Unable to get Windows Updates on Windows 7

Windows 7 OS. The system has not been used in several weeks but works fine except that I cannot get any updates. There is no error message except for the red X in the Windows Update panel and suggesting that we should try again which continues to fail. I've already downloaded and run the Fixit for updates. That did not do any good. The services.msc shows updates as started - delayed. I attempted to force a start but it will only do started - delayed. The only other strange thing I noticed is that updates is showing "no updates installed previously" which is incorrect. Suggestions? Thanks.

tonyadamRetiredAsked: 2014-01-09

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jcimarronCommented: 2014-01-09

tonyadam--There are several possible solutions.

Did you check in Services that Remote Call Procedure service is on?

Reset Windows Update
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058/en-us

http://support.microsoft.com/gp/windows-update-issues/en-us

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/906602

Reinstall Windows Update Agent (different links for different Win 7 systems (32bit and 64bit))

http://download.windowsupdate.com/WindowsUpdate/redist/standalone/7.1.6001.65/WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe

http://download.windowsupdate.com/WindowsUpdate/redist/standalone/7.1.6001.65/WindowsUpdateAgent30-x64.exe

Run the Windows Update Readiness tool:
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=20858 for X64

Run SFC /SCANNOW from a Command Prompt

Run a Repair Install. A Repair Install should not affect personal data or installed programs. but it never hurts to backup first.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_update/when-i-run-windows-update-it-starts-searching-for/77aa31a3-4184-47f3-b657-d3475c47c3d0?msgId=6c2a457d-48d8-4677-8249-f74ed6c59f27

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tonyadamRetiredAuthor Commented: 2014-01-15

These are all good answers so elected to award the points. In all honesty though, the system finally started to allow updates to flow and I have no reason to explain it.