windows update error 80072efd

Have you tried doing the "Install updates and shut down..." option that might be available on the start menu?  I've seen that error a number of times, and I think I was only able to get around it by waiting a few hours and trying again, or by choosing install and shut down.

there is nothing to install, since I can't download them.

Right, but does it show you that there are updates available through the windows update console?  Or not?  Because if so, it should give you an option in the start menu to "Install and shut down" which will download and install the updates.

If that doesn't work, one other thing I tried to do in order to prevent it from happening again, is set windows update to automatically download, but let me decide when to install.  That way, you just have to install when it tells you it's ready.

I also understand that you probably don't want to wait for it to auto download in its spare time, but sadly I found absolutely no solution that let you get through this on your own time schedule, and only options that left you stuck with whatever Microsoft's product would let you do at the time.

I've always installed Windows 7 Pro then install SP1 right behind it and not having to connect to the internet before hand.

Just download SP1 for Windows 7 and install.

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/gg635126.aspx

Here is a Solution (Vista SP 1): Give it a try.

 1. Click the "Start" Button, click "All programs", and click "Accessories".
2. Right-click “Command Prompt” Run as administrator". If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
3. Type "netsh winhttp reset proxy" (without quotes) at the command prompt, and press Enter.
4. Try the update again.

Because you will need the 300+ updates after you get SP1 installed.

Gilead may have it right about waiting and trying to install again after a while
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-update-error-80072efd#1TC=windows-7
Also see the Troubleshooter on that site.

And see this reference for at least two more ideas.
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_vista-update/windows-update-error-80072efd/398546d2-6b6d-47a0-b075-82d815fa9a8f?auth=1

However you say
"updates won't run"  and
" I can't download them"

Which is it?

I think he's trying to run "Windows Update" and that's when he's getting the error.  

That's why I suggested running the standalone download of SP1.  SP1 will get installed and he can move on with SQL express then work on getting the rest of the updates.

Sure wish MS would have come out with SP2 if for nothing else than the hundreds of updates that take HOURS to install.

please see attached... these are my error msgs.
pic1.JPG
pic2.JPG

Something is blocking the connection.  Where are you trying to connect from?  Maybe the network you are on is blocking the update site.

Are you abele to download the standalone SP1 install directly?

MrMay-
Your latest post only repeats what you have already told us.
Have you tried any of the suggestions offered?

Is this a domain computer trying to connect to WSUS ???

MrMay---
Long shot.
Scan for viruses and malware.

hi everyone thanks for the suggestions.
but still no luck.
I did try downloading the sp1 standalone but when I try to install it I get an msg saying "the specified network name is no longer available". This is a clean new install of windows 7. There is nothing installed on it yet. I'm not using wsus.
Any other suggestions?

Have you ran the system update readiness tool???

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=20858