Windows 7 SP1 Update Error Code 800F081F

Question

Hi,

For a few days now I'm getting an alert in my system tray that Windows cannot automatically search for updates. Clicking on the icon leads me to a message saying that the Windows Update Agent needs an update and a button to do this update. Clicking on the button closes the window, which then opens again after a few seconds with an error message that Windows cannot search for new updates. Error message code = 800F081F.

When I looked at my update history, I see that Windows Update Agent 7.6.7600.320 has failed daily for over a month now. I've already tried several suggestions (some posted on the dutch microsoft community) e.g. clearing the update cache, system update readiness tool, a 'clean' start of Windows, MS Fix It, but to no avail. Checkdisk and System File Checker scans found nothing wrong.

I'm using Windows 7 Home Premium with SP1, 64 bit. Not sure what other information I should provide that is relevant?

Hope someone can help me with this issue. Thanks in advance!

Kind regards,

Paul

Answer 1

Hello Paulvan,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community Forum.

I really appreciate the effort made by you in trying to troubleshoot the issue you are facing. Let me ask you;

1. Which security software do you have installed?

Let's try the following steps and check if the issue still persists.

**Step 1:**Try the updates after temporarily disabling any running Anti Virus and other security programs.

You may refer to: **Disable Anti-Virus Software**

Important Note: Antivirus software can help protect your computer against viruses and other security threats. In most cases, you shouldn't disable your antivirus software. If you have to temporarily disable it to install other software, you should re-enable it as soon as you're done. If you're connected to the Internet or a network while your antivirus software is disabled, your computer is vulnerable to attacks.

Step 2: Try the steps from the following link and check the result:

How do I reset Windows Update components?

Important: This section, method, or task contains steps that tell you how to modify the registry. However, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For added protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry, click the following article:

**How to backup registry**

Hope this information is helpful. Please do let us know the result, we’ll be glad to assist you.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Paul

I would revert to factory settings. It will resolve your problems.

Answer 3

Paul

Let's see if updated files reveal anything  I missed earlier.

Please provide an updated copy of your System Information file. Type System Information in the Search Box above the start Button and press the ENTER key (alternative is Select Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Information). Select File, Export and give the file a name noting where it is located. Do not place the cursor within the body of the report before exporting the file. The system creates a new System Information file each time system information is accessed. You need to allow a minute or two for the file to be fully populated before exporting a copy. Please upload to your OneDrive (formerly Sky Drive), share with everyone and post a link here. Reports in normal mode preferred. Please say if the report has been obtained in safe mode.

Please upload and share with everyone fresh copies of your System and Application logs from your Event Viewer to your One Drive (formerly Sky Drive) and post a link here. You can remove the earlier copies of the logs from your OneDrive.

To access the System log select Start, Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Event Viewer, from the list in the left side of the window expand Windows Logs and select System. Place the cursor on System, select Action from the Menu and Save All Events as (the default evtx file type) and give the file a name. Do the same for the Applications log. Do not provide filtered files. Do not place the cursor in the list of reports before selecting Action from the menu. Do not clear logs whilst you have a continuing problem.

Answer 4

Hi Gerry,

I have the product key, yes. It's on a sticker on the bottom of my laptop. Other than a Windows disk I don't think I need anything else, do I?

And I've asked about the SP1 update, but my friend wasn't sure about that. It's not her disk, but she knows someone who has one...so I guess I'll find out when I get it (after the Christmas holidays). In the meantime I can ask around to see if someone else has a disk for me to borrow.

And again: thanks a lot for trying to help me out these past few weeks. I really appreciate it!

Regards,

Paul

Answer 5

Paul

Log Name:      System

Source:        Application Popup

Date:          23/10/2014 17:19:20

Event ID:      1060

Level:         Error

Description:

\SystemRoot\SysWow64\Drivers\PzWDM.sys has been blocked from loading due to incompatibility with this system. Please contact your software vendor for a compatible version of the driver.

You should uninstall Prassi Windows Disc Manager

To identify what loads when you boot use Autoruns (freeware from Microsoft).

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902

With Autoruns you can uncheck an item, which disables it from starting, or you can right click an item and then delete it. If you uncheck you can recheck to re-enable the item. It is a much safer approach than editing the Registry and better than using msconfig.

Run Autoruns and select the Everything tab. Click File, Save and, using the scroll to the right, change the “Save as type” option from Autoruns Data (*.arn) to Text (*txt). The file name changes to AutoRuns.txt. Click the Save button and upload the file to your OneDrive as a shared file and post as a link here.