I posted this call for help to Microsoft Answers and was advised to post it here. http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_update/home-premium-windows-update-cannot-currently-check/c782506d-0823-4425-9eee-65863fcbefab Since the post suggesting I ask here, I have tried System Restore from the Windows 7 DVD's recovery console to restore back to the last date Windows Update worked, got the dreaded four foxes error (0x8000FFFF), and rebooted into a system that said System Restore completed successfully. Windows Update still gave the error, "Windows Update cannot currently check for updates, because updates on this computer are controlled by your system administrator," anyway. Also since that post, Avast 6 was removed via System Restore, and Microsoft Security Essentials was installed to fill the void. Tools used to scan for malicious software: Kaspersky TDSSKiller (run from installed OS and from DVD recovery console command prompt), Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (MBAM), Microsoft Security Essentials. Results of all scans: Not a blessed thing found. If there's any malicious software installed, I don't know what tool or tools can reveal it, and I know my toolkit is quite a bit smaller than it should be. Is there anything anyone can suggest short of nuke-and-pave? Thanks. Windows Genuine Advantage disadvantaged my genuine Windows. Posted from genuine Ubuntu.

A1. Avast 6 was removed via System Restore A2. Microsoft Security Essentials was installed to fill the void. A1. One does not remove an application via System Restore, one uninstalls the application. A2. See... Can I install Microsoft Security Essentials [or any other anti-virus/anti-spyware application] to clean up my already-infected computer? http://answers.microsoft.com/thread/87058857-d181-4019-a723-efd9a49d9275 Also see... • Cleaning a Compromised System http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc700813.aspx ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear) MS MVP (IE, Mail, Security, Windows & Update Services) since 2002 Disclaimer: MS MVPs neither represent nor work for Microsoft

I wasn't aware that System Restore performed application uninstalls, only that it rolled back application installs. Sorry. An instance of malicious software was never confirmed, and I'd like to find the actual cause before resorting to that second most devastating of surefire solutions if I can. Thank you for the links.Windows Genuine Advantage disadvantaged my genuine Windows. Posted from genuine Ubuntu.

In preparation for nuke-and-pave, I recovered the product key from the existing installation. On a hunch, the first group of the key was used as a Web search term, and a YouTube video listing that very key was the first search result. The rightful owner has an authentic Windows Vista DVD and product key issued by the PC's manufacturer, which is being used to nuke the malfunctioning Windows 7 installation. Root cause found: Installation from media of dubious origin and attempted validation with a product key that is at best improper. Problem solved. Thanks for all your help. Windows Genuine Advantage disadvantaged my genuine Windows. Posted from genuine Ubuntu.

"ArielMT" wrote in message news:f9cd1df3-efe6-4307-bfa1-c9a6a461af9b... In preparation for nuke-and-pave, I recovered the product key from the existing installation. On a hunch, the first group of the key was used as a Web search term, and a YouTube video listing that very key was the first search result. The customer has an authentic Windows Vista DVD and product key issued by the PC's manufacturer, which is being used to nuke the malfunctioning Windows 7 installation. Root cause found: Installation from media of dubious origin and attempted validation with a product key that is at best improper. Problem solved. Thanks for all your help. Windows Genuine Advantage disadvantaged my genuine Windows. Posted from genuine Ubuntu. Nothing unusual there - about 80 Windows 7 keys are well-known (with something like 10,000 hits on Google each) and valid for the machines on which the manufacturer installed them - if you tell me the manufacturer, I can tell you the Key :) -- Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

Please refer to the following FAQ. Updates: frequently asked questions http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Updates-frequently-asked-questionsPlease remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.

Please refer to the following FAQ. Updates: frequently asked questions http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Updates-frequently-asked-questions I wish I could vote an off-topic post like this as unhelpful. Although Frequently Asked Questions are the first place to look for answers, this thread exists precisely because the question was never once asked in this circumstance, let alone frequently.Windows Genuine Advantage disadvantaged my genuine Windows. Posted from genuine Ubuntu.