Windows Update checking for updates forever

Hi,

I got a used Thinkpad T420 laptop which had Windows 7 Professional installed. Since I can't change the GUI language on Professional I reinstalled the laptop with Windows 7 Ultimate x64 (en_windows_7_ultimate_with_sp1_x64_dvd_u_677332.iso directly from MS).

The fresh install won't install any updates, the "Checking for Updates" bar simply doesn't do anything. I waited over 3-4 hours.

1. Installed SURT (KB947821), no change.
2. sfc /scannow says that everything is in order.
3. Error codes: in the WindowsUpdate.log I see a warning with hr=80242013, or sometimes the codes 0x8024000B or 0x8024000C.
4. The CBS folder doesn't allow me to compress it's contets, so I can't post that (not enought permssions?).

The only time I got a reaction was after manually installing KB949104 (Windows Update Agent) to the latest version (7.6.7600.320). After this it found 219 important and 50-something recommended updates. About 190 of the important updates were installed, but then it hanged. After a reboot I'm back at square one, the "Checking for updates" bar does nothing anymore.

I searched the Internet for 2 days now and tried more suggestions that I can count, but nothing helped. I also reinstalled the laptop, that didn't help either.

Please guys, I need the laptop done by tomorrow. I hope somebody can help me.

Another thing: I could install WUA and SURT only by pulling the LAN cable from the laptop. Otherwise the manual updates also hang at "Checking the system for updates" (or some similar text).

Just for info:

Read the article linked in this post:

Sticking with Windows 7? The forecast calls for pain

Sticking with Windows 7? The forecast calls for pain | ZDNet

Seems to confirm what was posted here:

Windows 7 Updates Searching for updates Forever

KB3083710 also seems to be on many users' list of Windows 10 related updates to avoid. However once the system has been patched and Windows Update Client subsequently updates itself it is possible to remove KB3083710.

Edit:

Also see member ThrashZone's post here:

Sticking with Windows 7? The forecast calls for pain

drunkenm666 said:

Hi,

I got a used Thinkpad T420 laptop which had Windows 7 Professional installed. Since I can't change the GUI language on Professional I reinstalled the laptop with Windows 7 Ultimate x64 (en_windows_7_ultimate_with_sp1_x64_dvd_u_677332.iso directly from MS).

Surely there will be issues with the license? Can't help with that!

We do not support piracy or other forms of software theft

[Closed]