Windows Check for updates keeps running-all installation/updates fail

Please read my instructions - they do warn of this, and that you should andswer Y to the question, and reboot :)

Hi GreenHeron32,

You may try the following steps to see if they work for you:

1. Unplug all peripheral devices (iphone, printer, etc) > Uninstall the 'iTunes software' from 'Add and Remove Programs' > Restart the laptop

2. Clean up the bloated 'Software Distribution folder': Software Distribution folder contains 'Windows Update installation files' and if corrupt, may cause repeated issues; this folder can be deleted/renamed using 'Windows Explorer'. You may want to backup the folder on an external media. Deleting the Software Distribution folders will not affect your computer’s functionality. When new 'Windows Updates' are ready for download, a new 'Software Distribution folder' will be created.

- Stop the 'Windows Automatic Updates service'
- Delete the 'Windows\SoftwareDistribution folder' (You may also choose to rename the existing folder 'SoftwareDistribution_old' so that Windows creates a new folder)
- Restart the 'Automatic Updates service'

You may want to use the following commands in an 'elevated command prompt' to perform the above mentioned tasks:
To launch an 'elevated command prompt' click 'Start' > type 'cmd' (without quotations) in the 'Search programs & files textbox > right click 'cmd' (it shows up in search results) > Click 'Run as an administrator' > Click 'Yes/continue' if prompted

(To stop the Windows Automatic Update service): net stop wuauserv (Tap Enter key)
(To delete Software Distribution Folder): del c:\windows\SoftwareDistribution /q /s (Tap Enter key)
(To restart Windows Automatic Update Service): net start wuauserv (Tap Enter key)


Windows Update related issues are likely to get fixed after this step; if yes, please allow 'Windows' to install the updates before installing the 'iTunes software' again. I found the best available 'iTunes software' that works with 'Windows 7 64 bit':
iTunes 10.7 for Windows 64

Alternatively, you may want to force the 'Windows Updates' manually after fixing the 'Update corruption': Install Windows updates in Windows 7

3. If the issue persists, try to reset 'Windows Update components'; you may use the following MS Fixit: How do I reset Windows Update components?

4. If you still experience issues, you may try another MS Fixit to 'Diagnose and Troubleshoot Windows Update issues': Troubleshoot problems with installing updates - WindowsUpdate_dt000

Hope this helps. Do reply if you have any further questions. I would be glad to assist.

That often means that there is a problem with the TrustedInstaller service.

Please open an Elevated Command Prompt, and run the following commands.

NET START TRUSTEDINSTALLER
SC QC TRUSTEDINSTALLER
SC QUERYEX TRUSTEDINSTALLER

post the results, and we'll see what we can see.
Please also open the Event Viewer, and navigate to the Windows Logs.
right click on the Application log and select Save all events.. save as App.evtx
repeat for the System log - save as Sys.evtx.

Compress both files and attach them to your reply -I'll look at it all in the morning (hopefully!)