Share via

Windows 7 Checking For Updates stuck forever

Anonymous
2011-05-31T17:23:58+00:00

original title: Windows 7 Checking For Updates stuck forever - I know this is answered, but the solutions don't work for me. Please see details!

I have installed a legit Windows 7 OS on my laptop. Its not an upgrade, it was a blank hard drive. WIndows 7 installed flawlessly, picked up all my drivers. The only problem is I am having problems with Windows 7 updates. When I choose Windows 7 update, it says "Checking for updates" and stays like that - forever. Even the next day. I did heavy heavy research, found out others are having the same problem. I tried all the fixes I could find, which are listed below:

  1. No Anti-virus programs installed yet - brand new Windows 7 ultimate installation
  2. There is no spyware - its a brand new clean install
  3. Firewall shut off
  4. Temp files, cookies, history cleared
  5. background intelligent transfer service set to automatic in services.msc
  6. software distribution folder renamed
  7. tried shutting off automatic updates and doing it manually
  8. Added windowsupdate to trust zone
  9. ran MicrosoftFixit50202 in normal and advanced mode

Even with my internet SHUT OFF (turned off modem) it still checks for updates and doesn't fail with "No internet connection available".

Please, please help. Anyone.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Windows update

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
  1. Anonymous
    2011-06-08T21:01:42+00:00

    Problem solved.

    It was my internet connection!! I logged onto my neighbors via wireless unsecured (ssh... don't tell lol), and within 30 seconds, 77 updates came through!

    It has to be something in my network.

    Thanks for helping though!!

    271 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments

261 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2011-05-31T23:43:59+00:00

    No Anti-virus programs installed yet...

    After making certain the Windows Firewall is enabled, installing an anti-virus application (e.g., Microsoft Security Essentials - free) is the very first thing you should do after a clean install of Windows. Yes, even before checking for/installing updates.

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

    Note: The computer should not be connected to 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!

    5 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2011-06-01T14:48:10+00:00

    Ok, followed each step. Firewall turned back on, and since there was not any anti virus programs installed yet (I am still baffled that I may have a virus already from a brand new install), and installed Microsoft Security Essentials. And your next step says to check for updates, which I am doing, but yet again, its stuck - checking forever.

    Anything else please? Since your the only one who responded, you are my only hope. Thanks!

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2011-06-01T14:52:53+00:00

    Ok, tried all your steps in order. Since its a new install, I didnt have to backup any data. No data was copied over yet since all I did was install a new Windows 7 license, and start the updates, which is why I am so baffled that I may have a virus already. Then I moved to step 1: turning on the firewall. Done. Then #2: Since I didn't install any software, I dont have any anti-virus programs to uninstall. So, I did download Microsoft Security Essentials and installed that. And next, #3, to check for updates. And sure enough, it still checks forever. Still running now.

    Since your the only one who responded, your my only hope. Please, what else can I do?

    I now installed other programs since I am "secure", thinking that may trigger it, but no luck.

    Thanks!

    8 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  4. Deleted

    This answer has been deleted due to a violation of our Code of Conduct. The answer was manually reported or identified through automated detection before action was taken. Please refer to our Code of Conduct for more information.

    Comments have been turned off. Learn more