Windows 7: Software Protection Service will NOT start.

Windows 7 Professional (x64) - (Pre-installed by HP.)
My automatic Microsoft Updates stopped working sometime after 2/9/2010,
with a Error Code C0000022. My system still runs good, just can't get updates.

After digging around, I found that it is because Software Protection Service is failing to start (error 0xD0000022) on bootup and cannot be started manually, with 'Error 5: Access is Denied'.

This OS was fully (legally) licensed and now it states that the Windows Activation - Status Not Available. (I have NOT used any cracks.)

Can anyone help me with this?

You might want to try uninstalling Update (KB971033). It could have installed improperly. That's the new Microsoft validation update. Those particular updates are known for being garbage.

I suggest to contact with MS Support https://support.microsoft.com/oas/de...spx?gprid=9860

(KB971033) does NOT show up in the list of currently installed updates.

PAY Microsoft to fix their issues. Now that would be my last resort.

Nobody can help me with this?
How could I be the only person to have this problem??

Open a command prompt and run as administrator

Type: net start sppsvc

You might have to take ownership of sppsvc.exe

Also check if your Software Distribution folder has been renamed or modified.

An attitude adjustment wouldn't hurt. We're only offering suggestions as a solution to your problem

Sorry, but I've been frustrated trying to find a solution to this one.

I do appreciate the suggestions.

Tried starting sppsvc from command prompt (run as administrator) with ownership and got...

"A system error occurred"
System error 5 has occurred"
"Access is denied"

I had renamed the Software Distribution folder during a previous attempt to fix this... but I have since put it back.

sfc /scannow shows NO issues.