MSE/Windows Update problems (Windows 7) error code 0x800705b4

Question

A just got back from a week of camping, and when I started my computer neither real-time protection for Microsoft Security Essentials nor Windows Update were working.  Both were working fine before I left and my computer was off the entire time.

Each time I try to turn on real-time protection, MSE freezes up for a bit then gives me a box telling me the timeout period expired, along with error code 0x800705b4

The only antivirus I had installed before was Kapersky, but that has been uninstalled for almost 2 months, and as I said before, everything worked fine a week ago.

Microsoft FixIt ironically doesn't fix anything, and I've uninstalled and reinstalled the program several times, restarting my computer each time.

Windows Update also won't work, as it tells me the service is not running and I should restart my computer.  I restarted my computer, and the same thing happens.  The program doesn't show up in Services, and Microsoft FixIt detects a problem but is unable to fix it.

As for possible malware, I've run a scan with MSE, and I've run a scan with Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool, and both detected nothing.  There was nothing there last week either.

I'm completely at a loss here, I have absolutely no idea how things could go from working perfectly one week, to completely screwed up the next, while my computer was completely turned off and unplugged the whole time.

I have to do college apps soon, and I really need my computer functional and secure.  Any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

I followed all the steps up to 5c, then Microsoft FixIt says "Service 'BITS' (BITS) failed to start. Verify that you have sufficient privileges to start system services"...I just want to get Windows Update working again.

Assuming your User Account does have sufficient privileges, this is yet another possible symptom of infection.  Windows Update will never work if BITS can't be started and/or if "Windows update doesn't show up in services.msc" and/or if attempting to Start or Stop "wuauserv continues to yield The service name is invalid."

IMPORTANT! => A new batch of Windows Updates will be released less than an hour from now. See http://technet.microsoft.com/security/bulletin/ms12-aug

I'm content to just uninstall MSE and use Malwarebytes and SUPERAntiSpyware...

A computer should not be connected to the internet or any local networks (i.e., other computers) without a fully-functional anti-virus application installed with up-to-date Definitions. Neither MalwareBytes Anti-Malware (MBAM nor SAS is an anti-virus application - and the free versions of MBAM and SAS do not include realtime protection.

Speaking of which, MBAM PRO is not installed right now, correct?

Note: Chances are that no anti-virus application or anti-spyware application will properly install at this point.

I also need to correct something from earlier: It turns out that Win7 WAS installed on my computer when I got it.

I thought that might be the case.

I have to do college [application?] soon, and I really need my computer functional and secure.

OPTION A: Residents of North America (US & CA), the UK (and perhaps other regions now) may obtain Microsoft-sponsored Premium (i.e., paid) Support via the Answer Desk => www.answerdesk.com [2]

OPTION B (Recommended): See...

   • Cleaning a Compromised System

      http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc700813.aspx

Then see the (my) ANSWER post in this thread and follow those instructions (to-the-letter &in order! ) to return your computer to a secure & functional state: http://answers.microsoft.com/thread/bc95f2f0-7968-4bd0-8de5-70b83db31fa6

If you need additional assistance with the clean install of Win7, please begin your own, new thread in this forum: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-system

Note: IMHO your computer should NOT be connected to the internet or any local networks (i.e., other computers) in its current state. All of your personal data (e.g., online banking & credit-card passwords) should be considered at-risk, if not already compromised.

Wish I'd had better news for you.  Good luck!

=================================================

[1] $99.00 USD for "up to 2 hours" of remote support; fee must be paid up front; no guarantees

Answer 2

Windows update doesn't show up in services.msc.

Answer 3

I have scanned my computer with all the programs you mentioned, it found some spyware and two trojans, but removing them didn't solve the problem.

The first FixIt you mentioned doesn't find any issues.

As for the elevated command prompt this is what I get:

C:\Windows\System32>net stop wuauserv

The service name is invalid.

More help is available by typing NET HELPMSG 2185

" ">cd%systemroot%

The filename, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect.

" ">ren SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

The system cannot find the file specified.

" ">net start wuauserv

The service name is invalid.

More help is available by typing NET HELPMSG 2185

I tried the next FixIt you mentioned, and it found 2 "Repair Windows Update Components" problems, but it couldn't fix them for whatever reason.

Then I ran the last one, and it found 1 "Repair Windows Update Components" problem.  Again, it failed to fix it.

I'm out of options here, I don't know what to do.

You have to follow the directions as given. :-)

Since you did not type a space between "CD" and "%systemroot%", of course that line would fail and tell you no such directory existed.

You can open your services manually using the "services.msc" command in a RUN prompt.  Then look for "Windows Update" in the list and "STOP" the service with a right-click and tell it to stop the service.  Then - in the elevated command prompt - be sure to type the command as given - spaces and all.  ;-)

Answer 4

I have scanned my computer with all the programs you mentioned, it found some spyware and two trojans, but removing them didn't solve the problem.

The first FixIt you mentioned doesn't find any issues.

As for the elevated command prompt this is what I get:

C:\Windows\System32>net stop wuauserv

The service name is invalid.

More help is available by typing NET HELPMSG 2185

" ">cd%systemroot%

The filename, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect.

" ">ren SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

The system cannot find the file specified.

" ">net start wuauserv

The service name is invalid.

More help is available by typing NET HELPMSG 2185

I tried the next FixIt you mentioned, and it found 2 "Repair Windows Update Components" problems, but it couldn't fix them for whatever reason.

Then I ran the last one, and it found 1 "Repair Windows Update Components" problem.  Again, it failed to fix it.

I'm out of options here, I don't know what to do.

Answer 5

A just got back from a week of camping, and when I started my computer neither real-time protection for Microsoft Security Essentials nor Windows Update were working.  Both were working fine before I left and my computer was off the entire time.

Each time I try to turn on real-time protection, MSE freezes up for a bit then gives me a box telling me the timeout period expired, along with error code 0x800705b4

The only antivirus I had installed before was Kapersky, but that has been uninstalled for almost 2 months, and as I said before, everything worked fine a week ago.

Microsoft FixIt ironically doesn't fix anything, and I've uninstalled and reinstalled the program several times, restarting my computer each time.

Windows Update also won't work, as it tells me the service is not running and I should restart my computer.  I restarted my computer, and the same thing happens.  The program doesn't show up in Services, and Microsoft FixIt detects a problem but is unable to fix it.

As for possible malware, I've run a scan with MSE, and I've run a scan with Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool, and both detected nothing.  There was nothing there last week either.

I'm completely at a loss here, I have absolutely no idea how things could go from working perfectly one week, to completely screwed up the next, while my computer was completely turned off and unplugged the whole time.

I have to do college apps soon, and I really need my computer functional and secure.  Any help would be appreciated.

Ignoring the Microsoft utilities for malware scanning/removal (and AntiVirus - but that is more personal opinion based off personal experience - but isn't everything?) here is what I suggest you do:

Check for malware:

Download, install, run, update and perform full system scans with the following two applications:

• MalwareBytes (FREE)
• SuperAntiSpyware (FREE)

Removing everything they find. Rebooting when needed. (You can uninstall one or both when done.)

Then perform an online scan with the eSet Online Scanner. Remove whatever is found.

Reboot.

Then go through the following steps to try and fix your updates...

First - check your date and time - make sure your timezone and such are set correctly and your time is accurate.

Then...

Reset your Windows Update Components with this FixIt:How do I reset Windows Update components?

Reboot.

Try getting updates.

If it is fixed... stop.

If it still fails, try this...

1. Start an elevated command prompt.
2. Run the following commands hitting enter after each line:

net stop wuauserv cd %systemroot% ren SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old net start wuauserv 3. Reboot 4. Try to install updates again

**Important** The following issues occur when you do this:

• Updates that are currently downloaded but that have not yet been installed have to be downloaded again by using Windows Update or Microsoft Update.
• When you delete the Software Distribution folder, your download history is removed.
• If you currently receive updates from Microsoft Update and from Windows Update, you will have to re-select this option from the Windows Update Web site.

**Note** If the issue is resolved and you can successfully download and install updates, you can safely delete the SoftwareDistribution.old directory to recover disk space.

If it is fixed...  stop.

STILL failing?

Use this FixIt:

How to obtain the latest version of the Windows Update Agent

Reboot.

Register the WU components:

1. Start an elevated command prompt.
2. Run the following commands hitting enter after each line:

regsvr32 Jscript.dll regsvr32 wuapi.dllregsvr32 wuaueng.dll

Reboot.

Try updates.

If it is fixed... stop.

If it still fails after that - repeat the

Now reset your Windows Update Components with this FixIt:How do I reset Windows Update components?

... once more. Reboot and try getting updates again.

In any case: Come back - let everyone know what happens.

As far as AntiVirus - the free ones are fine: Avira, AVG, Avast

You could spend ~60USD for two years of eSET NOD32 AntiVirus (not the suite - just the AntiVirus product) and that would be more than worth it.  Combine that with the full version of MalwareBytes (from above) for ~25 USD and you have a first rate defense system, IMHO.

The Microsoft AV/AM solutions, in my experience, not so robust.  Better than nothing, I suppose - but as Microsoft is NOT an AntiVirus or AntiMalware company... perhaps depending on them to keep up with those whose specialty is that is just expecting too much?