Windows Update - Can't Update Windows 7 - Error Code 80072F8F

Asked By Bijan on 06-Jul-11 04:53 PM

I was always working with windows automatic update without any problem.
But since 18 Jun '11 (19 days ago), after automaticly installing some updates for Windows and microsoft .NET by Automatic Update, it stops from updating and always gives the same error message:

Windows could not search for new updates.
An error occured while checking for new updates for your computer.
Error(s) found:
Code 80072F8F Windows Update encountered an unknown error.

I did all of following recommended solutions from microsoft support website, BUT MY PROBLEM DID NOT SOLVE!

Checking system Date and Time and Syncronizing system Clock.
Renaming the "Download" folder in "SoftwareDistribution" folder in "Windows" folder.
When nothing happened and after getting no result, I renamed the whole "SoftwareDistribution" folder to reset all of previous incomplete updates.
The problem still existed and with more searching, I found and executed "microsoft fixit" program.
I also went through the "Troubleshooter" steps in "Control Panel" but it said that no problem found!

Now, could anyone tell me what should I do?

I have an original Windows 7 Home Premium
My laptop is Sony VAIO VPCF1111FX.
Latest installed updates are: KB2160841 , KB2446708 , KB2473228 , KB2478663 , KB2518870 , KB2518869
(they all installed on: 2026/06/18)

Is there any additional information needed to explain from me?

Waiting from your kind replies,
Bijan

pete rainbow replied to Bijan on 06-Jul-11 07:14 PM

this error is due to a certficates error

this can be due to your datetime being out of sync, which you said you have fixed
( although just make sure again that the time is correct and the timezone )

if not that then try and install a new updated root certificate. maybe here http://download.windowsupdate.com/msdownload/update/v3/static/trustedr/en/rootsupd.exe

btw you''ll probably find an update error for the root certs if is this

then maybe try and fix some of the ie server dll's

Go to Start, and then Run ( windows key + R ), and from there type in these one at a time

regsvr32 Softpub.dll /s
regsvr32 Wintrust.dll /s
regsvr32 Initpki.dll /s
regsvr32 Mssip32.dll /s

you'll need to do as admin

and then

Open IE
Select the Tools menu and then select Internet Options
Choose the Advance tab
Unselect 'check for server certificate revocation' reboot PC and test again!

Jitendra Faye replied to Bijan on 06-Jul-11 10:59 PM

This issue can be caused by the following factors:

1. The Windows Update service has been stopped.
2. Corrupted Windows Update Temporary folder.

To solve this issue follow these steps-

Step 1: Verify the relevant Windows Update services
=======================================
1. Click the Start Button, in Start Search box, type: "services.msc" (without quotes) and press Enter. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
2. Double click the service "Windows Update".
3. Click on the "General" tab; make sure the "Startup Type" is "Automatic" or "Manual". Then please click the "Start" button under "Service Status" to start the service.
4. Please repeat the above steps with the "Background Intelligent Transfer Service" service.

You need to temporarily stop these services.

Step 2: Rename the Windows Update Softwaredistribution folder
================================================
This problem may occur if the Windows Update Software distribution folder has been corrupted. We can refer to the following steps to rename this folder. Please note that the folder will be re-created the next time we visit the Windows Update site.

1. Close all the open windows.
2. Click the Start Button, click "All programs", and click "Accessories".
3. Right-click on "Command Prompt” and click "Run as administrator".
4. In "Administrator: Command Prompt" window, type in "net stop WuAuServ" (without the quotes) and press Enter.

Note: Please look at the cmd window and make sure it says that it was successfully stopped before we try to rename the folder. However, if it fails, please let me know before performing any further steps and include any error messages you may have received when it failed.

5. Click the Start Button, in the "Start Search" box, type in "%windir%" (without the quotes) and press Enter.
6. In the opened folder, look for the folder named "SoftwareDistribution".
7. Right-click on the folder, select Rename and type "SoftwareDistribution.old" (without the quotes) to rename this folder.
8. While still in the "Administrator: Command Prompt" window, type the command "net start WuAuServ" (without the quotes) in the opened window to restart the Windows Updates service.

Note: Please look at the cmd window and make sure it says that it was successfully started. However, if it failed, please let me know before performing any further steps and include any error messages you may have received when it failed.

Hope this will help you.

Bijan replied to Bijan on 07-Jul-11 02:40 PM

Hi
With many thanks for your kind response, I tried all of your solutions (before getting your answer) and these answers forced me to download more that 400MB files from Microsoft , BUT NOTHING SOLVED!

At last, I knew that this error was because of my ESET NOD32 settings about "SSL Protocol Checking"

The complete soloution is written here:
http://www.techsupportforum.com/forums/f217/windows-update-error-0x80072f8f-493416.html

I don't know when the anti virus program prevents Windows Update from visiting some SSL sites, why Update program thinks that the problem is because of wrong system date ? :-D

Thanks again my new "virtual" friends ;)