Windows cannot update no update service

KSyncom · 10 Oct 2012

Hello All,

i'm working on a pc currently, and have run into a big issue while trying to fix another, and i have just noticed this pc has not been updated since it was purchased.

I have tried running windows updates but receive the error message
"windows cannot update the service is currently not running you may need to reboot your pc"

i rebooted with no change then i went into services.msc and attempted to restart the services for update but there are no update services in there (?)

i ran the windows update located on these forums that reset's the update history as well as the services with no change

i have ran anything i could find on the support site for microsoft for windows update, the trouble shooter turned up nothing.

i have also attempted ot add the wuau.adm template but there is none to be found..

basically how it looks to me currently is as if windows update is not installed/located on this computer anywhere

as well all thefixes are saying update is working
and yes i have turned automatic update off and then on again

any help would be much appreciated

thank you

NoelDP · 10 Oct 2012

Open Windows Update
Click on Change Settings
Select 'Never Update...'
Click OK
exit Windows Update
Now open Windows update again
Click on Change Settings
Select 'Update automatically'
Click OK
exit Windows Update
Open Windows Update, and do a manual Check for Updates.

KSyncom · 10 Oct 2012

NoelDP said:

Open Windows Update
Click on Change Settings
Select 'Never Update...'
Click OK
exit Windows Update
Now open Windows update again
Click on Change Settings
Select 'Update automatically'
Click OK
exit Windows Update
Open Windows Update, and do a manual Check for Updates.

Returns the same message saying that the service is not running

NoelDP · 10 Oct 2012

OK
Please open an Elevated Command Prompt window and run the following commands

NET START WUAUSERV
NET START BFE
NET START BITS
NET START TRUSTEDINSTALLER

copy the results to your reply.

Here are some instructions to make life easier :)
1) To open an Elevated Command Prompt Window (the CP window), click on Start, All Programs, Accessories – then right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as Administrator. Accept the UAC prompt.
2) To run the commands easier, highlight the block of commands, and right-click on the highlight – select Copy. In the CP Window, click on the black/white icon at top left – select Paste. The commands will run but may not complete the last command, so hit the Enter Key once.
3) To copy the results... click on the Black/White icon in the top left, and select Edit... 'Select All', and hit the Enter key - then use Ctrl+V or r-click+Paste to paste it into your response.

KSyncom · 10 Oct 2012

NoelDP said:

OK
Please open an Elevated Command Prompt window and run the following commands

NET START WUAUSERV
NET START BFE
NET START BITS
NET START TRUSTEDINSTALLER

copy the results to your reply.

Here are some instructions to make life easier :)
1) To open an Elevated Command Prompt Window (the CP window), click on Start, All Programs, Accessories – then right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as Administrator. Accept the UAC prompt.
2) To run the commands easier, highlight the block of commands, and right-click on the highlight – select Copy. In the CP Window, click on the black/white icon at top left – select Paste. The commands will run but may not complete the last command, so hit the Enter Key once.
3) To copy the results... click on the Black/White icon in the top left, and select Edit... 'Select All', and hit the Enter key - then use Ctrl+V or r-click+Paste to paste it into your response.

NET START WUAUSERV
the service name is invalid

more help is available by typing NET HELPMSG 2185

NET START BFE
the requested service has already been started

more help is avialable by typing NET HELPMSG 2182

NET START BITS
the service name is invalid

more help is available by typing NET HELPMSG 2185

NET START TRUSTEDINSTALLER
the windows module installer service is starting
the windows module installer service was started succesfully

note: when typing NET HELPMSG 2185 it says 'the service name is invalid'

edit: sorry didn't see teh bottom part about copying and pasting here it is

Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601]
Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
C:\Windows\system32>net start wuauserv
The service name is invalid.
More help is available by typing NET HELPMSG 2185.

C:\Windows\system32>net start bfe
The requested service has already been started.
More help is available by typing NET HELPMSG 2182.

C:\Windows\system32>net start bits
The service name is invalid.
More help is available by typing NET HELPMSG 2185.

C:\Windows\system32>net start trustedinstaller
The Windows Modules Installer service is starting.
The Windows Modules Installer service was started successfully.

C:\Windows\system32>net helpmsg 2185
The service name is invalid.

C:\Windows\system32>

NoelDP · 10 Oct 2012

OK - both the WUAUSERV and BITS services have been 'uninstalled' probably by a VERY nasty piece of malware, called ZeroAccess.

If this is the case, you should seek specialist malware removal assistance before bothering with system repair, as there's a good chance that your best option would be to reformat and reinstall.

What anti-virus are you using? Is it up-to-date? (has it always been kept up-to-date?)
What other security software is installed?

KSyncom · 10 Oct 2012

NoelDP said:

OK - both the WUAUSERV and BITS services have been 'uninstalled' probably by a VERY nasty piece of malware, called ZeroAccess.

If this is the case, you should seek specialist malware removal assistance before bothering with system repair, as there's a good chance that your best option would be to reformat and reinstall.

What anti-virus are you using? Is it up-to-date? (has it always been kept up-to-date?)
What other security software is installed?

I believe that they thought they had AVG 2012 but it keeps asking for a reboot to update it but i have rebooted many many many times in last couple of days trying to resolve issues on this pc

also when i attempt to open avg it crash's everytime

are there any specialized tools that youw ould recommend for malware of this magnitude

NoelDP · 10 Oct 2012

Only a reformat/reinstall, unless you have access to an expert in removal.

There is no easy fix that I know of.

KSyncom · 10 Oct 2012

NoelDP said:

Only a reformat/reinstall, unless you have access to an expert in removal.

There is no easy fix that I know of.

well that's unfortunate to hear, i will ahve to discuss and see what the best course of action from here would be, but i thank you for your help you saved me a lot of time by letting me know this bit of info

thank you
I hope you have a great day

NoelDP · 10 Oct 2012

The day's nearly over for me :) 19:30 already.

Good luck with it!