Windows Update not working (Windows 7)

[progree]

I last did a successful Windows Update Dec 3. On Dec 11 I ran it and and it takes maybe 3 minutes for it to start and then a window comes up and when I click the "Check for Updates" button, it says

"Windows Update cannot currently check for updates, because the service is not running. You may need to restart your computer."

I've tried running it several times since, including after reboots, with the same results.

There is no error number given anywhere.

There is a thread in this forum:

Getting Windows 7 Update error 80248015? You are not alone
https://www.democraticunderground.com/109520159

But since I don't get that error number, or any error number, I am reluctant to apply it.

When I Googled on the error message I got this

answers.microsoft.com -- Q. "Windows Update cannot currently check for updates because the service is not running."
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/windows-update-cannot-currently-check-for-updates/907df30e-2b86-4f74-bd53-b4860b86f0cf?auth=1

but it led to such an incredibly long and difficult sequence of steps, including changing the registry directly, that I've been reluctant to try for fear of screwing up the computer, or after hours of shit, it not solving the problem.

There are other solutions "out there", but I haven't explored any of them.

Any ideas?
Thanks

[lpbk2713]

1. I ran into that same problem this afternoon.

Here's the workaround that worked for me.

Link: https://www.wintips.org/windows-update-cannot-check-for-updates-windows-8-7-or-vista-solved/

Use solution number two.

[progree]

6. Thanks! it worked

At least it presented a list of updates and now I'm installing them. Soon I will be off to reboot heaven. Thanks again

[canetoad]

2. Windows Update Service

Can be turned on and off without editing the registry.

Of more concern is why is the Windows Update Service not running if you didn't turn it off.

Here's how to check the services running on your machine. Best not to fiddle too much with them unless you have a reference handy.

1. Right click Start button, choose Properties, Start Menu Tab

2. Click 'Customise'

3. In the checkbox list, tick 'Display Admnistrative Tools' OK and close (or if you have the 'Run' command showing, type in services.msc

4. Scroll down to the windows update service and see if it's automatic, manual or disabled.

This doesn't really fix anything, but at least you'll know if it's running. If it's turned off - need to work out why.

[progree]

4. Thanks - I deliberately turned automatic updating off, years ago

Instead, every 5 days I run Windows Update manually. (The automatic updates were happening at inopportune times)

That's been working for years, until Dec 11.

As it happens, I was pursuing lpbk2713's solution in reply #1 moments ago

Link: https://www.wintips.org/windows-update-cannot-check-for-updates-windows-8-7-or-vista-solved/
Use solution number two.

I got stuck because it wouldn't let me rename the SoftwareDistribution folder, but it apparently turns out I didn't Stop Windows Update like the instructions said, though I'm sure I did, but apparently I didn't, sigh

Anyway I did a Stop on Windows Update and I was able to rename the folder, yeah!

So that's where I'm at right at this moment. Thanks!

[5X]

3. There are numerous infections, both malware and trojans that will turn off windows update.

you need to scan with something good like adw cleaner. Best done
from safe mode.

[Egnever]

5. Check and make sure there is a service called bits running

If it is stopped start it and try again.

[douglas9]

7. Multiple reports of blue screens (BSODs) 0X000000C4 when installing the January Win7 Monthly Rollup

We’ve seen many reports here on AskWoody.

There’s also a thread on Reddit. More on MyDigitalLife.

Some reports are detailed. Some are — well, they’re complaints. If you can imagine. AMD machines are being pinpointed.

If you hit a blue screen, or you know someone who did, please post about it here. Include your processor type (Intel or AMD), which version of Windows you’re using, which antivirus you’re using, and whether you installed the patch manually or via Windows Update.


https://www.askwoody.com/2018/multiple-reports-of-blue-screens-bsods-0x000000c4-when-installing-the-january-win7-monthly-rollup-kb-4056894/

[progree]

8. Uggh. That wasn't one of the ones I successfully installed last night, but I see that

it is coming -- I just checked Windows Update, and it has "2018-01 Security Monthly Quality Rollup for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB4056894)" waiting in the wings, sigh. Thanks for the warning.

Edited 849a CT - I had the wrong one.