Windows update will not complete - constantly scanning for updates

[witchhazel]

My windows (7 pro) update last successfully completed on Feb 6, 2016. Since then, if I click on windows update, it starts "scanning for updates" and does not advance beyond that point. I let it run for 48 hours, but it does not proceed. Also (maybe related) when I shut down or restart the computer, I get an infinite "shutting down" screen and the process does not complete. Again, it can sit there like that for 24+ hours, then I give up and turn it off.
I have tried the following: Ran CCCleaner, Malwarebytes (computer is clean), ran the windows update repair tool (said it fixed a service registration issue), ran sfc /scannnow. I tried restore to a system restore point, but apparently that isn't running correctly either. At first it wouldn't even launch, but now I can get it to launch but it doesn't list any available restore points. Do I have any other options other than a complete reinstall? If bite the bullet and upgrade to Windows 10 (arrrrgh!) is it going to carry over my problems? Thanks

 

[torchwood]

choice

Hi WitchHazel,
As you have a retail install,(and presumably the disks)
The choice is yours try W10 if you dont like it revert back to W7.

If you want to stay with W7, and try and sort it, follow the instructions in the sticky posting at the top of this sub-forum.

Roy

 

[witchhazel]

I have already tried the things listed in the sticky post and they did not help. I see in another related post that someone says there is a new version of Windows updater that needs to be downloaded? I will try this tonight

 

[torchwood]

Well if you post the
cbs logs,mgadiag we can try and help you
No info makes it impossible

Roy

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Confirm your windows update setting are Excluding Recommended updates being installed the same way as Important updates.

Set to install automatically
This is the new client update or at least good enough to manually install if it does not exist already,
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3135445

Click Start and type in the search box
services
Click on the suggestion or the enter key,
Make sure these services are running and on automatic,
Background intelligent transfer services
Cryptographic
Windows installer
Windows update

Actually here is the newest update client
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3138612

 

[witchhazel]

Yes I have unchecked the setting regarding the installation of recommended updates. Also Right now I have automatic update turned off and have been trying to manually run them, most recently only trying to install KB 3135445, which, like everything else, runs for hours "scanning for updates" without accomplishing anything. It is hard to get much accomplished because each step I try seems to take all day. I will try 3138612 today with the steps you suggest.
I've been trying to upload my logs as a cbs.zip file but every time I click upload in your dialog box, I get a 404-server error.

 

[witchhazel]

Ok. I uploaded only the most recent files in the CBS log, rather than zipping the whole folder. See if this is useful Thanks!

 

[witchhazel]

ok, I just got a message that 3138612 "is not applicable to my computer"

 

[torchwood]

SP1

Hi Witchhazel,

That only works for W7 >> SP1<<, you need this one, scroll down till you see the big blue download button.
(read the instructions as well)
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/949104

Roy

 

[torchwood]

logs

still cant see any logs,

1. Right-click and on the CBS folder and select Copy.
2. Minimise all open windows and right-click on your Desktop, then select Paste.
3. Right-click on the CBS folder on your Desktop and select Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder.
4. A file, CBS.zip should appear on your Desktop.
5. Then upload as an attchment

Roy

Mgadiag as well please

 

[witchhazel]

Here is the log file, with all the older cabs stripped out of it.

 

[witchhazel]

I have to go to work now, so I'll have to run mgadiag later

 

[torchwood]

shutdown

Hi Witchhazel,
Looks like you have pending updates.
Caused by your comp shutting down whilst it was starting up, presume a power outage.
Can you
COPY and PASTE the following, in an Elevated command mode prompt

Net stop bits
Net stop wuauserv
Ipconfig /flushdns
cd \documents and settings\all users\application data\microsoft\network\downloader
Del qmgr0.dat
Del qmgr1.dat
Net start bits
Net start wuauserv

Then enter
REBOOT

Then these also in an elevated command mode

takeown /f C:\Windows\winsxs\pending.xml
enter


Ren c:\windows\winsxs\pending.xml pending.old

Enter

Reboot

Then try 1 update, rerun sfc/scannow post the log
Roy

 

[witchhazel]

Followed your instructions. However, there didn't seem to be any file named pending.xml anywhere.
I did try to go ahead and run an update but got error code 8008005. In case it helps, I am going to go ahead and run sfc/scannow and I am currently trying to get you the Mgadiag. Should it be taking a long time to run? It has been running for about an hour. Also, in case it helps, my windows updater version is 7.6.7601.19077

 

[witchhazel]

the result of MGA Diag is below. I noticed a Temp folder in C:\windows\winsxs. Should it be emptied? Thanks

Diagnostic Report (1.9.0027.0):
-----------------------------------------
Windows Validation Data-->

Validation Code: 0
Cached Online Validation Code: 0x0
Windows Product Key: *****-*****-426Y4-DM4V2-9DB63
Windows Product Key Hash: CvN8k8q3TjzLK48yL56uTzsUWBk=
Windows Product ID: 00371-152-1386845-85440
Windows Product ID Type: 5
Windows License Type: Retail
Windows OS version: 6.1.7601.2.00010100.1.0.048
ID: {AA298D99-99C8-4930-87F9-C7ECE57C3B51}(3)
Is Admin: Yes
TestCab: 0x0
LegitcheckControl ActiveX: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Product Name: Windows 7 Professional
Architecture: 0x00000009
Build lab: 7601.win7sp1_gdr.151019-1254
TTS Error: 
Validation Diagnostic: 
Resolution Status: N/A

Vista WgaER Data-->
ThreatID(s): N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002

Windows XP Notifications Data-->
Cached Result: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
File Exists: No
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
WgaTray.exe Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
WgaLogon.dll Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002

OGA Notifications Data-->
Cached Result: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
OGAExec.exe Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
OGAAddin.dll Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002

OGA Data-->
Office Status: 100 Genuine
Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2007 - 100 Genuine
OGA Version: N/A, 0x80070002
Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Office Diagnostics: 025D1FF3-364-80041010_025D1FF3-229-80041010_025D1FF3-230-1_025D1FF3-517-80040154_025D1FF3-237-80040154_025D1FF3-238-2_025D1FF3-244-80070002_025D1FF3-258-3_E2AD56EA-765-d003_E2AD56EA-766-0_E2AD56EA-134-80004005_E2AD56EA-765-b01a_E2AD56EA-766-0_E2AD56EA-148-80004005_16E0B333-89-80004005_B4D0AA8B-1029-80004005

Browser Data-->
Proxy settings: N/A
User Agent: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 8.0; Win32)
Default Browser: C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
Download signed ActiveX controls: Prompt
Download unsigned ActiveX controls: Disabled
Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins: Allowed
Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe: Disabled
Allow scripting of Internet Explorer Webbrowser control: Disabled
Active scripting: Allowed
Script ActiveX controls marked as safe for scripting: Allowed

File Scan Data-->

Other data-->
Office Details: <GenuineResults><MachineData><UGUID>{AA298D99-99C8-4930-87F9-C7ECE57C3B51}</UGUID><Version>1.9.0027.0</Version><OS>6.1.7601.2.00010100.1.0.048</OS><Architecture>x64</Architecture><PKey>*****-*****-*****-*****-9DB63</PKey><PID>00371-152-1386845-85440</PID><PIDType>5</PIDType><SID>S-1-5-21-754216410-1890486941-2309404370</SID><SYSTEM><Manufacturer>System manufacturer</Manufacturer><Model>System Product Name</Model></SYSTEM><BIOS><Manufacturer>Phoenix Technologies, LTD</Manufacturer><Version>ASUS M3N78 PRO ACPI BIOS Revision 1003</Version><SMBIOSVersion major="2" minor="5"/><Date>20090602000000.000000+000</Date></BIOS><HWID>82D93307018400F2</HWID><UserLCID>0409</UserLCID><SystemLCID>0409</SystemLCID><TimeZone>Eastern Standard Time(GMT-05:00)</TimeZone><iJoin>0</iJoin><SBID><stat>3</stat><msppid></msppid><name></name><model></model></SBID><OEM/><GANotification/></MachineData><Software><Office><Result>100</Result><Products><Product GUID="{90120000-0011-0000-0000-0000000FF1CE}"><LegitResult>100</LegitResult><Name>Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2007</Name><Ver>12</Ver><Val>534ABADDB132D86</Val><Hash>sAiF7muf38Aju87dH4uCvcv6V/0=</Hash><Pid>89409-707-0125751-65479</Pid><PidType>14</PidType></Product></Products><Applications><App Id="15" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="16" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="18" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="19" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="1A" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="1B" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="44" Version="12" Result="100"/></Applications></Office></Software></GenuineResults>  

Spsys.log Content: 0x80070002

Licensing Data-->
Software licensing service version: 6.1.7601.17514

Name: Windows(R) 7, Professional edition
Description: Windows Operating System - Windows(R) 7, RETAIL channel
Activation ID: e838d943-63ed-4a0b-9fb1-47152908acc9
Application ID: 55c92734-d682-4d71-983e-d6ec3f16059f
Extended PID: 00371-00170-152-138684-01-1033-7600.0000-0212012
Installation ID: 003580517215035271133576527906960081530340365502913391
Processor Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88338
Machine Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88339
Use License URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88341
Product Key Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88340
Partial Product Key: 9DB63
License Status: Licensed
Remaining Windows rearm count: 4
Trusted time: 3/3/2016 10:12:23 PM

Windows Activation Technologies-->
HrOffline: 0x00000000
HrOnline: 0x00000000
HealthStatus: 0x0000000000000000
Event Time Stamp: 11:13:2015 03:44
ActiveX: Registered, Version: 7.1.7600.16395
Admin Service: Registered, Version: 7.1.7600.16395
HealthStatus Bitmask Output:


HWID Data-->
HWID Hash Current: NgAAAAIABAABAAIAAAACAAAAAQABAAEAln2qISjCcHxWEJaShFZCmZjT8IZOvoIyAgeihtbH

OEM Activation 1.0 Data-->
N/A

OEM Activation 2.0 Data-->
BIOS valid for OA 2.0: yes, but no SLIC table
Windows marker version: N/A
OEMID and OEMTableID Consistent: N/A
BIOS Information: 
  ACPI Table Name    OEMID Value    OEMTableID Value
  APIC            Nvidia        ASUSACPI
  FACP            Nvidia        ASUSACPI
  HPET            Nvidia        ASUSACPI
  MCFG            Nvidia        ASUSACPI

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
It would really help if you completed your system spec's page with exact products,
For 1 your mother board exact model/ cpu/ ram/ graphic's card....

Use the link above my signature "Fill in your system spec's page" it will help you and actually do it for you if ie11.. is your default browser for just that process

I personally don't see anything wrong with the report.
Except for possibly the build lab entry ;/
https://social.microsoft.com/Forums...tage-message-build-7601?forum=genuinewindows7

 

[witchhazel]

I added more details on my system specs, of what I was able to get relatively quickly. Sorry that everything is coming in bits and pieces but I am finding this process to be very difficult when my computer is tied up for literally hours each time I try to do any of the suggested remedies. For example, rebooting takes 4+ hours because every time it says it is applying windows updates - do not shut down" Do I really have to sit through this painful wait, since it is clearly not accomplishing anything? I have not been able to install any updates (following your suggested steps each time) because some I have tried have given the "not applicable" error and others give error code 8008005 as mentioned in a previous post and others just scan for hours without achieving anything. I've been trying to run another SFC /scannow but now it says that "windows resource protection cannot start repair service." I'm now waiting for a reboot so I can start in safe mode and try to run it that way. (I'm posting this from a different computer while I wait).

 

[witchhazel]

Regarding the build lab comment ... do I need to reactivate my license? I'm not getting any messages about my OS being "not genuine" but is that build lab version an indication that my COA has an issue?

 

[torchwood]

Time

Its trying to install those updates and failing then reverting hence the 4 hours+.

No your licence details are fine, we do get update failing even if the install is legit, but not recognised as such. mainly because registry cleaners are used, have you used 1?

Coz im in england theres the time delay as well.

Roy

 

[torchwood]

big stick

AS the damage has already been done,

Please do a forced shutdown
THIS IS NOT A PREFFERRED method for shutdown,
PRESS AND >> HOLD << YOUR POWER BUTTON, TILL IT TURNS OFF


Hoped the small fix would work now for the big stick



On the System Recovery Options page, click Command Prompt.
Type cd C:\windows\winsxs, and then press ENTER.
Type ren pending.xml pending.old, and then press ENTER.
Type regedit, and then press ENTER.
Select HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.
On the File menu, click Load Hive.
Locate the following folder:
C:\windows\system32\config\components
When you are prompted for a name, type Offline_Components.
In Registry Editor, locate and then delete the following registry
subkey:
HLKM\Offline Components\AdvancedInstallersNeedResolving
HKLM\Offline Components\PendingXmlIdentifier
Exit Registry Editor:
At the command prompt, type exit to exit Registry Editor.
Press ENTER.
Restart System

Roy