Windows Server 2008 r2 hacked - now reinstalled but needs the updates

Question

SOLVED - Windows Server 2008 r2 hacked - now reinstalled but needs the updates - 80072efe error
Hi Support, a clients Windows Server 2008 r2 was hacked even it was protected with MS Security and scanned heavily.
We had to reinstall the server from scratch and this is done now.
We need to get the updates up until january 2020 where your support for Win Server 2008 r2 ended.

But we get the code 80072efe error when trying to update.

I'm aware about the Extended Updates you provide but we cant migrate to Azure due to Danish law.

We have to stay on the physical server and only needs the updates up til the support ended.
Where and how can we get the updates?
Or is there an image we can download (including all the updates) "the latest version" we can use instead?

Update: see my answer below on how to get updates working again on Winsows Server 2008 R2

All the best
Hans

Answer 1

So I finally found the solution how to get the updates.
This is what happened:
The server had to be reinstalled with a fresh copy of Windows Server 2008 R2 so I took the original DVD and installed it again on totally new harddrives (the old ones were damaged due to the attack).

After installing Win Server 2008 R2 it couldnt upgrade because of a Microsoft Update code 80072efe error.

The best solution was to first upgrade Windows Server 2008 R2 to Windows Server 2008 R2 Sp1 (service Pack 1). This can be done here:
https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=KB976932

I downloaded the .exe-file and then installed and rebooted the server.

After this there was still the Microsoft Update code 80072efe error.

I then updated the Windows Update Agent. This can be done here: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-client/deployment/update-windows-update-agent

I downloaded to the server in x64-version. I then installed and then rebooted the server again.

After this the code 80072efe error was gone and after a (long) while it started downloading 1,4 GB updates (I guess more will follow later).
I hope this will help somebody facing the same situation

All the best, Hans

Answer 2

Where and how can we get the updates?

They're still available. The simplest method is to turn on automatic updating and the updates will automatically be downloaded and installed. Be patient though as if I recall correctly the update process on 2008 R2 is incredibly slow.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/windows-7-sp1-and-windows-server-2008-r2-sp1-update-history-720c2590-fd58-26ba-16cc-6d8f3b547599

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