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Windows Update cannot currently update because the service is not running

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tntypography:
Hi,

I'm on a Win 7 Ultimate 64 bit machine, genuine and regularly updated. I'm using the latest F-Secure Internet Security.

I'm currently having an issue with Update. It reports that is not running, and when I hit the button to manually check the error message used as a title to this thread comes up: Windows Update cannot currently update because the service is not running. You may need to restart your computer.

The error is odd, as when I'm checking the services, Update is up and running. Whether I stop it, start it, or restart it, the message remains the same.

I've spent the better part of yesterday going through forums, 'solutions', and causes, and have yet to find something that applies to my issue. As the last option, I tried the Tweaking Windows AIO repair - with no effect on the update issue.

I tried the following unsuccessfully:

reset the Update components wit the Fix-it. It reports that it was successful, but there is no change to the issue.
reset manually
run SFC (it reports errors that it cannot fix)
deleted the contents of the SoftwareDistribution folder

As one Windows forum reports that the issue is caused by Malware, I did the following checks which were all negative:
F-Secure system scan
F-Secure online scan
Kaspersky TDSSKiller
Malwarebytes scan
Windows Malicious Software Removal tool January 13 scan

I even tried to do a Repair Install with my original Win DVD, but it found that my running system is newer than the disc-one, and refused to install over it.

Before doing a clean-sweep install, which I'd really like to avoid because the time it would take me to set everything up anew, I thought I'd give this forum a shot. Your help would be much appreciated. In case the log files of the SFC or the Repair AIO might shed some light on the issue I'd be happy to share them.

NoWhereMan:
Hello:
You did not mention what is/was your current A/V program [unless it is F-Secure].
Other A/V's historically do Not uninstall well [Mcafee, Avast, Norton, AVG - each has a separate uninstaller - ]
You might try Bleeping Computer's Combofix.
Be very sure to turn off antivirus AND un plug the ethernet cable and disable wireless.

I helped repair a firend's PC using it.
Combofix reported services.exe was infected.
Run SFC with the Windows installation DVD inserted.
Then retry Shane's Windows Repair tool..
and then reestablish network connectivity.

hth

Gamezertruth:
Did you try rogue killer? http://tigzy.geekstogo.com/roguekiller.php

And check your system with portable security software to get rid of viruses from my web http://vrt-com.webnode.com/products-/

tntypography:
Thanks for your suggestions.

My AV is F-Secure, and I did both a local and a remote (online) scan that found no issues.

Today I tried your suggestions with the following results:
Combofix produced a log that I cannot read, what should I look out for?
Roguekiller reported six registry entries, none of which looked suspicious to me.

I actually doubt that there is any malware, but guess that some Windows component were screwed up by an install, maybe something along these lines (it's a Lenovo Thinkpad):
http://www.blackrosetech.com/gessel/2011/08/29/lenovo-system-update-breaks-windows-update

I might just have to bite the bullet and re-install, it might be quicker than doing pointless troubleshooting.

I have a system image that I could use, but am not sure about one detail: I have two partitions on my drive and only the system partition is backed-up. When I re-image windows from that source, will it keep my data partition untouched, or will it format it too?
Thanks for your help.

Shane:
Before you do a fresh install I have something you can do for a repair install.

First did you run all the repairs in my program? I ask because I wonder if it is a permissions problem.

Next, you can do a repair install, you just need a disk with sp1 on it. Here you go :-)
http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/software-os/w/microsoft_os/3316.2-1-microsoft-windows-7-official-iso-download-links-digital-river.aspx

Shane

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