Security Updates problem - help !

Hi:
I run Windows 7 Pro which is nearer the end of its life.It's unpredictable - sometimes running perfectly and then slowing down and not responding at other times.
More importantly it is now unable to import security updates.
I have downloaded and run a Windows Update Troubleshooter pack and received the following message.

" Service registration is missing or corrupt "

Error codes: 80070490
8004FF84

I have also downloaded and run Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor and received the following message

" unable to reach the Microsoft Server for compatability information "

I'm trying to prolong the life of this a little longer until I close my business and move back to the UK next year when I'll then invest in something newer.
But does anyone have any suggestion of what I could do to repair this.
I'm no software expert but can follow basic instructions.
Any help much appreciated.
Thanks.
«1

Comments

  • Neil_Jones
    Neil_Jones Posts: 8,913 Forumite
    First Anniversary Name Dropper First Post
    Here's a few things to try:
    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/10164/fix-windows-update-errors

    The other thing to try:

    Open a command prompt (administrative): Type in cmd into the Start Menu to search for Command Prompt. Press ctrl + shift + enter to launch Command Prompt as administrator.

    Then type "sfc /scannow" (no quotes) and let it run for a bit until complete. Restart the computer.
  • EveryWhere
    EveryWhere Posts: 3,249 Forumite
    Hi:
    I run Windows 7 Pro which is nearer the end of its life.It's unpredictable - sometimes running perfectly and then slowing down and not responding at other times.
    More importantly it is now unable to import security updates.
    I have downloaded and run a Windows Update Troubleshooter pack and received the following message.

    " Service registration is missing or corrupt "

    Error codes: 80070490
    8004FF84

    I have also downloaded and run Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor and received the following message

    " unable to reach the Microsoft Server for compatability information "

    I'm trying to prolong the life of this a little longer until I close my business and move back to the UK next year when I'll then invest in something newer.
    But does anyone have any suggestion of what I could do to repair this.
    I'm no software expert but can follow basic instructions.
    Any help much appreciated.
    Thanks.

    Have you checked the integrity of your hard drive?

    If you are sure the problem is with Windows, you can attempt a Repair Install with Professional image from here, choosing en_windows_7_professional_with_sp1_x64_dvd_u_676939.iso

    Then burn image to DVD or create bootable USB Flash media.

    But before you do anything, what brand name and model number has it exactly?
  • Well I'm in trouble now.
    Tried the sfc / scannow and between the jigs and the reels I'm now unable to log on even in Safe Mode.
    It automatically goes to Start Up repair with whatever option I choose and start up repair says it can't fix the problem and can't start.
    Even tried System Restore and it goes straight to Start Up repair with the same problem.
    So I appear to be locked out.
    HELP !!!!
  • EveryWhere
    EveryWhere Posts: 3,249 Forumite
    Well I'm in trouble now.
    Tried the sfc / scannow and between the jigs and the reels I'm now unable to log on even in Safe Mode.
    It automatically goes to Start Up repair with whatever option I choose and start up repair says it can't fix the problem and can't start.
    Even tried System Restore and it goes straight to Start Up repair with the same problem.
    So I appear to be locked out.
    HELP !!!!

    You should have followed my instructions and created the image... Plus you still haven't told us anything about the device.
  • J_B
    J_B Posts: 6,443 Forumite
    Name Dropper Photogenic First Post First Anniversary
    Well I'm in trouble now.
    Tried the sfc / scannow and between the jigs and the reels I'm now unable to log on even in Safe Mode.
    It automatically goes to Start Up repair with whatever option I choose and start up repair says it can't fix the problem and can't start.
    Even tried System Restore and it goes straight to Start Up repair with the same problem.
    So I appear to be locked out.
    HELP !!!!


    I had this on a friend's desktop with W10.
    Had to remove the drive, extract all the data and then format/reinstall W10


    I'm sure E/W will get you sorted ... :)
  • EveryWhere wrote: »
    You should have followed my instructions and created the image... Plus you still haven't told us anything about the device.

    Apologies.
    Not computer literate.
    Anyway,my HP has promoted me to back up to a DVD+R which I,m doing now.
  • Neil_Jones
    Neil_Jones Posts: 8,913 Forumite
    First Anniversary Name Dropper First Post
    running SFC doesn't affect anything on its own. The fact running this (verification) tool has been the straw that broke the camel's back so to speak suggests there is a serious issue with either the hardware or the configuration.

    It may be that the hard drive is beginning to go, how old is the computer and what is its model number? Any hardware changed since you had it?
  • Neil_Jones wrote: »
    running SFC doesn't affect anything on its own. The fact running this (verification) tool has been the straw that broke the camel's back so to speak suggests there is a serious issue with either the hardware or the configuration.

    It may be that the hard drive is beginning to go, how old is the computer and what is its model number? Any hardware changed since you had it?

    hP 3125 MX 250
    About 8 years old
  • EveryWhere
    EveryWhere Posts: 3,249 Forumite
    hP 3125 MX 250
    About 8 years old

    This one? https://support.hp.com/gb-en/document/c03624610

    Did you buy it pre-installed with Windows 7 orWindows 8?
    Or with FreeDOS with Windows 7 installed separately ?
  • EveryWhere
    EveryWhere Posts: 3,249 Forumite
    It's worth mentioning that there is no impediment to installing Windows 10 on that device.
    But forget about upgrading over the top of Windows 7. You will need to run a clean install of Windows 10.

    The problem you have with it, if you don't swap the current HDD for an SSD, is poor performance. The CPU isn't great and coupled with the slow and now, possibly failing HDD, the experience won't be inspiring.

    The good news is that, if you fit an inexpensive solid state drive to the laptop(as little as £17) and clean install Windows 10 to it, the performance will be quite good. Will start up and shut down in seconds.

    Further to that, it is actually very easy to swap from a HDD to an SSD on that device. You can do it yourself in perhaps ten minutes.



    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tlzf6rfcIw

    Video guide concerns something else, but you can see and access the hard drive as soon as you remove the back cover.

    In which country are you located? For the purpose of purchasing an inexpensive solid state drive.

    Typical SSD prices in the UK;
    https://www.mymemory.co.uk/integral-120gb-p-series-5-sata-iii-ssd-drive-560mb-s.html
    https://www.mymemory.co.uk/integral-240gb-p-series-5-sata-iii-ssd-drive-560mb-s.html
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 343.2K Banking & Borrowing
  • 250.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 449.7K Spending & Discounts
  • 235.3K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 608K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 173.1K Life & Family
  • 247.9K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 15.9K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards