Can't Get Windows Updates

Don't know why I can no longer get Windows updates. Attached is a screenshot of the error msg I'm getting.

Thanks for your possible solution here, but despite my doing your instructions extremely meticulously, they were to no avail, as I still get the red page popup, preventing me from getting any upgrades. And, to take the step one further, I even completely disabled my antivirus software program (ESET Smart Security 5 and the firewall); didn't improve matters, unfortunately. So, as a process of elimination, at least it's not my antivirus software causing the problem. A real enigma to say the least. Talk about a job "for Superman."

Hi,

Please reset the Windows Update Components firstly by clicking on the URL mentioned: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058

Also perform a system file check, open the command prompt, input the command “sfc /scannow” then press ENTER.
After following the above mentioned steps, retry the Windows Update.

If the issue still persists, try modifying the permission on the C: Windows\softwaredistributionfolder, which could be hidden. Change the security permissions on this folder for the Trusted Installer and set to read and execute, read, and list directory contents and apply those settings to all subfolders, and then restart the windows update service.

Let me know the Results

Hi, D,

I tried did your instructions precisely but all attempts were futile, as I still get the red page (see attached screenshot) forbidding me to get updates. The first phase of your instructions with the Windows FixIt utility "claimed" that it solved the problem, but while I still had the popup window open to check to see whether it really did correct the problem (as it suggests to do to), I discovered that the problem was still there with the red page forbidding access.

Secondly was the command prompt to which I received the message something about not having administrative rights (forget the exact verbiage, and my screenshot to show you "died" as I waited too long to paste it).

Then, on the third potential solution you were kind enough to give, at first it SEEMED like it would resolve the problem, as when I clicked the Windows Updates button, the "wheel started to fly." But then, it stopped again with the red message, forbidding update access. So, I went back in this same folder (under Trusted Installed) and selected ALL access, not just those you had told me to select. Still, to no avail with red msg page still showing its ugly face.

I'm certainly no tech, but this seems to be a real enigma. I'm so sorry not to give you better news than this.

Hi,

Assuming you log on as Administrator, have already run malware scans (for example: Anti-virus plus Malwarebytes or Spybot Search&Destroy)

Give this “Microsoft Fix it” a try, which is supposed to, "Automatically diagnose and fix common problems with Windows Update. Automatically diagnose and fix common problems with Windows Update, keeping your PC more secure and reliable”http://support.microsoft.com/mats/windows_update/en-us
Reboot and try Updates again.

If no luck, then download and run Windows 7 Update Readiness Tool:“Windows6.1-KB947821”. There are 32bit and 64bit versions. Choose the right one for your system. This Tool takes a good while to run and has no progress indicator. Let it finish. Reboot and try your updates again.For your reference, click on the URL mentioned: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=20858

Hope this helps.

Thank you again for your help, having done everything you mentioned below very meticulously. I use ESET Smart Security 5; I did the Microsoft Fix It tool which did absolutely nothing, despite its message that said the problem is "fixed"; and the Readiness Tool which did take a while to download (as you had mentioned) but also which did nothing. After everything was telling me that the prob was fixed, it came right back to the original Red error page, telling me that I can't do any Windows updates - Error 70080005 (screenshot again attached with the other "fixed" message). This is the MOST FRUSTRATING THING I've ever experienced on the PC, as I usually never have had any challenges that came along that couldn't be quickly resolved. But, this one is a real enigma.

Debbie B said:

Hi,

Assuming you log on as Administrator, have already run malware scans (for example: Anti-virus plus Malwarebytes or Spybot Search&Destroy)

Give this “Microsoft Fix it” a try, which is supposed to, "Automatically diagnose and fix common problems with Windows Update. Automatically diagnose and fix common problems with Windows Update, keeping your PC more secure and reliable”http://support.microsoft.com/mats/windows_update/en-us
Reboot and try Updates again.

If no luck, then download and run Windows 7 Update Readiness Tool:“Windows6.1-KB947821”. There are 32bit and 64bit versions. Choose the right one for your system. This Tool takes a good while to run and has no progress indicator. Let it finish. Reboot and try your updates again.For your reference, click on the URL mentioned: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=20858

Hope this helps.

Ok, here's the info; and thank you for your help here, for whatever it's worth.

I did the download from the link you had given here and took a screenshot of the appearing popup and also attached a photo of the COA sticker which is right on the top of the tower (the product key below I just covered up, as you had suggested not to expose this). So, two (2) attachments.

I purchased this Dell (Optiplex 760) desktop PC second-hand from a gentleman and had contacted Dell immediately; they had informed me that the PC was still under warranty with them (Dell). But, it MAY be out of warranty now; I'm not certain, and I would need to check it. Nevertheless, I have no intention on selling the PC, getting it to Dell or any such thing, as I thoroughly enjoy it and use it heavily every day for business.

Please let me know if the two attachments provide any clue to this mystery; it know it MUST be a real challenge, especially in view of so many others from Seven Forums (who are MUCH more tech-saavy than I, including you) have been unable to resolve. Thank you again for taking the time to have a willingness to help me in this.

NoelDP said:

Let's have a look at a few other things...

Please post a full copy of the report produced by the MGADiag tool
(download and save to desktop - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=52012 )
Once saved, run the tool.
Click on the Continue button, which will produce the report.
To copy the report to your response, click on the Copy button in the tool (ignore any error messages at this point), and then paste (using either r-click/Paste, or Ctrl+V ) into your response.
- **in your own thread**, please
Please also state the Version and Edition of Windows quoted on your COA sticker (if you have one) on the case of your machine (or inside the battery compartment), but do NOT quote the Key on the sticker!
How to Tell