After new install of Windows 7; Windows updates not producing results

I have rebuilt my HP Mini 311-1037NR with Windows 7 installation DVD.  The installation runs fine.  Once the installation is finished the next thing I try to do is run Windows Updates.  It will run for hours without producing any results.  Does anyone have any ideas how to resolve this problem?

Thanks,
John
John BoltonAsked:
Who is Participating?
I wear a lot of hats...

"The solutions and answers provided on Experts Exchange have been extremely helpful to me over the last few years. I wear a lot of hats - Developer, Database Administrator, Help Desk, etc., so I know a lot of things but not a lot about one thing. Experts Exchange gives me answers from people who do know a lot about one thing, in a easy to use platform." -Todd S.

rindiCommented:
This is normal and to be expected. It just takes very long for even to show you what updates are available.

One thing you must do. if it isn't already installed, is to install SP1. After that the updates. You can set the system to automatically do updates, and then leave it overnight.

One tool that is also useful (although it doesn't really reduce the time needed by much, particularly if this is only for one PC) is to use the offline WSUS utility. With it you can download the updates for an OS, and then install them using the tool on your PC. It won't work for all updates, so after having updated with that tool you still need to get the rest of the updates normally.

http://download.wsusoffline.net/
JohnBusiness Consultant (Owner)Commented:
I just did roughly this with my ThinkPad T61p. From a 2012 backup (which was up to date with SP1 when the backup was done), there were about 350 updates (including Office 2010).

Start the machine, go to Windows Updates and turn Auto Updates OFF. Shut down (power off), start up and set Updates to Automatic (first choice on the list). It should start trying to update.

Leave it on overnight and come back tomorrow. Chances are it will be ready to download several gigabytes of updates and then process them. Even when the first batch is done, it will keep updating with yet newer updates for a half dozen restart cycles.

Experts Exchange Solution brought to you by

Your issues matter to us.

Facing a tech roadblock? Get the help and guidance you need from experienced professionals who care. Ask your question anytime, anywhere, with no hassle.

Start your 7-day free trial
John BoltonAuthor Commented:
Thank you for your input.  It took me three days to get ALL the updates downloaded and installed.  I was using a version of Windows 7 that already had SP1 pre-installed.  My laptop only had 2GBs of RAM, which I believe was part of the problem.  I have been reading articles that say the downloads for Windows 7 are so many that it takes up a lot of RAM to download and install.  I also have read that since Windows 10 came out that the update servers at Microsoft are getting taxed so it is taking longer to download the updates for Windows 7, being so many.  Thanks again.
JohnBusiness Consultant (Owner)Commented:
You are very welcome and I was happy to help.
It's more than this solution.Get answers and train to solve all your tech problems - anytime, anywhere.Try it for free Edge Out The Competitionfor your dream job with proven skills and certifications.Get started today Stand Outas the employee with proven skills.Start learning today for free Move Your Career Forwardwith certification training in the latest technologies.Start your trial today
Windows 7

From novice to tech pro — start learning today.