Updates will not go past download stage

[Tuxenstein]

I've been trying to update my Windows install since sometime in November and each time, it never gets past the download stage. I have tried different steps, including running system tools that never seem to get anywhere or seem to "hang" when trying to run them. I have also tried to manually download the individual update files from Microsoft's site and likewise, it seems to be stuck in an endless cycle of not doing anything.

In my CBS directory, I currently have several (cabinet?) files labeled "CbsPersist_<numbers>" that correspond with each time I've unsuccessfully attempted to update my system (at least, the dates of the files as well as the beginning part of the numbers). Although, I have no idea what the seemingly random numbers after the dates may mean nor do I know how or whether they can/should be viewed?

I still get regular notices about "New Windows updates available", yet never get anywhere with any of them when I actually try to install the ones labeled "important" (just to see if it was limited to that section, I did try doing the same with ones labeled "optional" and had the same problem). Again, it goes as far as to acknowledge what I've selected (or all of them, as I have also tried) and then goes into the screen where it looks like it's downloading, yet never gets past zero and also there is no activity on my modem nor network card to suggest it.

I have already thoroughly checked my system for any form of malware or virus, etc. and neither my security software (which I keep updated daily and was upgraded to the latest release in November) nor Malware Bytes (Pro, which I also update daily), nor any other tool I've tried has found any evidence of anything on that system.

Also, I'm not sure if this is related to this issue or not (or a symptom?) or if it's an entirely different problem, but I have also noticed similar behavior when I attempted to install a new piece of hardware (a peripheral) I received for Christmas.

My system specs are as follows:

Intel i7-2600 (3.40 Ghz)
Gigabyte Z68A-D3H-B3
EVGA 6600GT (Superclocked), 3GBs
10GBs Crucial RAM (dual channel configuration)
1x 1TB Western Digital (Black)
1x 3TB Western Digital (Black)
1x 2TB Western Digital (Blue)
Windows 7 Professional (64-bit)

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[torchwood]

Hi Tuxan,
can you run this tool, copy/paste the output.
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=52012

And from the CBS is thier a text file above the persistant, if so upload a copy or if not the last persistant, (zip).

is W7 first, (boot order) it hates being behind Linux

Roy

 

[torchwood]

dont think its causing any problem but your RAM is running at 2 different levels.
IF i remember rightly:sarc: you'll only end up running at the lower speed

Roy

 

[Tuxenstein]

Regarding Linux, while I am very much running it, it actually currently sits on another hard drive from Windows 7 (the 1TB drive). I actually switch between the two by changing the HD boot order in my BIOS--following my last reinstall of Windows, I felt it was easier/less painful than having to deal with also getting the Linux bootloader back up and running again afterwards, plus I needed more space for Windows, itself.

The only "interaction" I have between the two operating systems is Linux having access to certain Windows storage partitions (except the partition where Windows, itself, resides on which I've deliberately chosen to "hide" from Linux) for transferring or accessing certain files. Otherwise, they're kept separate from one-another.

Also, with respect to my RAM, I'm aware of that with respect to dual channel configurations. However, I purchased my RAM pairs at different times and financially couldn't afford to make up the difference if I had taken out the first pair, so decided to keep them in. With the first pair, however, I was both on a very tight budget and had to deal with the 4GB limitation with 32-bit software architecture (as when I built this system, I was forced to go with an unused, boxed, legal copy of XP Pro I still had lying around and wait and watch for sales on Windows 7).

I've copied the output from the tool you suggested into a plain text file and have uploaded that as well as uploading a zip containing the most recent CbsPersist file.

Thank you for all the help and insist so far!

 

[torchwood]

Hi Tuxen
nothing much showing as wrong in those.

Can you navigate to the key, as in the attached screenshot whats yours.

That value (3) is changed by WU, or if you have a GPO rule.


Roy

 

[Tuxenstein]

At the risk of asking a stupid question, how do I get into the screen to actually check that?

 

[torchwood]

Hi Tuxen,
sorry mate from Regedit, then via the details at the botton of the screenshot
HKLM >>>>>>

Roy

 

[Tuxenstein]

I've uploaded a screenshot of what it's showing. However, the value you pointed to appears to be the same?