Windows Update no longer works

[Cally]

I've recently installed Spyware Doctor 6, and on restarting the PC a message
came up saying...

Your computer might be at risk
Automatic Updates is turned off
Click this balloon to fix the problem

I did just that and turned them back on but everytime I restart my PC it
switches the Automatic Updates back off. Also Windows Update no longer
works, I get the error number: 0x8DDD0018

I've followed many help files which all point me to the Automatic Updates
properties window where you can turn them back on but the setting won't
change from disabled.

I read up on lots of different spyware products before chosing one and only
picked that because Spyware Doctor because it comes so highly rated. Is
there anyway I can resolve this problem or is it best I remove Spyware Doctor
and opt for another spyware package. If so please could someone recommend
one to me that is tried and tested.

Cheers

Cally

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Windows version?

You may receive an error message that contains the "0x8DDD0018" code or the
"0x80246008" code when you try to download updates from the Microsoft
Windows Update Web site or from the Microsoft Update Web site:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/910337

But judging from similar posts here in the past month or so, the behavior
may be due to a Vundo-ZLOB-SDBot infection, all of which is protected by a
rootkit.

Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315

Run a thorough check for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis log
to an appropriate forum.

Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_Removal_and_Prevention:_Introduction
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
(http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use.
It will help you to both identify and remove any hijackware/spyware with
assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30,
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html, or other appropriate forums for review
by an expert in such matters, not here.**

If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this
isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA) computer repair shop.

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

Start a free Windows Update support incident request:
https://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=6527

Support for Windows Update:
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/wusupport

For home users, no-charge support is available by calling 1-866-PCSAFETY in
the United States and in Canada or by contacting your local Microsoft
subsidiary. There is no-charge for support calls that are associated with
security updates.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

[Engel]

Hi Cally,

Another very good antimalware app is SUPERAntiSpyware.

There is a free version (on demand scanning only).
SUPERAntiSpyware (Home Edition is Free)
<http://www.superantispyware.com/supe....html?rid=3132>
the paid for version includes active monitoring, similar to Windows defender:

Good luck
-=-

[gdh]

go to www.atribune.org ,download a Vundo fix this program will detect and
remove a virus called vundo that shuts down the auto update. it happened to
me. it works.