Windows Update not working

[sknois7]

I haven't been able to run Windows Update since December. I'm using Windows Vista Home Premium 64 bit SP2. When I attempt to run Windows Update it says, "Windows could not search for new updates. An error occurred while checking for new updates for your computer". It gives the error code 80070005 Windows update encountered an unknown error. I am the owner of this computer, and am logged in as administrator and believe I have full privileges.I've tried right clicking windows update in start menu and running as admin, no change. I found in another subforum here a "system readiness update tool" that seemed like it might be what I needed, I downloaded and installed it, and restarted, and still get the error. I've run a MalwareBytes scan with newest database and gotten 0 results. I don't believe my system is infected with anything as I'm having no other unusual issues with my system. Sometimes it will say checking for updates for a few minutes like it's working, but then it just goes back to the error I wrote. I have Windows Firewall on, as far as I know that wouldn't be blocking it. I'm also running the free version of Avast, as far as I know that wouldn't be blocking the legitimiate Windows Update and whatever connections/ports it might need. I tried googling that MIcrosoft error code and I get a bunch of confusing and conflicting information, people from 3-4 years ago talking about having to edit registry values, spi something, do something in command line, my computer knowledge doesn't really go that in depth, can anyone assist me in regaining the ability to use windows updates?

[RJGoodhouse]

That is a Fixable Problem by Microsoft FixIt

http://support.microsoft.com/search/default.aspx?qid=429311&query=error+code+80070005+installing+updates&catalog=LCID%3D1033&mode=r'>http://support.microsoft.com/search/default.aspx?qid=429311&query=error+code+80070005+installing+updates&catalog=LCID%3D1033&mode=r

If you go to http://support.microsoft.com/ do a Search on error code 80070005 Windows Updates, you will find a few suggestions to lead you to a resolve. Worked fine for me.

[sknois7]

I attempted to use 5 different Microsoft Fix Its, 3 of which were specifically to repair or reset Windows Update, none of them worked. I attempted to follow the steps at this blog http://blogs.msdn.com/b/astebner/archive/2006/09/04/739820.aspx, they are not for a 64 bit system, the fix had no effect. I attempted to follow the steps here http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_vista-windows_update/error-code-80070005/3ac404c4-af72-e011-8dfc-68b599b31bf5, I was not able to get past step 2 to run AccessChk, when I extract the zip file I don't get a folder, only an exe, that does nothing when clicked. Can someone help, with specifics, that work>

[exile360]

You may have tried this one already, but if you haven't, it's worth a shot:

Run the Windows Update Reset Tool:

• Please download the Windows Update Reset Tool from here and save it to your desktop.
  
• Double click the MicrosoftFixit50202 to begin
  
• Follow the onscreen instructions and run it in Agressive Mode
  
• Reboot your computer if asked to do so
  

[sknois7]

I don't think I had ran that FixIt before. I ran it just now, in agressive mode, restarted, still get the same error. Though it looks like it wiped out my history of installed updates, and now says my last updates were "never" as opposed to the December date it gave before.

[exile360]

Yes, that tool resets Windows Update. At this point, since none of the usual fixes have worked, I would suggest contacting Microsoft Support. They provide support free of charge and they should be able to assist you in getting this fixed.