Windows 7 ''checking for updates'' taking forever

snowdog · 13 Aug 2015 at 10:22

Hello, anyone know how to fix a stuck updater ?
Situation:

Clean Win 7 x86 pro install
Installed drivers and .net
Windows update ran, windows update needed an update.

Update log shows :

Code:

Update for Windows (KB958488)

Installation date: ‎13-‎8-‎2015 9:46

Installation status: Successful

Update type: Important

Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0 Shared
Windows Update Agent 7.6.7600.320

Installation date: ‎13-‎8-‎2015 10:25

Installation status: Successful

Update type: Important

The Windows Update Agent enables your computer to search for and install updates from an update service.  The agent can automatically update itself as needed to communicate with the update service when Windows searches for new updates.

More information: 
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=118000

Help and Support: 
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=117301

And a win defender update.

Now when I boot and ''check for updates'' it is stuck on that for hours, tried rebooting and the same happens. Checking for updates, and nothing happens...

I have to get this pc ready by today, I don't believe it will go on, I've waited for 2 bloody hours already...

Anyone know how to force it to go on or see why it's stuck ?

snowdog · 13 Aug 2015 at 12:38

To add, I've tried various reboots, I've tried stopping the update process and services manually, I have manually reinstalled WindowsUpdateAgent-7.6-x86. To no avail.

LizardKing · 13 Aug 2015 at 13:48

clear the update cache?

Any errors towards the bottom of c:\windows\windowsupdate.log

CaptainCrash · 13 Aug 2015 at 17:14

FWIW I've encountered the same thing with recent clean installs of Win 7 - the initial "checking for updates" takes absolutely ages (2 hours plus) , but it does finish in the end and progress to the actual download/installation. You just have to be patient, which is admittedly easier said than done when you're up against the clock.

Having said that, if the update is then interrupted or fails, it will helpfully go right back to square one and spend another couple of hours "checking for updates". Wonderful.

AthlonXP1800 · 13 Aug 2015 at 17:37

I had same issue with my dad laptop Windows Update gone on forever searched for updates. Downloaded Windows Update Diagnostic tool fixed corrupt files and ran Windows Update found updates instantly.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows7/open-the-windows-update-troubleshooter

Click Windows Update Troubleshooter and it will download tool.

TWiNKLeT0Es · 13 Aug 2015 at 17:42

Have you tried the FixIt: https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/kb/971058

ron3003 · 13 Aug 2015 at 17:48

Did a win7 machine a couple of days back that someone had screwed up. Even using a SP1 iso the initial checking for updates was approaching 2 hours, 213 updates to install. Followed by another 30+

snowdog · 13 Aug 2015 at 19:12

I've tried the MS Fix it thing, it didn't help.

It's been 2 hours and 15 mins now since I left work with another try for the updates:

Update log shows it did do a lot up to 19.00 hr, but after that it's been doing not much from the log. I'll check again when I come back from the pub!

snowdog · 13 Aug 2015 at 19:17

WOW, I spoke to soon, after about 2 hours and 20 mins it found the updates.

210 important updates

.

Let's see how long the installing will take

. I'm to impatient apparantly!

snowdog · 14 Aug 2015 at 08:20

Well meh, I hate windows update, just come in the office and a a few updates failed, it still needs to install 5, click download, now the download is taking ages to start.

I'm supposed to have this computer ready this morning

.