Windows 7 Home hanging forever checking for updates

Ev7 · 09 Oct 2015

When I try to check for updates, it just hangs for at least many hours with little to no apparent CPU, Disk, or network activity. The update check cannot be canceled (other than by rebooting). Clicking "Cancel does nothing". I can close the window but checking on Windows Update just bring ups the window and shows it is still checking.

The attached zip contains 3 files:
1. When I ran HotFix it went to about 95% complete & then hung there for hours (See HotFix.jpg)
However, It finally did finish with no error message.
2. When I ran sfc /scannow, errors were reported. See sfc.jpg
3. See also CBS - Copy.log

Thank you VERY much for your help.

More info I just noticed:
My Windows Update Service is running.
I do not have the BITS service in the list of services (see new attachment)
When it is hung the wuaude.exe service is running. If I end the process or the process tree, it just restarts. There are no other processes starting with wu running.

ThrashZone · 10 Oct 2015

Hi and welcome to SevenForums,
Are you saying you do not have Bit Defender installed as your security ?

Ev7 · 10 Oct 2015

Thanks for your reply. I do have Bitdefender installed. However, at one point I uninstalled it, rebooted and update still hung. Then I reinstalled it.

I was saying that I do not have the BITS (Background Intelligent Transfer Service) service as shown in the attached screen capture.

ThrashZone · 10 Oct 2015

Hi,
Okay thanks for clearing that up :)
There was a windows update released too recently possibly the system is updating it's self which might cause the delay,
Otherwise a delay searching for updates has been far too frequent lately
Best policy is to be patient
I have in the past if it does that is I have restarted to see if it shakes it up a little
Restarts are pretty normal with some updates
What I wouldn't do is shut down.

Layback Bear · 10 Oct 2015

As long as Windows 7 Updates is in the Search Mode you can shut down you computer.
You do not want to shut down when Windows 7 Updates is in the Update or Install Mode.

When Windows 7 Update is hanging in the Search Mode for a long time on my systems, I Restart the computer and Check Windows 7 Update again. Most of the time it speeds things up.

I think what happens is you get another Microsoft server that doesn't have such a large demand being put on it.

Ev7 · 10 Oct 2015

Leaving it over night does not help. Also, I understand that the BITS service is necessary for update to work and I do not have the BITS service at all.

I submitted the info and log requested, perhaps they would reveal something to the knowledgeable eye.

Layback Bear · 10 Oct 2015

If leaving it run over night doesn't help, Absolutely complete this tutorial so our expert can have a look.

Windows Update Posting Instructions

GokAy · 10 Oct 2015

Try restoring the service by merging the corresponding reg file - Services - Restore Default Services in Windows 7

Then if you have not already done so, download and install Windows Update Agent June 2015.

Ev7 · 10 Oct 2015

I tried an registry repair that was supposed to help get the BITS service running and it did! Then Windows Update started running correctly (although very slowly). After installing all available updates, sfc no longer found any errors. :) :) :)

Thanks to everyone who replied and those who offered to help.

ThrashZone · 10 Oct 2015

Hi,
Great news

Thanks for the update

Cheers.

Windows 7 Home hanging forever checking for updates

Windows 7 Home hanging forever checking for updates

Bitdefender is installed but not the cause of the problem.

Windows 7 Home hanging checking updates - SOLVED