Error code 80072 eff

Question

I can not access windows updates, The web page wont even load and i get the error code 80072 eff, I cant find this one in your data base anywhere.

according to my avg antivirus, I have a virus called Win32 Patched.DO, Is this the problem and do you have any idea how to get it sorted, AVG, cant get rid of the problem, Thankyou

Answer 1

according to my avg antivirus, I have a virus called Win32 Patched.DO

Always state your full Windows version (e.g., WinXP SP3; WinXP 64-bit SP2; Vista SP1; Vista 64-bit SP2; Win7; Win7 64-bit) when posting in a forum or newsgroup. Please do so in your next reply.

Is this a sudden, new problem?

What anti-virus application was installed before you installed AVG and was your subscription still current?

Has a(another) Norton or McAfee application ever been installed on the computer (e.g., a free-trial version that came preinstalled when you bought it)?

NB: If you had no anti-virus application installed or the subscription had expired \*when the machine first got infected\* and/or your subscription has since expired and/or the machine's not been kept fully-patched at Windows Update, don't waste your time
 with any of the below: Format & reinstall Windows.  A Repair Install will NOT help!

1. See if you can download/run the MSRT manually: [http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx](http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx)

NB: Run the FULL scan, not the QUICK scan!  You may need to download the MSRT on a non-infected machine, then transfer MRT.EXE to the infected machine and rename it to SCAN.EXE before running it.

2a. WinXP => Run the Windows Live Safety Center's 'Protection' scan (only!) in Safe Mode with Networking, if need be:
[http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/center/howsafe.htm](http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/center/howsafe.htm)

2b. Vista or Win7=> Run this scan instead: [http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/center/whatsnew.htm](http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/center/whatsnew.htm)

3. Now run a thorough check for hijackware, including posting requested logs in an appropriate forum, not here. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP!!

Checking for/Help with Hijackware:  

• [http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm](http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm)

• [http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html](http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html)

• [http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm](http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm)  

• [http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware](http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware)

\*\*Chances are you will need to seek expert assistance in [http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachinesforum/index.php?board=10.0](http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachinesforum/index.php?board=10.0), [http://www.spywarewarrior.com/viewforum.php?f=5](http://www.spywarewarrior.com/viewforum.php?f=5), [http://www.dslreports.com/forum/cleanup](http://www.dslreports.com/forum/cleanup), [http://www.bluetack.co.uk/forums/index.php](http://www.bluetack.co.uk/forums/index.php), [http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30](http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30) or other appropriate forums.\*\*

If these procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA or Geek Squad) computer repair shop.

* * *

~Robear Dyer (PA Bear) ~ MS MVP (IE, Mail, Security, Windows & Update Services) since 2002 ~ Disclaimer: MS MVPs neither represent nor work for Microsoft

Answer 2

Hi,

a. Are you able to browse the internet other than Windows update website?

Method 1. If you suspect any virus activity I would strongly recommend you to run the Virus Scan.

I would recommend you to run online Virus Scan to remove any infections, if present.

Follow the link below to run the free online scan:

http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/default.htm

Also run the Microsoft Malicious Removal Tool

Here are the links to download it.

Microsoft Malicious Removal Tool - 32 bit Windows

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=AD724AE0-E72D-4F54-9AB3-75B8EB148356&displaylang=en

Microsoft Malicious Removal Tool - 64 bit Windows

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=585D2BDE-367F-495E-94E7-6349F4EFFC74&displaylang=en

Updates Issue:

Method 2. Error 0x80072eff indicates that the server could not be reached.

If you keep getting the same error on every attempt to perform the updates, try out these steps.

Step 1: Temporarily disable antivirus

For test purpose disable antivirus and check the updates.

Step 2: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter.

This is an inbuilt troubleshooter in Windows 7. It makes sure that your computer is connected to the Internet, and checks to see whether your network adapter and Windows Update services are running correctly.

Open the Windows Update troubleshooter

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Open-the-Windows-Update-troubleshooter

Step 3: Ensure that the following services are running.

•           Windows Update

•           Automatic service

•           Background Intelligent Transfer Service

•           Cryptographic Services

Check this information in Services Management Tool.

1.         Type services.msc in the start search field.

This opens Services Management Tool.

2.         Locate the services listed above.

3.         Double-click on the service.

4.         Check the startup type. Ensure that it is not disabled.

5.         If it’s disabled, start the service.

6.         Click on Apply and OK .

7.         Close the Window.

Try performing the updates. Any progress?

Step 4: Reset Windows Update Components.

Click the Fix it to reset these components automatically.

How do I reset Windows Update components?http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058

Note: Running the computer without firewall or the anti-virus software is a potential threat to the computer; make sure to enable the security software(s) after completing the troubleshooting steps and after identifying the issue.

Method 3.

If the issue still persists refer to the steps in the article below.

You may encounter temporary connection-related errors when you use Windows Update or Microsoft Update to install updateshttp://support.microsoft.com/kb/836941

Hope this helps.

---

Thanks and Regards:

Shekhar S - Microsoft Support. Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

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Answer 3

(Geekstogo, maybe?) You're welcome & thanks for your feedback.

Answer 4

I Have manage to resolve the problem with the help of a forum called 'Geek police', They helped me get rid of the virus so now windows updates is working, Thankyou for your replies..jane