Error: Windows can't check for updates

arnotta

Keep getting error on Windows Update: 'Windows can't check for updates'. When I open windows update and select 'check for updates' it just keeps giving me the same error and gives me error code: 80070490 Windows update encountered an unknown error.

When I click for help it just gives me help on installing updates - but the issue isnt with installing them it's with checking for them in the first place!

Any ideas?

Browntoa

which version of Windows ??

Browntoa

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/958044

Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2

To resolve this issue follow the steps in method 1. If method 1 does not resolve the issue, continue to method 2.
Method 1: run the System Update Readiness tool (Checksur.exe)

1. Download and run the System Update Readiness tool. This tool runs a one-time scan for inconsistencies that may prevent future servicing operations. For more informationabout how to download and run the Checksur.exe tool, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: 947821 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947821/ ) Description of the System Update Readiness Tool for Windows Vista, for Windows Server 2008, for Windows 7, and for Windows Server 2008 R2
2. Try to install updates again.

Note After you run the tool, the Checksur.log file is saved in the following location: %systemroot%\Logs\CBS

In a default installation of Windows, %systemroot% represents the Windows directory.

If this method does not resolve the issue, go to Method 2.
Method 2: perform a repair installation of Windows

If method 1 does not resolve this issue, you must perform a repair installation of Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2. Performing a repair installation will restore the current Windows installation to the version of the installation DVD. This also requires the installation of all updates that are not included on the installation DVD.

Note Performing a repair installation will not damage files and applications that are currently installed on your computer.


To perform a repair installation of Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2, follow these steps:

1. Close all applications, and then restart the computer.
2. Insert the Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 DVD in the computer's DVD drive.
3. In the Setup window, click Install Now.
   
   
   Note If Windows does not automatically detect the DVD, follow these steps:
   1. Click Start Collapse this imageExpand this image
      
      
      , and then type Drive:\setup.exe in the Start Search box.
      
      Note The Drive placeholder is the drive letter of the computer's DVD drive. <LI type=a>In the Programs list, click Setup.exe.
   2. In the Setup window, click Install Now.
4. Click Go online to obtain the latest updates for installation (recommended).
5. Type the CD key if you are prompted to do this.
6. Click Yes to accept the Microsoft Software License Terms.
7. On the Which kind of installation do you want? screen, click Upgrade.
8. When the installation is complete, restart your computer, and then try to install the updates.

tronator

arnotta wrote: »

Keep getting error on Windows Update: 'Windows can't check for updates'. When I open windows update and select 'check for updates' it just keeps giving me the same error and gives me error code: 80070490 Windows update encountered an unknown error.

When I click for help it just gives me help on installing updates - but the issue isnt with installing them it's with checking for them in the first place!

Any ideas?

I think I answered the same question today already

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=33839033&postcount=5