Solved Windows Update "Wont Run" even after reboots

[BrianDye]

Ive read numerous threads on here with this problem, but none seem to be quite as bad as mine.

My PC sat (off) for about 3 weeks (Due to moving, and not having internet yet), I fired it up today, and went to update it and the message:

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

Ive tried going into that "services" window to restart/make sure the "Windows Update" is running, but its not even on that list!

 

[NoelDP]

That sounds as if you may be suffering a malware infestation.

What AV is installed? - is it up-to-date?

Boot to Safe Mode with Networking

Download and install Malwarebytes Anti-malware (free version) from http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_free/ - UNtick 'Enable free trial of MBAM PRO' at the end of the installation - and update it, then run a full scan in your main account, and Quick scans in any other user accounts.

Delete everything it finds

The reboot to normal mode, and update your AV and run a full system scan with that.
post back with your results

 

[Brink]

Hello Brian, and welcome to Seven Forums.

In addition to what Noel posted to help make sure that your system is clean, double check to make sure that you have the services in bold below set to Started and Automatic (Delated Start). If they are not listed in your Services window, then you could use the tutorial below to restore them.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/236709-services-restore-default-services-windows-7-a.html

• Windows Update
• Background Intelligent Transfer Service

After they are restored, use OPTION TWO in the tutorial below to reset and re-register Windows Update, then see if your Windows Update will work now.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91738-windows-update-reset.html
​

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[NoelDP]

Thanks, Shawn - much snappier that my version would have been

 

[BrianDye]

Thanks for the tips guys, just ran that MalwareBytes program in safe mode, and it found one thread, that I deleted. (Log was saved before this, thats why it says no action taken)

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (Trial) 1.65.0.1400
[URL="http://www.malwarebytes.org/"]www.malwarebytes.org[/URL]
Database version: v2012.10.16.11
Windows 7 Service Pack 1 x64 NTFS (Safe Mode/Networking)
Internet Explorer 9.0.8112.16421
(Name Removed):: SLIMLINE [administrator]
Protection: Disabled
10/16/2012 1:50:59 PM
mbam-log-2012-10-16 (13-55-26).txt
Scan type: Quick scan
Scan options enabled: Memory | Startup | Registry | File System | Heuristics/Extra | Heuristics/Shuriken | PUP | PUM
Scan options disabled: P2P
Objects scanned: 198820
Time elapsed: 4 minute(s), 9 second(s)
Memory Processes Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)
Memory Modules Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)
Registry Keys Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)
Registry Values Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)
Registry Data Items Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)
Folders Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)
Files Detected: 1
C:\Users\(Name Removed)\AppData\Local\Temp\lpom.exe (PUP.Adware.Agent) -> No action taken.
(end)

 

[BrianDye]

Now trying your suggestions, Brink.

 

[BrianDye]

Awesome! Guess whos updating !

Thanks a ton guys! Any suggestions on what the best Anti-Virus/Malware program out there is thats free, or relitively cheap?

 

[Brink]

You're most welcome Brian. I'm glad that we were able to help.

I prefer to use the free Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE).

 

[NoelDP]

I agree - although it doesn't look like your existing one (which is??) missed much.

I do notice, though, that you only ran a Quick Scan, rather than the full scan I prescribed.

Please run a Full Scan sooner, rather than later!