Solved Windows Update cannot currently check for updates.....

[Jim54]

I recently installed Windows 7 on a new computer. When I was trying to install program, it told me that it could not proceed without updating .net and it instructed me to run Windows Update. When I tried, I got the message "Windows Update cannot check for updates, because the service is not running. You may need to restart your computer." I have done that several times now but still get the same message. I know how to check my services just do not know which one is the problem.

Thanks
Jim

 

[marsmimar]

You can try the System Update Readiness Tool. It tries to fix the most common reasons why Windows Updates fail.

What is the System Update Readiness Tool?

 

[NoelDP]

Try this BEFORE anything else!

Open Windows Updates
click on Change Settings
change your option to Never Update.
Click Apply
Close Windows Updates

Now open Windows Updates again
Click on Change Settings
Change the settings to your preference.
Click Apply, and close Windows Update

Now open Windows Updates, and Check for Updates

See what happens.

 

[Jim54]

@marsmimar, I downloaded the Windows 7, 64 version. When I tried running it, I got the error "Installer encountere and error: 0xc8000222.

@NoelIDP, I tried your suggestion and did not get the error message but it did not do ANYTHING when I asked it to check for updates... well, it did falsh one breff moment.

 

[NoelDP]

This may simply be caused by a bad set of Intel Rapid Storage Technology drivers -
Installing the Intel Rapid Storage Drivers
try downloading and installing them from here - http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?ProductID=2101&DwnldID=20624
Once complete, please reboot twice, then test WU again

 

[swassociates]

Try this. I had the same problem and it worked for me

Go to Administrative Tools/Services, and stop the Windows Update service. Then go to the folder c:/Windows/SoftwareDistribution and delete all of the files and folders. Then go back to Services and restart the Windows Update service which will recreate all of those folders again. Then manually run the Update Service and everything should work.

I recently installed Windows 7 on a new computer. When I was trying to install program, it told me that it could not proceed without updating .net and it instructed me to run Windows Update. When I tried, I got the message "Windows Update cannot check for updates, because the service is not running. You may need to restart your computer." I have done that several times now but still get the same message. I know how to check my services just do not know which one is the problem.

Thanks
Jim

 

[NoelDP]

Try this. I had the same problem and it worked for me
...........

Such surgery is for where everything else has failed

 

[swassociates]

Surgery?

That is pretty simple straight forward stuff. I'm no wiz and it was a a piece of cake for me.

Try this. I had the same problem and it worked for me
...........

Such surgery is for where everything else has failed

 

[Jim54]

Try this. I had the same problem and it worked for me

Go to Administrative Tools/Services, and stop the Windows Update service. Then go to the folder c:/Windows/SoftwareDistribution and delete all of the files and folders. Then go back to Services and restart the Windows Update service which will recreate all of those folders again. Then manually run the Update Service and everything should work.

It worked!! Thanks

 

[swassociates]

Whoopee!


I'm a surgeon

Try this. I had the same problem and it worked for me

Go to Administrative Tools/Services, and stop the Windows Update service. Then go to the folder c:/Windows/SoftwareDistribution and delete all of the files and folders. Then go back to Services and restart the Windows Update service which will recreate all of those folders again. Then manually run the Update Service and everything should work.

It worked!! Thanks

 

[NoelDP]

It would have been interesting to see if my option worked as it usually does - and at zero risk to the patient

 

[Larry Dunn]

I agree with NoelDP.

On my system, the suggestion of turning off Windows Updates,
then turning it back on, solved the problem right away.

I wudda never thought it up by myself.

And the simpler, smaller solution should always be first.

That said, I would cheerfully try the radical surgery,
should it prove necessary.

 

[swassociates]

Sorry to have hurt anyone's feelings by solving the problem for Jim54. I will certainly butt out and won't try to help next time.

I know I'm beating a dead horse here but stoping the service, deleting some folders which automatically get created when the service is started again is hardly surgey. Trust me, if I can do it anyone can.

PS> A guy at Microsoft gave me the fix

 

[NoelDP]

No need to get grumpy - we're all entitled to our own views on the 'correct' way to approach any problem.
The important thing in any forum is to avoid any damage to a system if you possibly can - which is why I prefer the 'passive' fixes if there's a chance they'll work, rather than the more certain 'surgical' fixes which usually (but not always) work - they help to define the problem, if they don't fix it, and they don't make significant change o the system which can make later troubleshooting more difficult.

The source of a solution is no guarantee of it's worth - look at all Norton products since they were bought by Symantec as a perfect example - or the fact that most PC manufacturer's 'Support lines' will tell you to reinstall Windows to fix a lost shortcut to a game.

 

[swassociates]

Oaky Doky

 

[Four Cs]

Try this BEFORE anything else!

Open Windows Updates
click on Change Settings
change your option to Never Update.
Click Apply
Close Windows Updates

Now open Windows Updates again
Click on Change Settings
Change the settings to your preference.
Click Apply, and close Windows Update

Now open Windows Updates, and Check for Updates

See what happens.

Excellent advice!!!! This fixed the issue. Thanks for posting

 

[NoelDP]

Glad to hear it - thanks for letting us know.

 

[auwingr]

I too am experiencing the same problem with Windows Updater. Followed all of the above recommendations and nothing. I downloaded the System update readiness tool and got an error message (0xc8000247).
This is a new hard drive install on a laptop and the factory original Recovery Discs were used to re-install Windows 7. It is a 64 bit install on a Toshiba laptop model Satellite C655.
Any assistance on resolving this issue would be deeply appreciated. Need this laptop to work, as it is out of warrantee period and I can't afford to call for factory assistance. Thanks!

 

[NoelDP]

Try the Fixit from here.... How do I reset Windows Update components?

 

[auwingr]

Thanks Noel

well, just when I had all but given up hope I tried installing the Intel drivers and what-do-you know...it worked like a charm.
I had tried all the other measures to no avail and never figured the drivers would have been the issue, but they were.
Thanks for having such a great website. I've found a wealth of information here in the past, but this was a real life saver.

Again Thanks!