Cannot run Windows Update - Error Code 80072EFE

[Madhunisha]

My computer seems to have uncommon problem and I cannot get rid of it. I am unable to install any updates and I get error code 80072EFE. The updates are probably outdated by about a month by now! I tried contacting Microsoft and they suggested me to perform a repair installation, but I'm having problems with that as well. What is the problem with my computer?

[windows_user]

To reset Windows Update components manually follow these steps:

1. Go to Start, Run and type "cmd" and then press ENTER.
2. Type the following commands at the command prompt to stop BITS service and the Windows Update service and press ENTER after each command:

• net stop bits
• net stop wuauserv

3. Delete the qmgr*.dat files using the following command:
Del "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\qmgr*.dat"
4. Type the following command and then press ENTER:
cd /d %windir%\system32
5. Re-register the BITS files and the Windows Update files. For this press ENTER after each command:

• regsvr32.exe atl.dll
• regsvr32.exe urlmon.dll
• regsvr32.exe mshtml.dll
• regsvr32.exe shdocvw.dll
• regsvr32.exe browseui.dll
• regsvr32.exe jscript.dll
• regsvr32.exe vbscript.dll
• regsvr32.exe scrrun.dll
• regsvr32.exe msxml.dll
• regsvr32.exe msxml3.dll
• regsvr32.exe msxml6.dll
• regsvr32.exe actxprxy.dll
• regsvr32.exe softpub.dll
• regsvr32.exe wintrust.dll
• regsvr32.exe dssenh.dll
• regsvr32.exe rsaenh.dll
• regsvr32.exe gpkcsp.dll
• regsvr32.exe sccbase.dll
• regsvr32.exe slbcsp.dll
• regsvr32.exe cryptdlg.dll
• regsvr32.exe oleaut32.dll
• regsvr32.exe ole32.dll
• regsvr32.exe shell32.dll
• regsvr32.exe initpki.dll
• regsvr32.exe wuapi.dll
• regsvr32.exe wuaueng.dll
• regsvr32.exe wuaueng1.dll
• regsvr32.exe wucltui.dll
• regsvr32.exe wups.dll
• regsvr32.exe wups2.dll
• regsvr32.exe wuweb.dll
• regsvr32.exe qmgr.dll
• regsvr32.exe qmgrprxy.dll
• regsvr32.exe wucltux.dll
• regsvr32.exe muweb.dll
• regsvr32.exe wuwebv.dll

6. Reset Winsock using the following command:
netsh reset winsock

7. Restart the BITS service and the Windows Update service as follows:

• net start bits
• net start wuauserv

8. Restart the computer.

Now you should be able to update your Windows.

[Aleksandra]

This problem is certainly related to internet connections flaw. Try to reset router to factory defaults. The major cause to error code 80072EFE includes:

• Applications or processes that interfere with Internet communications
• Resource issues on your computer
• High Internet activity
• Recoverable database errors

[Dr. V]

If you are unable to repair your installation then make sure you have the correct versions of the system files on your computer. For this, go to Start, and then click Run. Type cmd and the click on OK button. Type "sfc /scannow" and press ENTER. This will check for the system files. You may have to insert the Windows XP CD to complete this operation. Once the process is completed, try to install updates once again.

[jesse]

It seems to me some virus or malware on your computer. I would recommend you to install kaspersky internet security 2010 trial version and run a scan. It will report you about the rootkits and trojans that is stopping you to update your Windows. Removed them and restart your computer to delete it completely. Try to update windows now.