BleepingComputer.com: Windows Update Problems

Hey all.

I've been having problems using the Windows Update feature to get the latest updates for my OS. This has been happening for quite some time, but I've finally decided to do something about it.

Every time I pull up the Windows Update window, it will try to download an update for a solid five minutes, only to give an error message. The code given is 80072EFE. I have looked elsewhere and found that this might be because of a firewall problem, but I have deactivated all firewalls and still get nothing. I also followed the instructions that were given in this thread (post second from the top, regarding deleting the catroot2 folder). This ended up giving me a different error message, the code being 80240016. Upon restarting my computer, the error has gone back to 80072EFE.

I'm kind of lost as to what to do, so I'm looking for some guidance. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Cheers!

- Nick

EDIT: I'm not sure if this is related, but I just got a similar error when booting up Spyware Doctor. It said: "Update Failed. Error downloading the list of updates. Please try again later." I'm assuming this is related as it needed to access it's database online to download updates. Just thought I'd mention that.

This post has been edited by NickJewell: 06 April 2010 - 05:27 PM

Read and try the steps outlined in KB 836941. If you need help understanding anything, let us know and we'll explain it or find someone who can. I have had mixed results with this KB and your problem. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't. Some of the steps entail doing what you have already down if I read your initial post correctly, but when following the steps, if one comes up you have done in the past, do it again in the order given and then go on to the next. There are other things to try, but it pretty much starts with that KB.

Hello NickJewell

I see that you have an HJT log posted here: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic307658.html

We do not allow more than one topic for the same computer and the same issue as this causes confusion, and in this case may make the disinfection process more difficult.

This leaves you with a choice:

1) Have this thread reopened and the HiJack This log topic deleted

OR

2) Keep this thread closed and wait for assistance in the HiJack This log forum. Please note that that forum is VERY busy.

Please send a Private Message indicating your choice.

Assuming you wish assistance in the Virus, Trojan, Spyware, and Malware Removal Logs
forum, you should NOT make further changes to your computer (install/uninstall programs, use special fix tools, delete files, edit the registry, etc) unless advised by a HJT Team member, nor should you continue to ask for help elsewhere. Doing so can result in system changes which may not show in the log you already posted. Further, any modifications you make on your own may cause confusion for the helper assisting you and could complicate the malware removal process which would extend the time it takes to clean your computer.

From this point on the MRT Team should be the only members that you take advice from, until they have verified your log as clean.

Please be patient. It may take a while to get a response because the MRT Team members are EXTREMELY busy working logs posted before yours. They are volunteers who will help you out as soon as possible. Once you have made your post and are waiting, please DO NOT make another reply until it has been responded to by a member of the MRT Team. Generally the staff checks the forum for postings that have 0 replies as this makes it easier for them to identify those who have not been helped. If you post another response there will be 1 reply. A team member, looking for a new log to work may assume another HJT Team member is already assisting you and not open the thread to respond. Please be patient. It may take a while to get a response but your log will be reviewed and answered as soon as possible

To avoid confusion, I am closing this topic. Good luck with your log.