Windows 7 Update Error - Has not updated for 90 Days!

[WinningWith7]

I just found out windows has not updated since November 2017

When i manually searched for updates these windows appeared

I have tried uninstall software around that date, including Intel RST drivers for my Samsung SSD which i heard could cause update issues, ran disk check, Automatically fix file system errors, Scan for and detect recovery of bad sectors, cleared everything expect thumbs in Disk Cleanup, cold booted, ran Window Experience Index and have done full virus scans with Avast, Malwerebytes and Super anti spyware but still get the same issue; what should i do next and how do i figure out what caused this (particularly if its something malicious) thanks

 

[torchwood]

Hi Winningwith7

MS issued some duff certificates around that time, you wern't the only one
see post#9 for fix

Windows Update service not running - Windows 7 Help Forums

Roy

 

[mrjimphelps]

Here's another trick which might fix it for you:

Rename the SoftwareDistribution folder to something else. It is located in C:\Windows

Give it any name you like; the point is to make it unavailable to Windows, so that Windows will have to create it again. For example, you could rename it to SoftwareDistribution1

By renaming the folder rather than deleting it, you can easily restore it by fixing the name. I don't know if you will ever need to restore it, but my habit is to simply rename a folder rather than delete it.

Apparently the contents of that folder track your Windows updates, and they may be corrupted.

 

[WinningWith7]

Hi Winningwith7

MS issued some duff certificates around that time, you wern't the only one
see post#9 for fix

Windows Update service not running - Windows 7 Help Forums

Roy

Thanks for this, after doing it windows updated some stuff but did not get the more recent stuff

 

[WinningWith7]

Here's another trick which might fix it for you:

Rename the SoftwareDistribution folder to something else. It is located in C:\Windows

Give it any name you like; the point is to make it unavailable to Windows, so that Windows will have to create it again. For example, you could rename it to SoftwareDistribution1

By renaming the folder rather than deleting it, you can easily restore it by fixing the name. I don't know if you will ever need to restore it, but my habit is to simply rename a folder rather than delete it.

Apparently the contents of that folder track your Windows updates, and they may be corrupted.

I renamed the file and tried to get updates but got this error message so what should i do next please?

 

[torchwood]

Hi WinningWith7,

Can you post the log from here please,
C >> Windows >> logs >> CBS ... cbs (the top one)


Roy

 

[WinningWith7]

Sorry had issues uploading the file so have split it into two...

As it stands i have two of the software distribution folders with one of them renamed "1" at the end

 

[torchwood]

Hi Winningwith7,

can you use the buit in zip creator please.

Roy

 

[WinningWith7]

I hope this is what you meant; if not please provide me with details on how to do it; thanks

 

[torchwood]

Hi Winningwith7,

can you run this repair update from here, kb947821,
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us...-by-using-the-dism-or-system-update-readiness

post the log please

Roy

 

[WinningWith7]

Done...

 

[WinningWith7]

please advise...

 

[WinningWith7]

Torch you asked for the files and i have uploaded them... is there anything that can be done?

Would a repair install do the trick or would you recommend a reformat (which i really want to avoid). Thanks

 

[Snick]

Repair Install will work, see Repair Install

After repair install, Install All Post-SP1 Updates Offline in Windows 7 Using Convenience Rollup Package

 

[therealsimpsons]

Hi
I have the exact problem as the OP. I found this thread, and it says there is a fix at post #9. That post is from the OP. How can he post his own fix? I know nothing about computers. Just an end-user. The last post (#10) is a link to a MS site which says it is for IT pros only. It's all Greek to me. Can someone help? I notice that the OP has not posted that his/her issue is solved.

I'm attaching pictures to show what I have encountered. I have restarted several times, no change.

Thanks for any suggestions.
P.S. My Windows Update History is blank. How can that be?

 

[Ranger4]

Hi therealsimpsons. The Thread you are referring to with the reference to Post #9 was located elsewhere. However, that Post was mine & below is the method that has been used to fix the problem you are having. Read it carefully & follow the directions.

"Windows update cannot currently check for updates, because the service is not running, You may need to restart your computer".

This is exactly the message you get when the AuthCab has expired. Doing the following seems to fix it:

The date on the computer has to be reset & to do that follow this:

To reset the date on the computer Right Click on the Clock at bottom RH corner of the screen, select Change Date & Time Settings, when that opens click on the Internet Time tab, Then select Change Settings, then untick Synchronise with Internet Time Server, be sure to tick OK, then select the Date & Time tab, Then select Change Date & Time & set the date back to 3 Dec.

Then reboot the computer & then run Check for Updates in Windows Update, it should update to the 3 Dec. In some cases you may need to try an earlier date if the 2nd doesn't work.

Then reboot, reset Internet time Synch, change computer date to today's date, re run Check for Updates in Windows Update & it should check for Updates & came back with Windows is up to date, with the latest updates installed.

This method should retain all your Update History as well.



The reason for this procedure, is that Windows accesses an AuthCab during the start-up procedure that Authorises access to the Windows Update download site. This authorisation expired on 3 Dec for a lot of users & access get blocked to the Windows Update site.

By running the repair I listed above, resetting the computer date & rebooting provides access to Update site at which MS have now reset the expiry of that AuthCab which gets installed on your computer, so it can now download & install Updates. Of course it is then necessary to reset the date on the computer & re run Check for Updates to bring it completely up to date.

 

[therealsimpsons]

Perfect, Ranger4! I had to set the date back to November 28, the day after the last updates were installed, but as of this moment Windows has downloaded and is installing 13 important updates that were discovered 15 minutes ago.

Thank you so much. I can't mark this thread resolved, as I am not the OP. But my issue certainly seems to be.

 

[Ranger4]

You are welcome & thanks for getting back. Glad to hear it's working again now.