After running SFC/ SCANNOW, performing a clean boot and about a dozen other standard IT tricks, I found a blog that nailed the issue. It had to do with the Notification Area… yes, I know that sounds stupid but that is what it was and later I found MS documentation to back it up.
Apparently if the Windows Update icon can not popup in the Notification Area, Windows Update won’t.
Solution:
This allowed about a third of my 20 outstanding updates to install but others still would not. I found that changing to a different profile allowed me to install the balance.
If this does not work, you can always try the Microsoft FIXIT tool for Windows Update. It is free fast and I have never seen it cause a problem:
I also found that individual updates like the MICROSOFT MALICIOUS SOFTWARE REMOVAL TOOL would not install without this setting being changed and I was getting a:
This version of the Malicious Software Removal Tool is not compatible with the version of Windows you’re running. blah blah 32bit 64 bit
even though there is only one version of MSRT!
For some screen shots and more detail, take a look at http://todd4tech.blogspot.ca/2012/03/windows-update-failing-with-error.html
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I tried the five step solution, nothing worked for me until I rebooted the computer. Thanks for posting the solution. I've been trying to updated windows for sometime.
Unbelievable Windows .... Thanks for posting the solution. Worked ..
Thanks, this was a great help.
install now works.
Cheers!! Brilliant solution!
Great work! Unbelievable that this corp is on afloat till now days!
That ... is ... ridiculous! Not your post - that is genius. But the thing causing the problem - that is ridiculous. Thank you finding and fixing this issue.
Thank you very much.
Your fix with the `Notification Area` still applies!
It is realy! Thanks for the info, you safed my time.
Gracias .... Funciono
Still relevant in 2018, thank you so much.