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Computer Fixin' Software

Windows Update Stalling/Stuck/Hang at “Searching for Updates”

No time for introductions.

I spent way too much time today trying for get Windows Update to work on a laptop.  When the “Searching for updates” screen would come on, sometimes the progress bar would be empty, other times it would run and run until it failed.

I tried CCleaner and reinstalled the Windows Update Components.  Multiple times.  Still nothing.

C:\Windows\WindowsUpdate.log showed a “SendRequestUsingProxy failed” message.  What?  I’m not using a proxy.

I find bits of Norton around, so I run the Norton Removal Tool.  I also end up removing Trend Micro’s PC-Cillin, thinking that it might be blocking the updates.  No good.

HijackThis doesn’t even show a proxy being set anywhere.  So what’s the deal?

FInally…Google returns this gem of a page: http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=836941

Advanced Method B

8.    Type the following commands. Press ENTER after each command.

a.     proxycfg -d
b.     net stop wuauserv
c.     net start wuauserv
d.     exit

And there it is. I ran proxycfg all by itself and saw this mysterious IP address for a proxy.  SamSpade.org showed that it returns to BestBuy…hmm.

So finally: “Installation complete.  You must restart your computer for the updates to take effect.”  On to more important things.

Ugh.