Windows Update won't run after new HDD installed

This is a Dell running Win 7 Pro 64. I recently switched out the 500 GB hard drive for a 1 TB drive. Everything seemed to work fine, but I discovered today that Windows Update won't run. Although the service is running, I get the error msg, "unable to check for updates because the service is not running."

I ran sfc /scannow and it found corrupted system files it couldn't repair. The log is attached.


Any ideas what I might do now?

I already tried this: 1) Stop update service, 2) delete all the files in C:\Windows\Software Distribution, 3) restarted the Update service. Still get the same error message.


I wanted to do a repair-install, but this is a Dell system with OEM software, so I can't to a repair-install from the Dell installation disk. I'd really like to avoid a clean install. I'm guessing the new hard drive is somehow at the bottom of this.

EDIT: I downloaded the System Update Readiness Tool. When I tried to install it, I got the attached error message1 [Sorry, I can't figure out how to make manage the attachments. I got two different error messages when trying to install the SURT. Both are attached.]


EDIT2: I downloaded the SURT again, just in case. This time when I tried to install, I got this error message:

Where did the install disc come from ?

Did you make it ?

Is it retail ?

Is it OEM ?

Is windows activated with the key from the COA ?

How was windows installed to the new drive ?

This could the result of one of three common errors.
In order of likelihood..
1) KB3004394 v1 is installed - uninstall it, reboot twice, and then do a Check for Updates and install the later version
2) IRST drivers (or other HD drivers as required - see if you can spot a problem in device manager)) - install the latest compatible with your system
3) a corrupt CATROOT2 folder - of neither of the above work, post back with/for details.

There are no problems with the SFC output.
(there are also other unknown causes for these errors)

Glad you got it sorted!

Good luck