Windows 7 Error Code 80072EFE on Running Updates

Asked By John Goldberg 0 points N/A Posted on - 07/22/2011

Hi,

I've been having some trouble with my computer lately. All my files are hidden, and I occasionally get a BSOD with an "IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL" message. Through lots of Internet searching, I figured it was either my RAM giving me issues, or my drivers had something wrong with them and should be reinstalled.

I ran an Antivirus scan, and moved on to the drivers.

Since I had recently installed Windows 7 on my PC (Long before this issued started, but still recent), I figured most of the drivers could be reinstalled or updated via Windows update. However, whenever I run Windows update, I get the following Error message: 80072EFE.

I tried Googling the error code, but now, every time I try to do a Google search of any kind, related to the error code given to me by the troubleshoot of Windows Update, I get the "Connection was reset" error page.

I really don't know what else to do.

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• Question Category: Windows 7

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Answered By Balram 0 points N/A #87200

Windows 7 Error Code 80072EFE on Running Updates

I understand you receive an error message 0x80072EFE when trying to installing update from the Windows Update website. This kind of issue may be caused by hardware/software firewalls or proxy server or Windows category files are corrupted. Let’s try the following steps to resolve this issue.

Step 1: Check background programs.

=======================

Disable firewalls or other Internet browser programs that can affect the Internet connection. The following programs can affect the connection to the Windows Update site and I suggest you remove or disable them:

• McAfee firewall
• Norton Internet Security
• Zone Alarm Firewall
• Panda firewall

Step 2: Delete the CatRoot2 folder

=======================

A: Stop Cryptographic Services:

1. Click Start, click Run, type in "SERVICES.MSC" and press Enter.
2. Double click Cryptographic Services, and then click Stop (if it has been started).

B: After stopping Cryptographic Service, please delete the "Catroot2" folder:

1. Locate the "C:WindowsSystem32" folder.
2. Delete the Catroot2 subfolder in System32.

Note: I am assuming your Windows Vista is installed in C:Windows.

C: Re-start Cryptographic Services:

1. Click Start, click Run, type in "SERVICES.MSC" and press Enter.
2. Double click Cryptographic Services, and then click Start.

After performing the above steps, please visit the Windows Update website and check the available update. Hope this helps.

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• Posted on - 07/26/2011
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Answered By Sharath Reddy 590495 points N/A #310120

Windows 7 Error Code 80072EFE on Running Updates

When you try to check for a Windows Update, you may receive error code “80072efe”. It is often accompanied by the message “Windows update encountered an unknown error” or “Some updates were not installed: ## Error(s) found: Code 80072EFE.” There are different reasons why error code “80072efe” happens. One is an unreliable internet connection.

Another is if you are downloading something like an application while your computer is installing the Windows Update. It can also be caused by virus infection, wrong network configuration, corrupt Windows registry, or corrupt system drivers. The first thing you should do when you receive this error is troubleshoot the problem. Click “Start” then “Control Panel”. In the search box, type without quotes “troubleshooting” and then click “View All”.

Look for “Windows Update” at the bottom then click it. Follow the succeeding instructions. When you are finished, try updating Windows again and see if it works. If this doesn’t work, try running the System File Checker utility or SFC. Click “Start”, “All Programs”, “Accessories” then right-click “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator” to open an elevated command prompt.

In the command prompt window, type without quotes “sfc /scannow” then hit Enter. When you are prompted to insert the setup CD, insert your Windows setup CD or DVD on your optical drive and continue. When it is finished, close the command prompt then restart the computer. Try updating Windows again and see if it works.

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• Posted on - 04/25/2018
• Question Category: Windows 7