An error occurs while trying to enable Automatic Updates using the Windows Security Center applet

Copyright © 2008 Ramesh Srinivasan
Error messages , Scripts

Symptoms

When you click the Turn on Automatic Updates button in the Windows Security center applet, the following error message may appear:

We're sorry. The Security Center could not change your Automatic Updates settings. To try changing the settings yourself, go to System in Control Panel. On the Automatic Updates tab, select Automatic (recommended), and then click OK.

Cause

This happens if one of the following services are not started:

Automatic Updates
Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)

Another possibility is that the Automatic Update Policies might be enabled.

Resolution

Download the vbscript available at the bottom of this page and save to Desktop. Double-click to run the file. The script enables both the above services, and removes the Automatic Update restrictions automatically.

Attachments

wsc-au-fix.vbs

12 Responses to "An error occurs while trying to enable Automatic Updates using the Windows Security Center applet"

Taj

said this on 15 Jul 2006 8:14:35 PM PDT

This didn't work...access denied!

(Reply to this comment)

Shaun

said this on 11 Apr 2007 8:05:26 AM PDT

Taj, you probably need to be logged in as an administrator

(Reply to this comment)

Luong Bui

said this on 25 Jun 2007 4:11:29 PM PDT

It worked!! thanks

(Reply to this comment)

an unknown user

said this on 19 Nov 2007 4:52:36 PM PDT

It worked. Thanks. You are the MASTER

(Reply to this comment)

Pam

said this on 24 May 2008 8:36:15 PM PDT

got an error 14.an error occurred while starting windows updating services. when I go to services.msc go directly to the auto update and try to manually start the service it tells me it has been disabled or has no enabled services associated with it.

(Reply to this comment)

phil

said this on 26 Jul 2008 7:03:30 AM PDT

pam you have a virus like I had. run regsvr32 wuaueng.dll and the problem is fixed, but fails again on reboot, try it. Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.23 found C:\WINDOWS\system32\svrhost.exe (Trojan.Agent)

(Reply to this comment)

liana

said this on 08 Aug 2008 3:16:26 AM PDT

scan computer with malwarebyte first remove the infection then click on run and type this..:- regsvr32 wuaueng.dll

(Reply to this comment)

Stermister

said this on 04 Oct 2008 10:55:34 PM PDT

It Worked wonders!!! Thanks

(Reply to this comment)

Long Shot

said this on 10 Oct 2008 7:52:06 AM PDT

Download does not work.....I ran a few searches and cannot find the "Malwarebyte" and I do not seem to have a svrhost.exe file. I ran the regsvr32 wuaeng.dll and was informed that it was successfull but I still cannot turn on my automatic updates

(Reply to this comment)