Solved Unable to install updates on fresh Windows 7 SP1 install

[Clem]

-Running Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit Service Pack 1

Hello there, I've just built a new computer and am having trouble installing Windows updates on my fresh install.

When I go to Windows Update, I get the following message:

--
Install new Windows Update software

To check for updates, you must first install an update for Windows Update. Your automatic updating settings will not change

To install the update, Windows update will automatically close and re-open.
--

When I click 'Install now', the window disappears and I am then confronted with the following message:

--
Windows could not search for new updates

An error occurred while checking for new updates for your computer.

Error(s) found:
Code 800F081F Windows Update encountered an unknown error.
--

Does anyone know how I can get updates to work? Is there some way that I can manually download and install this update for Windows Update?

Thank you.

 

[marsmimar]

I'm guessing that your installation media already contained SP1, is that correct? Since this is a clean install my first thought is something happened during the installation process to damage or corrupt some system files. I'd try the Microsoft troubleshooter first.

Troubleshoot problems with installing updates - WindowsUpdate_dt000

If that doesn't work I'd try running the System Update Readiness Tool.

What is the System Update Readiness Tool?

If still no joy, and only because this is a very recent clean install, I'd just reinstall Windows 7 again. If the problem persists I'd start looking into the possibility of a bad installation disk, hardware issues, etc. Please post back if any of this helps or not.

 

[Clem]

Yes, SP1 included on the install disc.

I'll try those two tools now, thanks.

 

[Clem]

I just decided to re-install, updates are now working.

Thanks for the help.

 

[marsmimar]

Excellent news! Thanks for posting back.

 

[NoelDP]

Too late, I know - but the following would probably have worked.....

Open Windows Update
Click on Change Settings
change settings to 'Never Update'
OK out and reboot
now go back and change the settings back to Automatic
OK out and reboot
Now try a check for Windows Updates again.

(Sorry for the tardiness - but it may help others later)

 

[Zalps]

Hello guys...I am new in forums.... I have a sony vaio vgn-fw21z using Home premium 7x64.... It is clean...I've just formatted it... I can't install any update.... I can't even see which updates are to installed...cause in windows update centre It says "Restart your computer to install important updates" but doesn't show which updates specific e.g (kb...)
I tried microsoft tools for update fixies... I've tried all of the solutions you suggest here...but my bigger problem is that I can't even install kb's manually... it says "Update is not applicable to your computer"... I really don't know what to do...I've done days of research...I've even thought second format in a row....I need to install netframework4 cause I need for installing other programms...I am stucked...My laptop drives my crazy.... Thanks for your time.

 

[ChromeOnRust]

Created an account just to say THANK YOU.

I used NoelDP's idea, even in 2014(month away from 2015) this worked like a charm

 

[NoelDP]

You're welcome - good luck!

 

[Nostromov]

Too late, I know - but the following would probably have worked.....

Yes, often times it can get *stuck* and if you just rattle the options, it'll "start working" again! =)

 

[glasskuter]

This works for me every time.

Like everyone else I've fought the windows update problem for years. I wanted to share what works for me after doing a clean install. It might seem a little convoluted but it has so far worked every time. There are a number of restarts involved but once finished Windows 7 will check for and find updates in a matter of 5 minutes. I have them saved to a usb stick which I use 4 or 5 times a week. NOTE- when you manually download these updates make sure you select the proper architecture)
Immediately after doing a clean install of Windows 7 SP1 I manually apply the following updates in this order:
disconnect internet (or stop windows update process. However if you do it this way you have to stop windows update after every restart)
1. install windows update agent https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/949104
2. install windows update client- KB 3138612 (replaces KB3102810) https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3138612
3. Install IE11 pre-requisites (These would probably automatically install when you install IE11 but I just manually do it)
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2847882
4. install IE11 https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/18520/download-internet-explorer-11-offline-installer
5. install IEll cumulative update KB3139929 https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3139929
B. Then add following sites to internet options-security-trusted sites.(uncheck require server verification) Add the same sites to internet options-privacy-allowed sites.
http://*.windowsupdate.microsoft.com
http://*.windowsupdate.com
http://update.microsoft.com
6. install KB3145739 Access Denied
7. install KB3153199 Access Denied
8. install KB3161664 Access Denied
9. install servicing stack KB3020369 https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3020369
10- install KB3172605 (includes Kb3161608 and KB3161647) https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3172605
11. update convenience rollup kb3125574 https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3125574
Restart update service if it is stopped. Connect internet and check for updates.

You can also slip stream these updates into your Windows7-SP1 iso. Since the rollup update I just haven't gotten around to doing it yet.

EDIT 10/18/16-Since I originally wrote this post CBroussard corrected me and advised that only the updates marked in purple have to be manually applied although I have not tried his method. But it may save someone a lot of time. I do know that the steps I took have always worked but shorter is always better if it works. Thank you CBroussard. For some reason the links to several of the updates show "access denied" but the links do work.

 

[CBroussard]

Thanks

Thanks glasskuter,

A little long and entailed, BUT it does work!

Charles

 

[glasskuter]

Your welcome. I tried doing it the way others said in their responses to this thread. Sometimes I would get it to work using their method and sometimes not. Then I'd spend more time trying to get it to work than had I just gone ahead and done it this way from the start. I know this method seems overkill but it has never failed me. It may could be shortened by leaving off IE11 and its updates but if it ain't broke....Glad it worked for you.

 

[CBroussard]

Just wanted you to know it WAS appreciated.

I just can't figure out why a new install used to work flawlessly and now it won't???

 

[glasskuter]

I'm with you on that. I can honestly say I have spent more time getting windows update to work than I have working on anything else. That's the beauty of Windows 10 in that updates are not as much problem as Windows 7. However I did have one Windows 10 machine that gave me fits. Ended up calling Microsoft who ran a batch file to fix it. They don't know it but I saved that batch file for future use. I'm glad my method worked for you. Sometimes the long way is the best way. Since I posted that post I have slipstreamed all those updates into my Windows 7 disk but I haven't had a chance to use it yet to see if it works. I appreciate your thanks. I don't know what I would have done without the helpful stuff people take their time to post here. Good old Brink, especially. I'm glad I was able to help someone.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
There is really only 3 updates that need to be manually installed on a clean install
KB3020369 & KB3125574 & KB3172605
windows update

 

[Armada9]

Hi, I'm in progress of applying this fix now; Do you install the optional updates at the bottom of the page for step 3?

Thanks!

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi and welcome to SevenForums Armada9
Not sure which page 3 you're referring too ?

 

[Armada9]

Thanks for the day-of response!

Step three directs you to this link: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2847882

There's 6 that are considered required pre-requisite updates to install on the machine. Then beneath those, under a new header saying "Optional updates for Internet Explorer 11" are three more that are considered optional.

Thanks in advance!

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
It's a lot easier to install these instead of all of the others that have been posted
KB3020369 & KB3125574 & KB3172605
windows update