Unable to run Windows Update "... is not running" (Windows 7)

Good morning.

Noticed that I hadn't been reminded by Microsoft to update for a while, so decided to do a manual check via the "Windows Update" (didn't they change the name to Microsoft Update years back?) icon in the control panel.

Herein, I am met by a red icon with a white cross in it, and offered the opportunity to "search for updates" (note that I am translating from a Swedish Windows 7 setup).

However, when I do so, I am via a pop-up informed that it is "... not possible to search for updates currently, since Windows Update is not running. You may have to reboot."

And, of course, I have.

Other things that didn't work:

1. Googling endlessly for forum threads like this one
2. Using the automated Microsoft Fix software
3. Using a recent large fix-all-update-issues file from Microsoft (which wouldn't even start)
4. Clearing the SoftwareDistribution folder
5. Using several automated .bat-files to various known ostensibly similar issues

The services Event log, Windows Update and Background Intelligent... are all running, and are set as "start automatically".

I would prefer if I did not have to perform a repair install.

I think I'd first try running a System file Checker scan to see if there are any damaged/corrupt system files. If any problems are noted run the scan 3 times rebooting in between each scan.

SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

Have you tried the System Update Readiness Tool (SURT)?

What is the System Update Readiness Tool?

Also:

How to troubleshoot common Windows Update, Microsoft Update, and Windows Server Update Services installation issues

Troubleshoot problems with installing updates

If still having problems please let us know.

Thank you for your reply.

I am sorry, I should have mentioned I had already tried the SFC command. I was however unaware that one might have to run it consequentially, but have now run it about 5 times, with rebooting in between.

I have only checked its log one time, but I get the same message about inrepairable files in the dos window after every attempt.

The difference now seem to be that I get a strange "advertisment" just below the in my previous post mentioned red icon (this is the Windows Update page reached via the control panel): "Read more about free-ware from (null). Click here if you want further information." (clicking does nothing)

Regarding the SURT, that is what I meant by "3. Using a recent large fix-all-update-issues file from Microsoft" -- this attempt invariably fails with the error message (originally in Swedish) "The installation software encountered an error: 0xc8000247).

The only time I have previously encountered an ostensibly similar issue was after having cloned a Windows 7 disk, with Windows afterwards being of the opinion that I ran an illegitimate copy of the OS in question.

Any other suggestions?

I am still quite hesitant towards performing a repair install, as I am unsure of whether the installation software would accept my license key (but does the software ask for it?), and after shutting down the repair being unable to boot.

DUDE!!
same thing happened to me, you are gonna need to do a System restore, to a point **BEFORE** October 26th 2011, there was an update for october 26th 2011 that was a important update, Do not install said update that was released on october 26th 2011, that update is what caused my computer to do the exact same thing your's is doing.

Thank you. And a first of being called dude.

Could you tell me exactly what this update of oct 26:th was that appear to have caused the error? (e.g. the KB number)

Have you been able to opt to not use this particular update, but still use Windows Update?

Hello Olaf.

Following on from the above good advice...

* Re

The difference now seem to be that I get a strange "advertisment" just below the in my previous post mentioned red icon (this is the Windows Update page reached via the control panel): "Read more about free-ware from (null). Click here if you want further information." (clicking does nothing)

Download, update & run a full scan of SuperAntiSpyware or Malwarebytes.
Run a FULL system scan.

* Run SFC again.

* List your current Security Software installed.

* Start > Control Panel > In the search box type "Troubleshooting" > System Security > Fix problems with Windows Update.

* Check again...
Start > type services.msc > enter > from the list of items double click Windows Update Service > Change the startup type to Automatic > click the Start button to start service > click Apply and then click ok.

* Reset Windows Update Components.
How do I reset Windows Update components?

*Or you can...

Start a free Windows Update support incident email request:
https://support.microsoft.com/oas/de...spx?gprid=6527


FYI...
Support for Microsoft Update technical problems - troubleshooting

Troubleshoot problems with installing updates

Repair Install

Clean Install Windows 7

Demonicon.
System Restore is an option if there is one {or more} points created PRIOR to a problem occurring.
In my experience very few people pay any attention to System Restore & its value..
I have asked the question many times...
Back to topic.

Thank you, all for your suggestions.

I have now tried all of the above, issue not yet resolved.

As a last resort, I was quite astonished to find that a repair install could NOT be performed, since my OS is "incompatible" (!!!).

I have successfully run repair installs (i.e. via the Windows CD) on umpteen Windows XP installations -- this simple process of course basically overwrites/reverts the Windows installation, although user accounts and alike are kept intact.

However in the Windows 7 repair install process, one appear to have to choose between "upgrade" (???) and a clean install (that is, basically deleting your current setup).

I won't reinstall my entire Windows setup just because Microsoft considers the Windows on my computer incompatible to that on the disc I installed the same Windows with.

As john4tech suggested, I tried attaching a few log files (one was too big, the last one did not exist).