[SOLVED] Windows Update doesn't work. Gives me an '80072EFE' error. What could be the problem??

[jayhayjay]

Hi guys.

I decided to reset my PC and format my HDD since I had a problem with some drivers. The problem, however, is even bigger now because Windows Update doesn't work.

It gives me an 80072EFE error when I click on 'Check for Updates' in 'Control Panel'.

Timezone, time and date are set properly. I've tried manually downloading and installing some updates but as soon as the installation starts, it stops and tells me 'This update does not apply to your system'. And I've seen this message with around 20 updates I tried to install so far.

I also tried to install them using WSUS Offline Update but didn't work either. Tried restarting numerous times, did a diskcheck, I even did a second format and re-installed Windows but I'm still getting this same error. And I seriously need to update because a few programs don't work unless I update (e.g. NVIDIA GeForce Experience).

I've had this Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit CD for around 10 years now and didn't deal with any issues.

I've run out of ideas and I'm going crazy, lol. What do you think?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Fix_that_Glitch]

Run the update troubleshooter. Does it tell you anything?

 

[jayhayjay]

Run the update troubleshooter. Does it tell you anything?

It gives me two problems. One says 'windows couldn't detect this network's proxy settings' and the other one says 'searching for updates failed'.

 

[Fix_that_Glitch]

Oh sorry I didn't read down to win7. Windows 7 no longer is supported by Microsoft as of January 2020.

 

[ex_bubblehead]

After the reset the Windows Update Client is most likely out of date. You need to update it from:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-client/deployment/update-windows-update-agent

But, the advice given above is what you should be following. Windows 7 is no longer supported and does not receive any patches or updates. Time to move on.

 

[jayhayjay]

After the reset the Windows Update Client is most likely out of date. You need to update it from:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-client/deployment/update-windows-update-agent

But, the advice given above is what you should be following. Windows 7 is no longer supported and does not receive any patches or updates. Time to move on.

What exactly do I download or do? There are so many things listed in the link you gave me.

 

[ex_bubblehead]

And you didn't see:

"Stand-alone packages for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1"

about 1/3 of the way down the page, with 5 links?

One of the first 2 applies to you (are you running 32-bit or 64-bit?)

 

[jayhayjay]

And you didn't see:

"Stand-alone packages for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1"

about 1/3 of the way down the page, with 5 links?

One of the first 2 applies to you (are you running 32-bit or 64-bit?)

Nope, nothing happened. Tried the x64 version, the installation finished, I restarted but I'm still dealing with the exact same problem.

 

[ex_bubblehead]

And you are, in fact, running Service Pack 1?

 

[jayhayjay]

And you are, in fact, running Service Pack 1?

Nope, I'm not running SP1. I need to do the Windows Updates to get SP1.

 

[SkyNetRising]

Nope, nothing happened. Tried the x64 version, the installation finished, I restarted but I'm still dealing with the exact same problem.

Updating windows 7 after fresh install or reset is serious pain in the rear.
1. - make sure Service pack 1 is installed. If not, then install it.
https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=KB976932
2. - install windows 7 convenience rollup update

How to Update Windows 7 All at Once with Microsoft's Convenience Rollup

When you install Windows 7 on a new system, you traditionally have to go through a long process of downloading years of updates and constantly rebooting.

www.howtogeek.com

3. - manually install windows 7 updates listed here (windows update service has to be stopped to install those):
http://wu.krelay.de/en/2016-07.htm
4. Only then you can run windows update and install all the remaining updates.
Don't remember latest count, but it's at least 200 updates.

Probably will take you couple of days. Enjoy.

 

[ex_bubblehead]

Then you will have to locate an alternate vector for SP1 as pointed out above. The page I directed you to very explicitly states that those downloads for Windows 7 SP1. That's why it's not working.

 

[jayhayjay]

Updating windows 7 after fresh install or reset is serious pain in the rear.
1. - make sure Service pack 1 is installed. If not, then install it.
https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=KB976932
2. - install windows 7 convenience rollup update

How to Update Windows 7 All at Once with Microsoft's Convenience Rollup

When you install Windows 7 on a new system, you traditionally have to go through a long process of downloading years of updates and constantly rebooting.

www.howtogeek.com

3. - manually install windows 7 updates listed here (windows update service has to be stopped to install those):
http://wu.krelay.de/en/2016-07.htm
4. Only then you can run windows update and install all the remaining updates.
Don't remember latest count, but it's at least 200 updates.

Probably will take you couple of days. Enjoy.

Doing what you said seems to have fixed the problem! SP1 has been installed alongside some updates and now I've disabled any additional ones. It's finally working again, heheh.

Thanks a ton!!!