Sometimes, it helps to know what order to install updates so that they are successful. Here is the current order of updates that was successful this most recent installation I did of Windows 7 x64 which came with SP1. This information should help if you are having problems with Windows Update's automatic updates from the start. Alternatively, you can try the approaches mentioned as to disable automatic updates and this step-by-step blunt manual approach. Included are x86 and x64 Visual C++ Redistributables.
First install Windows 7 SP1 if you don't already have it from the DVD installation disc.
Had a problem with MS updates after a clean install of Windows 7 SP1 x64. Was stuck on checking for updates ... forever. Found that the Update Client included with the package needed to be updated to kb3138612 (before installation, disable auto-check for updates and stop wuauserv). After this update, the check for updates took about 20 minutes and showed 200+ important updates available. That got the bulk of the updates installed. Subsequent attempts to update Windows 7 on a couple of PC's haven't gone well - still takes hours. AP to the rescue.
Had a problem with MS updates after a clean install of Windows 7 SP1 x64. Was stuck on checking for updates ... forever. Found that the Update Client included with the package needed to be updated to kb3138612 (before installation, disable auto-check for updates and stop wuauserv). After this update, the check for updates took about 20 minutes and showed 200+ important updates available. That got the bulk of the updates installed. Subsequent attempts to update Windows 7 on a couple of PC's haven't gone well - still takes hours. AP to the rescue.
The KB3161608 and KB3172605 update rollups contain a newer Windows Update Client v7.6.7601.23453 dated 5/13/2016 that greatly speeds up WU scans and takes between 5 to 15 minutes on my Win7 PCs to check for updates.
For your information KB3172605 does supersede KB3161608. you will notice this in the changelogs for the releases each time there are updates, only noted by the Knowledge Base Number.
"Now if you Sons of B*@ches got anything else to say, NOW'S THE F@#%ING TIME!!"
Had a problem with MS updates after a clean install of Windows 7 SP1 x64. Was stuck on checking for updates ... forever. Found that the Update Client included with the package needed to be updated to kb3138612 (before installation, disable auto-check for updates and stop wuauserv). After this update, the check for updates took about 20 minutes and showed 200+ important updates available. That got the bulk of the updates installed. Subsequent attempts to update Windows 7 on a couple of PC's haven't gone well - still takes hours. AP to the rescue.
The KB3161608 and KB3172605 update rollups contain a newer Windows Update Client v7.6.7601.23453 dated 5/13/2016 that greatly speeds up WU scans and takes between 5 to 15 minutes on my Win7 PCs to check for updates.