I have to wonder if temporarily disabling all startup items in the msconfig would be the answer in case it turns out that something loading up with Windows is hampering things there for you. This would require a full restart and if you could save the updates as separate items in a folder to start up manually follwoing the restart.
I don't think it's being blocked, I think something in the windows update got corrupted. I don't know what exactly. If you look at my snip of the error page one of the error codes is 80070490 which is
Windows Update error 80070490
If you receive Windows Update error 80070490, it means that a file (CBS Manifest) that's needed to install updates is corrupt.
The System Update Readiness Tool for Windows can correct some conditions that cause Windows Update error 80070490. You can access and run this tool by reading this
Knowledge Base article on the Microsoft website.
If the System Update Readiness Tool doesn't correct the problem, you'll need to repair Windows. Repairing Windows won't damage your personal files or the programs that are installed on your computer.
Once you finish the repair, you'll need to rerun Windows Update to install any updates aren't included on the installation DVD. To repair Windows, follow these steps:
- Close all programs, and then restart your computer.
- Insert the Windows DVD into the computer's disk drive. Wait for Setup to start. If Setup doesn't start automatically, follow these steps:
- Click Start, and then type Drive:\setup.exe in the search box, where Drive is the letter of your computer's DVD drive (for example, D:\setup.exe).
- In the Programs list, click Setup.exe.
- Click Install Now.
- Click Go online to obtain the latest updates for installation (recommended).
- If you are asked for it, type the Windows Product key.
- In the Which kind of installation do you want? window, click Upgrade.
- When the installation is complete, restart your computer, and then run Windows Update.
But of course I'd like to avoid a repair upgrade or reinstall.