system tray. When I opened it up I got an error stating that it could not check for windows updates. It also had the error code of 80070490. I've tried running the Readiness Tool that was suggested in the Windows knowledge base article but that didn't fix it. The only other option that I have been able to find is to re-install (or re-upgrade) my operating system. I am running Windows Vista Ultimate on this laptop and I'm not sure if I have the CD/DVD of the operating system as the OS came installed on my laptop when I got it (from Lenovo). So, I've decided that since I was going to upgrade to Windows 7 at some point, I might as well do it now.

My question is I'm wondering if this Windows Update problem will somehow hamper the upgrade to Windows 7. Does anyone know? I don't want to buy the upgrade package and try to preserve my files and program installations only to have this Windows Upgrade piece be a key component of the upgrade to Windows 7 and it all fail.

Has anyone had this problem before and upgraded successfully/unsuccessfully?

Thanks.

If you get a Windows 7 upgrade disc, follow this tutorial.

Just backup all your data first.

Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version[2]=General Tips

I'd do the Clean Install to overcome accumulated corruption in Vista including the Updates issue.

When you boot the WIn7 DVD, it will scan the HD to see Vista then pass a flag allowing use of Upgrade version key - even if you then go on to use Custom>Drive Options (advanced) to repartition and format before install.

The installer is mostly driver-complete, with newer arriving quickly via optional Windows Updates. Any drivers then missing in Device Manager can be found on the Support Downloads webpage for your computer model.

Install programs gradually to test performance after each. Don't let any programs write themselves into your msconfig>Startup list besides AV as they are freeloaders on your CPU/RAM which can start when you click them.

Use a lightweight unintrusive AV like free Microsoft Security Essentials that doesn't bog or bloat your System.

After it's setup and working as you want, run state-of-the-art CCleaner "Run Cleaner" and Registry tabs, then Auslogics Disk and Registry defraggers to clean and order your HD perfectly.

Then save a Win7 backup image so you never have to reinstall again, just reimage your HD or a replacement using your DVD Repair console or Repair CD in 15-20 minutes.