Windows 7: cannot Check for Updates - Update Service Not Running

Running a laptop (Win 7 32 bit) that I rarely use and am trying to get a lsit of updates to apply but get msg that the update service is not running. Used the 'Service Update' tutorial and did the Windows Update procedure - then rebooted. Still get msg.

Suggestion?

Hello Win7rip,

Try this:

Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Services. Scroll Down and find the Windows Update service and make sure it is started.

i recently had this same problem on 3 different computers. i had windows update set to check and notify me of new updates. i changed it to never check for updates, then it let me check manually, the first thing windows update did was install the latest windows update agent, then everything went back to normal. i guess i need to use these computers more often.

HonorGamer - tried = same msg ... looked at 'update service' - was started (before too) but it said 'Automatic(Delayed start)'... set it to automatic and did a restart. Service still said 'Automatic(Delayed start)' and still couldn't get list.

Steveo59 - set to never then it let me check - had to update agent .... now its installing all missing updates. After install, I'll go back and reset 'updates'. Thank you.
Guess the problem was the 'agent' update.