error code: 80240016

Question

Since November 2008, Windows Update on my Vista hasn't been functioning. It detects that there are updates available, but when I give the command to download, it attempts to and then say it failed. It's the same case when I tried to install the new Windows Live Messenger.

I've tried all the troubleshooting that Windows had to offer, and now I'm stranded. I'd really appreciate your assistance. The error code it gives me is 80240016 and tells me that windows update is currently installing other updates. But i don't see any other updates being installed!

Your help would be much appreciated!

Answer 1

Hi cambridgemist,

Thanks for posting your response.

Here is a KBarticle involving the error you are receiving - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/959894

The article discusses running the Malicious Software Removal Tool and Verifying the necessary services are configured correctly.

I want include a link to information provided on another community post involving this same issue.  If the above article does not help in resolving the issue, please refer to this POST for further steps. (Kudos - goes to Michael Murphy involving the Community forum response to the error received.  )

Here is the link;  http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/vistawu/thread/d5d9550e-1668-425f-aea0-9ac7abcd6693

Please let us know if this assists you or if further suggestions are needed.

Kind regards,

---

Debbie

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forumand let us know what you think.

Answer 2

I also had the same issue and I followed the steps that you suggest... I fixed the problem!!!

Thanks Debbie!!

Answer 3

This fix worked for me:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows7/Windows-Update-error-80240016

Answer 4

Care to share how you fixed it? I'm still having issues after all of this. Thank you!

Answer 5

thanks resolved my computer to. :)