Windows 7: Windows Update Error 80072EFE

For the past few days when I try to update Windows 7 32 bit, (I am usings Microsoft Security Essentials as my AV) I get the following:



This is not normally what I see, normally the updates are listed and I can just install them.

When I click on "Check for Updates" then I get the following:



Note the error

So then I click on "Get Help with this error" and get the following:



Note that my error is NOT listed.

I have done extensive Google searches to solve the issue. There were several suggestions including some downloads One in particular (ParetoLogic PC Health Advisor) I downloaded and tried to install. After a half hour waiting for it to install I stopped the install. It really played hell with my PC. I ended up restoring my PC with an Acronis Image made 1/15/2011. I had hoped this would also fix my update error, which it did NOT.

Does anyone a freaking idea how to fix this issue? I am assuming even if I do a clean install the same issue will be there.

BTW I have run "Full Scans" twice with Malwarebytes and Microsoft Security Essentials and nothing was found.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

One of things shown is the firewall is blocking access.

Probably not the problem but to be sure try turning your firewall off temporarily then try checking for updates.
At least we will know one way or the other on that scenario.

Once that probably won't work I'll post some other ideas.
I'll get some screen shots together and post them for you.

Mike
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Windows Update - Reset

This is a tutorial on how to reset Windows Update. Should reset to default settings.
Try this first or below first.
All the updates shown in the middle picture below will no longer appear in the list.
They are still on the computer but won't show here after using the reset.
New updates will be added here in the future.
.................................................................................................
If the above doesn't work then open Win Update page.
Click "View Update history" yellow marked in left picture below.
Middle picture click "Troubleshoot."
Right picture Click blue circled "Is there an easy way..."
Then click troubleshooter.

This opens a repair wizard.
Then follow prompts.
There are different listings to try so you may need to try this more than once to select different options.
Several people have used this with good results so it can work but not always.
Best I have for now.
Hope that helps and fixes things.

The actual error code means:

So, it is indeed some sort of network issue. Since WU uses WinHTTP and not WinINet, the error would be coming from inetmsg.h, but since they're the same it doesn't matter. Googling what you actually have as an error message and your problem, I found the very first link in the results might work. If you're still getting the errors after using a restore point to where it was working before, then you might want to consider the issue might not be *on* your box, but perhaps upstream - at your router, or your ISP, etc. It is usually local, but I've seen some issues here on SevenForums where user's DNS was pointing to incorrect servers for WU servers because of DNS cache poisoning, etc. It does happen.

I fixed a computer with the 80072EFE error, it was caused by a rootkit, google tsdkill and let it run.

Thanks for all the replies.

I have reset my modem, router and Vonage. Do not know if that helped or not since after I did that Window 7 totally crashed and I can not even restore an Acronis image.

I am on Win XP at the moment (same computer as I have (or had) Win 7 installed). I had each OS installed on a different hard drive so it made it easy switch back to XP.

At any rate I went to install Win 7 (clean install) and everything was going fine until I put in the Product Code. It said I had an invalid Product Code (I bought Win 7 Pro through the student program offers so I know it is a valid copy of Win 7. Right now I am waiting for Microsoft Customer Care office to open so I can hopefully get the Product Code rectified.

I will let you know what is happening once I get Win 7 installed again.

BTW Win XP updates just fine with no issues.

After numerous calls to Microsoft I finally got the Product Code rectified.

Win 7 is now installed and fully updated as of today.

Other than resetting the modem, router and Vonage I can not think of anything else that may have fixed the Error 80072EFE.