Another Windows Update error code 80072F8F problem

Question

I'd greatly welcome and appreciate any help with diagnosing and resolving my problem with Windows Update [Error code 80072F8F appears within a couple of seconds of initiating "Check for updates"].

The problem started, on my Win7x64 SP1 desktop, within a day or two after installing (without issues) MS's November 2014 monthly collection of 20 updates.

Thus far, at various times since then I have:

1)  Run the Windows Update "automated troubleshooter" routine, which purported to fix a couple of Registry issues but had no effect on receiving the error message.

2)  Resynced my system clock (although it appeared to be correct to begin with).

3)  Run the MS Fixits 50123 and 50362 without success.

4)  Followed the lengthy instructions to manually reset the Windows Update components.

5)  Checked for malware using thorough scans by Norton and Malwarebytes.  I remember also doing a Rootkit scan back during my early investigations in December.

I have also tried to do a clean boot to see whether that would help me diagnose, but have been unsuccessful in my attempts.  That is probably an independent issue, but just in case it could be relevant, let me summarize it here.

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A possible digression:  Problem with trying to do a clean boot . When I open msconfig as Administrator, the system hangs when I specify to disable all non-MS services.  I can close the configuration program using Task Manager, but then the system is unresponsive when I try to launch new programs.  When I specify a system "Restart," it hangs indefinitely during "Logging out," and I need to disconnect the power lead manually to reboot.

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Since WU ceased to work, I've handled MS updates each month by a laborious manual visit to each relevant KB, MS14-xxx, or MS15-xxx website.  My "Update history" in WU no longer shows any entries prior to encountering this issue, but just the updates that I have made manually since then.

Here are my answers to some of the questions I've seen posed to others struggling with this problem:

1a. When (approx. date) did you purchase the computer? October 2011.

1b. Did Win7 64-bit come preinstalled on the computer when you bought it, did you do a clean install of Win7, or did you upgrade the computer to Win7? Preinstalled, if I remember correctly.

2a. What anti-virus & anti-spyware applications are currently installed?  Norton and Malwarebytes (free version).

4. Did a Norton free-trial or a McAfee free-trial [PICK ONE] come preinstalled on the computer when you bought it? (Doesn't matter if you never used or Activated it.)  I believe a McAfee free trial may have been preinstalled, but if so, I "removed" it many years ago.
5. Is KB2976627, KB2976897, KB2918614, KB2978668, KB2937610, and/or KB2943357 listed in Installed Updates (notUpdate History)?  All are there.
6. Assuming Java is installed => Is Java Version 7 Update 65 (or higher) installed? TEST HERE USING INTERNET EXPLORER ONLY! => http://java.com/en/download/uninstallapplet.jspV8, U40
7. Is Adobe Flash Player v14.0.0.176 (or higher) installed? TEST HERE USING INTERNET EXPLORER ONLY! => http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/V17.0.0.134

8a. Is Internet Explorer 9 (IE9), IE10 or IE11 installed?  IE11

8b. What Update Version & KB number are displayed in the second line of text in Internet Explorer's Help | About [Alt+H+A] tab; e.g., Update Version: XX.0.54 (KB1231231) ?  11.0.17 (KB3032359)

8c. Is Firefox, Chrome or any other alternate browser installed?  Both Firefox and Chrome.  Firefox has been my default browser for many years.  I rarely use IE, and it throws up lots of "This page can't be displayed" screens for many websites these days.

9. Have you ever had occasion to do a Repair Install and/or a clean install of Windows since you purchased the computer?  Not to my memory.
10. Are you in the habit of using "Registry cleaners" (e.g., Registry Mechanic; System Mechanic; RegCure; RegClean Pro; Advanced SystemCare; Registry Booster; McAfee QuickClean; Glary Utilities; AVG PC TuneUp; Norton Registry Cleaner; PCTools Optimiser; SpeedUpMyPC; PC Doctor; TuneUp Utilities; WinMaximizer; WinSweeper; Comodo System Cleaner; Advanced System Optimizer; CCleaner's Registry Cleaner component)?  Yes, I have been "in the habit" of using Auslogics Registry Cleaner, and occasionally CCleaner's Registry Cleaner, without any obvious problems for several years, long before this problem arose.  I also do so on my Win7x64 laptop, where I haven't had the same problem that has arisen with WU on my desktop computer.

Answer 1

It's a security program distributed by banks and other financial services websitesspecifically to thwart keystroke tracking malware.

I become a sceptic when banks recommend computer software!

From your System Information file:

Start Menu\Programs\Utilities\ThreatFire

Answer 2

OK, I think I've sorted the two remaining yellow entries in Autoruns.

Yes, I've currently got two potentially duplicative backup routines.  Since the WU problem first appeared in November, I have installed a new (bigger, faster) SSD root drive, and last month I "upgraded" the OEM (Seagate) disk management software to the "fully functional" Acronis product.  Since my limited experience with Acronis so far hasn't been all that good, I haven't yet decided whether I want to keep it or revert to something else . . . but the timing is all wrong for this issue to have had anything to do with my WU problem.

To the best of my understanding, Norton 360 isn't duplicative of Rapport's main function.  It's a security program distributed by banks and other financial services websites specifically to thwart keystroke tracking malware.  Trusteer Rapport has coexisted happily with Norton on my desktop for at least five years before the WU problem, so I'm doubting that that's the issue, but I will try excluding Rapport from startup to see whether there's any difference.

Threatfire is a name I don't recognize, and there's no mention in the Windows program list, in the Autoruns output, or in C:/Program Files.  I do see a shortcut (to a website) in my Programs menu, and I've deleted that.  If you've seen anything that might imply a more significant presence, let me know and I'll get rid of it.

Yes, the WU error message continues to appear reliably within a couple of seconds of initiating "Check for updates."

I'm due for a knee replacement tomorrow (and that isn't an April Fools' prank), so I'll probably be away from this thread for several days.

Answer 3

X "PMEM"        ""          ""          "File not found: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\drivers\pmemnt.sys"          ""          ""

The X at the beginning of the line of the entry in Autoruns suggests to me that it has been disabled. To delete a disabled item you need to recheck it before you can delete it.

This does not seem to be the situation with the Adobe Speed Launcher. I do not understand why that entry does not delete. Have you tried to do it in safe mode?

With both Acronis True Image and Macrium Reflect installed aren’t you duplicating software?

You have a potential for conflict between Norton 360 and Rapport. I would remove Rapport and see if it makes a difference. I am also not sure about ThreatFire.

Have you tried to check for Windows Updates recently? Has there been any change?