Windows Updates (September 2016); Keeps checking for hours - Any help

spc3rd · 14 Sep 2016

Once again, the never-ending saga of Windows Updates continuing to "Check for Updates" hour after hour after hour - with no results - is again plaguing me.

(I've already run the program in Brink's article [i.e. Option # 3] and cleared/reset the WU cache). Also have run sfc /scannow - no issues reported. I've also changed the WU setting in the Control Panel to "Never check for updates", and restarted the computer.

Does anyone here have any step-by-step instructions for me to try and resolve this problem and get those blasted updates installed?

Thank you for your time and any assistance.

ThrashZone · 14 Sep 2016

Hi
Sure,
When manually installing updates you need to switch your update settings to Never check for updates and restart the machine first.
Windows Update Settings - Change
After restart verify that the windows update service is not running if it is Stop and switch to Manual apply and okay.

Windows Updates (September 2016); Keeps checking for hours - Any help-service-stop-windows-update.jpg

Make sure KB3020369 is installed if not manually install it this is the main article page with all versions,
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3020369
These other links do prompt you to download as soon as you click on them just to give you a heads up :)
KB3020369
Win-7 32 bit
https://download.microsoft.com/downl...020369-x86.msu
Win-7 64 bit
https://download.microsoft.com/downl...020369-x64.msu

Then manually install KB3172605 main article page with all versions,
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3172605
KB3172605
Win-7 32 bit
https://download.microsoft.com/downl...172605-x86.msu

Win-7 64 bit
https://download.microsoft.com/downl...172605-x64.msu

After switch your windows update and service settings back to what you had prior and manually check for updates and the rest should show up shortly.

spc3rd · 14 Sep 2016

I appreciate your reply, TZ.

Unfortunately, I have absolutely NO idea how to do what you are saying, or even how to find what you are showing in your screenshot.

As mentioned in my OP, I had already changed the WU settings to "Never check for updates", and restarted the computer. That's as far as I can get. I have no way to figure out if WU is still running. In Task Manager > Services, it still shows "wuauserv" as running.

Sorry...but I'm just not the techie-type at all.

ThrashZone · 14 Sep 2016

Hi,
Not sure how to say it more clearly :)
If in doubt download the 2 updates to where ever you can find them,
Then disconnect from the internet by removing the Ethernet cable from your computer or turning off the wifi switch if on a laptop.
Then click to run the first update KB3020369 if it's already installed it will say it is.

Then move on to the second and click to install KB3172605
Same deal if it's already installed it will say so.

spc3rd · 14 Sep 2016

Thanks again TZ,

The first update, KB3020369, you said to install is shown as having been already installed back in 2015. I finally managed to get KB3172605 installed. I'm now going back in the Control Panel > Windows Update and reset it to "Check for updates, but let me decide to download and install them".

Will let you know what happens.

Thanks again!

ThrashZone · 14 Sep 2016

Hi,
Great news you can use option 3 here to reset all the update components for you
Windows Update - Reset

spc3rd · 14 Sep 2016

Hi again TZ,

O.k....the updates finally downloaded and installed - took about 40 minutes for it all to complete.

The "reset" option you referred to is the very one I ran prior to creating my OP. Do you want me to run it again now? (When viewing the "Update history" in the Control Panel > Windows Update...it just lists the updates installed today).

Much obliged for all your time and help.....once again! :)

ThrashZone · 14 Sep 2016

HI,
No once you've ran it everything should be cleared now unless you want it to undo the windows update service for you :)
No problem glad to be of help
Cheers.