Automatic Updates and Windows Defender will not install updates

[Enigma_the_ scorpio]

On pc startup, I get a "Generic host process for windows needs to close"
error message with the following files associated: svchost.exe and
wuaueng.dll. These messages started to occur after a system restore operation
I did 2 or so weeks ago. Also, Windows defender cannot check updates
automatically, and the same error message pops up when it (Defender) attempts
to do so. The two errors are related and I suspect that it has something to
do with the way windows renames files during system restoration.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
--
Dell Dimension 2400 PC
Windows xp version 2002 service pack 2 with windows defender and Mcafee
security center
Pentium 4 2.66 ghz processor
256mb of ram (PC2700)
40gb western digital hard drive

[MowGreen [MVP]]

Error messages when you start a Windows XP-based computer and then try
to download Windows Updates
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/931852

The above KB article shows what needs to be done, however, those steps
are rather dated. Strongly suggest you go here:
AU Check (v78a)
http://www.codeplex.com/aureset/Release/ProjectReleases.aspx?ReleaseId=17263

Download and *save* au_check_v78a_codeplex.exe.
When the download completes, close *all* open programs and browsers.
*** Temp disable the installed antivirus/security suite. Consult the
User Guide, the manufacturer's web site, or disable all 3rd party
services from within the System Configuration Utility [MSConfig].
ENABLE the native Windows firewall if a 3rd party firewall has been
Disabled as the system must be connected to the net to download required
updating software components. ***

Now run au_check_v78a_codeplex.exe
Allow it some time to complete it's operation and restart the system
afterwards.

*** REenable the installed AV/sec suite. IF a 3rd party firewall is
included in the sec suite, leave it *disabled* for now ***
Try to update.
If the system can update, DISable the native Windows firewall, REenable
the 3rd party firewall. If any further updating issues ensue you'll know
why <w>

IF the system still can not update we'll check some logs created by AU
Check and try to figure out why.

MowGreen [MVP 2003-2009]
===============
*-343-* FDNY
Never Forgotten
===============

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Why did you use System Restore 2 or so weeks ago?

[Enigma_the_ scorpio]

I'm sorry for the long delay in my response, my dial-up connection has been
acting up, and I didn't use the pc all weekend.
Anyway, The reason why I did system restore is because of an accidental
uninstallation I did on Mcafee Security center. I used the mcpr.exe tool
(McaFee consumer products removal tool), without knowing that it uninstalls
the entire security center instead of one program or tool of it. I then
stopped the tool midway of the uninstall procedure, and afterwards I noticed
the Mcafee security center icon still in the system tray, and I was even able
to open up The Security center. I then saw the protection status errors on
the home screen and thought that a system restore would restore the files,
and that's when everything went downhill after the computer restarted.
Mowgreen, I tried using the tool that you recommended to me, but it did not
fix the problem. And FYI, Windows Defender returns the following error code
after it attempts to download: 0x80072efd. I'll look it up on the Microsoft
knowledge base.
Also, windows event viewer returned the following error message:
Installation failure: Windows failed to install the update with the following
error:0xc0000005: Definition Update for Windows Defender - KB915597
(Definition 1.47.283.0).
My dial-up connection also terminates soon afterwards and it is difficult to
reestablish the connection, I have to restart the computer to do so.

--
Dell Dimension 2400 PC
Windows xp version 2002 service pack 2 with windows defender and Mcafee
security center
Pentium 4 2.66 ghz processor
256mb of ram (PC2700)
40gb western digital hard drive

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

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 (in
conjunction with some other utilities). HijackThis will NOT fix anything on
its own, but it will help you to both identify and remove any
hijackware/spyware with assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachinesforum/index.php?board=10.0,
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30, or another appropriate forum 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 or Geek Squad) computer repair shop.
--
~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/

[Enigma_the_ scorpio]

I have posted my Hijackthis log on the following
site:http://malwareremoval.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=36723
You can check it out if you'd like.

--
Dell Dimension 2400 PC
Windows xp version 2002 service pack 2 with windows defender and Mcafee
security center
Pentium 4 2.66 ghz processor
256mb of ram (PC2700)
40gb western digital hard drive

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

[Enigma_the_ scorpio]

I have posted my Hijackthis log on the following
site:http://malwareremoval.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=36723
You can check it out if you'd like.

--
Dell Dimension 2400 PC
Windows xp version 2002 service pack 2 with windows defender and Mcafee
security center
Pentium 4 2.66 ghz processor
256mb of ram (PC2700)
40gb western digital hard drive

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Also see...

You may encounter temporary connection-related errors when you use Windows
Update or Microsoft Update to install updates:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/836941

Enigma_the_ scorpio wrote:
> I have posted my Hijackthis log on the following
> site:http://malwareremoval.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=36723
> You can check it out if you'd like.
>

[Enigma_the_ scorpio]

After about a month or so of hunting for a solution to my problem, I am still
stuck with the same windows update software that refuses to work. With that
being said, I've decided to try and repair the windows update program via
reinstallation. Does anybody know where I can manually install the latest
windows update software? Any help would be appreciated.

--
Dell Dimension 2400 PC
Windows xp version 2002 service pack 2 with windows defender and Mcafee
security center
Pentium 4 2.66 ghz processor
256mb of ram (PC2700)
40gb western digital hard drive

[MowGreen [MVP]]

Use the links on this page: How to obtain the latest version of the
Windows Update Agent to help manage updates on a computer
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949104

Or, use the links and the installation steps laid out on this blog:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/blogs/mowgreen/index.php?m=9&y=2007

MowGreen [MVP 2003-2009]
===============
*-343-* FDNY
Never Forgotten
===============