Windows update never stops searching for updates

[jkhjr]

Good morning Experts!

Windows Update continually searches for updates and never stops.

This began about a month ago.  It states that updates have never been checked for and never have been installed.

Thank you!

[Karthik]

#HPExpertDay

This is observed when a firewall is blocking the computer. Please check the firewall settings on the computer.

[jkhjr]

Thank you for the quick reply.

The Norton 360 firewall is enabled. I have been running this software for 4 years and never experienced Windows Update issues.

I also checked and the Windows update firewall is on. I don't think I should have both enabled. I am correct?

[Amreen]

Hello,

Method 1: Windows Update error 80070002

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/Windows-Update-error-80070002

Method 2: Perform clean boot and check.

To help troubleshoot error message, you can start Windows Vista or Windows 7 by using a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This kind of startup is known as a "clean boot." A clean boot helps eliminate software conflicts.

How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows Vista or in Windows 7

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

Note: To reset the computer to normal mode after troubleshooting, please follow “How to reset the computer to start as usual” from the above article.

Method 3: Perform a System File Checker (SFC) scan.

Perform a System File Checker (SFC) scan on your computer. SFC tool scans system files and replaces incorrect versions of the system files by using the correct versions.

Refer the following article for more information on using SFC tool to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files:

How to use the System File Checker tool to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files on Windows Vista or on Windows 7

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929833

Method 4: Disable antivirus software and check.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Disable-antivirus-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.

#hpexpertday

[Dragon-Fur]

@jkhjr

More Ideas -- apologies if these been suggested:

The Windows Update Service might be stuck -- you might manually start the Service:

Control Panel > icon view > Administrative Tools > Services >

Scroll down, Highlight and then Start Windows Update

The Windows Update icon may have "fallen off" your Notifications Taskbar.  This issue is usually accompanied by an error; nonetheless, it may be worth checking.

Updates – When and How

See Section:  Set Windows Update Notification Icon (Windows 7)

Use the Windows Update Fix from Microsoft:

Fix Microsoft Windows Update Issues

Along with the suggestion above, the following Microsoft community thread provides additional ideas:

Windows 7 SP1 Windows Update stuck checking for updates

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[jkhjr · Accepted solution]

To answer my own post 4 months later.

Windows Update is now working correctly!

Go to You Tube and search for download.wsusoffline.net

Eli The Computer Guy video helped me tremendously!