Running Windows 2008 R2 x64 (no WSUS) and manually ran windows update to check for new updates. Got the following error: Windows could not search for updates Code800B001 - unknown error This used to work, now it doesn't. Please advise.

Please see if suggestion given in below mentioned thread helps in your scenario Cant update Windows Vista, Error code:800B001, "Windows encountered an unknown error" http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_other-windows_update/cant-update-windows-vista-error-code800b001/b369e756-a2a9-498e-ba26-14a0a04ba036I do not represent the organisation I work for, all the opinions expressed here are my own. This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties or guarantees and confers no rights. ... .- -. - --- ... ....

Hello, Please proceed like that: Run chkdsk /r /f and sfc /scannowReset Windows Update componentsRun System Update Readiness tool for your OSDisable all security software in usePerform a cleanup boot Once done, check results. This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties or guarantees , and confers no rights. Microsoft Student Partner 2010 / 2011 Microsoft Certified Professional Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator: Security Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer: Security Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuration Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuration Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure, Configuration Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows 7, Configuring Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Designing and Providing Volume Licensing Solutions to Large Organizations Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Enterprise Administrator Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Server Administrator Microsoft Certified Trainer

Hello, Please proceed like that: Run chkdsk /r /f and sfc /scannowReset Windows Update componentsRun System Update Readiness tool for your OSDisable all security software in usePerform a cleanup boot Once done, check results. This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties or guarantees , and confers no rights. Microsoft Student Partner 2010 / 2011 Microsoft Certified Professional Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator: Security Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer: Security Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuration Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuration Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure, Configuration Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows 7, Configuring Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Designing and Providing Volume Licensing Solutions to Large Organizations Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Enterprise Administrator Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Server Administrator Microsoft Certified Trainer How do you "Reset Windows update components" for Win2008 R2 x64?

>>>How do you "Reset Windows update components" for Win2008 R2 x64? Here is the way http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058Regards, Ravikumar P

Tried that. It said the software was not compatible with my system's configuration. I suspect that is a Windows 7 tool. My system is running Win 2008 R2 x64.

The above KB971058 is for window7 & windows 2008 R2 as well. Only thing you have to do is Click here to view or hide detailed information you can find below info. 10. If you are running Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008, clear the BITS queue. To do this, type the following command at a command prompt, and then press ENTER: bitsadmin.exe /reset /allusers Regards, Ravikumar P

Hi, Generally, we can perform the following troubleshooting suggestions to troubleshoot the Windows Update issue: Suggestion 1: Temporarily disable firewall and antivirus program to test the issue. Suggestion 2: Disable Windows Update service, rename the folder %windir%\SoftwareDistribution and restart the Windows Update service. Suggestion 3: Reset Windows Update components to check the result. For the detailed steps, please refer to the following Microsoft KB article: How do I reset Windows Update components? http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058 Suggestion 4: Run the System Update Readiness tool (Checksur.exe) to scan and repair the system files. If some files cannot be repaired automatically, you may replace them manually. For more information, please refer to the following Microsoft KB and TechNet articles: Description of the System Update Readiness Tool for Windows Vista, for Windows Server 2008, for Windows 7, and for Windows Server 2008 R2 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947821 Advanced guidelines for diagnosing and fixing servicing corruption http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee619779(WS.10).aspx Suggestion 5: Run SFC /Scannow to scan and repair the system files. If some corrupted files cannot be repaired, you may manually replace them. For more information, please read the following Microsoft KB article: How to use the System File Checker tool to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files on Windows Vista or on Windows 7 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929833 Suggestion 6: Perform an In-Place upgrade to repair the whole system. Regards, Arthur Li TechNet Community Support

Hi, Generally, we can perform the following troubleshooting suggestions to troubleshoot the Windows Update issue: Suggestion 1: Temporarily disable firewall and antivirus program to test the issue. Suggestion 2: Disable Windows Update service, rename the folder %windir%\SoftwareDistribution and restart the Windows Update service. Suggestion 3: Reset Windows Update components to check the result. For the detailed steps, please refer to the following Microsoft KB article: How do I reset Windows Update components? http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058 Suggestion 4: Run the System Update Readiness tool (Checksur.exe) to scan and repair the system files. If some files cannot be repaired automatically, you may replace them manually. For more information, please refer to the following Microsoft KB and TechNet articles: Description of the System Update Readiness Tool for Windows Vista, for Windows Server 2008, for Windows 7, and for Windows Server 2008 R2 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947821 Advanced guidelines for diagnosing and fixing servicing corruption http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee619779(WS.10).aspx Suggestion 5: Run SFC /Scannow to scan and repair the system files. If some corrupted files cannot be repaired, you may manually replace them. For more information, please read the following Microsoft KB article: How to use the System File Checker tool to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files on Windows Vista or on Windows 7 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929833 Suggestion 6: Perform an In-Place upgrade to repair the whole system. Regards, Arthur Li TechNet Community Support

Suggestion 3: Reset Windows Update components to check the result. For the detailed steps, please refer to the following Microsoft KB article: How do I reset Windows Update components? http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058 Having problems with this step. I goto that link and run the Microsoft Fix it tool and get the following error: "This troubleshooter does not apply to your system. We're sorry, but this troubleshooter is not compatible with your current system's configuration."

Hi, If the tool cannot work, please try to use the steps manually on the KB article 971058. If the issue persists, please continue to perform the other suggestions on my previous post. Regards,Arthur Li TechNet Community Support

Hi, If the tool cannot work, please try to use the steps manually on the KB article 971058. If the issue persists, please continue to perform the other suggestions on my previous post. Regards,Arthur Li TechNet Community Support