Problem Description: I have just completed the installation of Windows Server 2008 R2 on a brand new IBM server x3200 M3. Other than the OS, no other program/application is installed at this point in time. When I tried to perform a Windows Update, I keep encountering an error with the Error code 0x80072EFE. Action already taken: - I have downloaded standalone SP1 for Windows Server 2008 R2 and installed it successfully. - I have downloaded and installed successfully system update readiness tool (kb947821). - I have also downloaded the latest Windows Update Agent (WindowsUpdateAgent30-x64) and installed it. - I have followed all the troubleshooting step outlined in http://support.microsoft.com/kb/836941#methodF including the advanced steps. This server is not behind any proxy servers. Internet connection is fine. I am posting this question from the server. Also, all other workstations in this network (a mix of Windows 7 and Windows XP) are updating fine. - I have also run the TDSKiller just to be on the safe side. No rootkit malware was detected. Operating System: Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 This server is not part of a domain. Workgroup is the default "workgroup". Server has been on for a week but none of the Windows update was successful. So issue is not transient. Below, I have appended the latest entries from Windowsupdate.log 2011-09-14 02:25:09:509 824 894 AU ############# 2011-09-14 02:25:09:509 824 894 AU ## START ## AU: Search for updates 2011-09-14 02:25:09:509 824 894 AU ######### 2011-09-14 02:25:09:509 824 894 AU <<## SUBMITTED ## AU: Search for updates [CallId = {CEEC77BE-E90A-4B5D-B70F-E0AD48083E08}] 2011-09-14 02:25:09:509 824 910 Agent ************* 2011-09-14 02:25:09:509 824 910 Agent ** START ** Agent: Finding updates [CallerId = AutomaticUpdates] 2011-09-14 02:25:09:509 824 910 Agent ********* 2011-09-14 02:25:09:509 824 910 Agent * Online = Yes; Ignore download priority = No 2011-09-14 02:25:09:509 824 910 Agent * Criteria = "IsInstalled=0 and DeploymentAction='Installation' or IsPresent=1 and DeploymentAction='Uninstallation' or IsInstalled=1 and DeploymentAction='Installation' and RebootRequired=1 or IsInstalled=0 and DeploymentAction='Uninstallation' and RebootRequired=1" 2011-09-14 02:25:09:509 824 910 Agent * ServiceID = {7971F918-A847-4430-9279-4A52D1EFE18D} Third party service 2011-09-14 02:25:09:509 824 910 Agent * Search Scope = {Machine} 2011-09-14 02:25:09:509 824 910 Misc Validating signature for C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\WuRedir\9482F4B4-E343-43B6-B170-9A65BC822C77\muv4wuredir.cab: 2011-09-14 02:25:09:509 824 910 Misc Microsoft signed: Yes 2011-09-14 02:25:12:208 824 910 Misc Validating signature for C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\WuRedir\9482F4B4-E343-43B6-B170-9A65BC822C77\muv4wuredir.cab: 2011-09-14 02:25:12:208 824 910 Misc Microsoft signed: Yes 2011-09-14 02:25:12:224 824 910 Agent Checking for updated auth cab for service 7971f918-a847-4430-9279-4a52d1efe18d at http://download.windowsupdate.com/v9/microsoftupdate/redir/muauth.cab 2011-09-14 02:25:12:224 824 910 Misc Validating signature for C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\AuthCabs\authcab.cab: 2011-09-14 02:25:12:224 824 910 Misc Microsoft signed: Yes 2011-09-14 02:25:12:239 824 910 Misc Validating signature for C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\AuthCabs\authcab.cab: 2011-09-14 02:25:12:255 824 910 Misc Microsoft signed: Yes 2011-09-14 02:25:12:255 824 910 Setup Checking for agent SelfUpdate 2011-09-14 02:25:12:255 824 910 Setup Client version: Core: 7.5.7601.17514 Aux: 7.5.7601.17514 2011-09-14 02:25:12:255 824 910 Misc Validating signature for C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\WuRedir\9482F4B4-E343-43B6-B170-9A65BC822C77\muv4wuredir.cab: 2011-09-14 02:25:12:255 824 910 Misc Microsoft signed: Yes 2011-09-14 02:25:12:270 824 910 Misc Validating signature for C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\WuRedir\9482F4B4-E343-43B6-B170-9A65BC822C77\muv4wuredir.cab: 2011-09-14 02:25:12:286 824 910 Misc Microsoft signed: Yes 2011-09-14 02:26:14:592 824 910 Misc WARNING: Send failed with hr = 80072efe. 2011-09-14 02:26:14:592 824 910 Misc WARNING: SendRequest failed with hr = 80072efe. Proxy List used: <(null)> Bypass List used : <(null)> Auth Schemes used : <> 2011-09-14 02:26:14:592 824 910 Misc WARNING: WinHttp: SendRequestUsingProxy failed for <http://www.update.microsoft.com/v9/windowsupdate/selfupdate/wuident.cab>. error 0x80072efe 2011-09-14 02:26:14:592 824 910 Misc WARNING: WinHttp: DoFileDownload MakeRequest failed. error 0x80072efe 2011-09-14 02:27:17:461 824 910 Misc WARNING: Send failed with hr = 80072efe. 2011-09-14 02:27:17:461 824 910 Misc WARNING: SendRequest failed with hr = 80072efe. Proxy List used: <(null)> Bypass List used : <(null)> Auth Schemes used : <> 2011-09-14 02:27:17:461 824 910 Misc WARNING: WinHttp: SendRequestUsingProxy failed for <http://www.update.microsoft.com/v9/windowsupdate/selfupdate/wuident.cab>. error 0x80072efe 2011-09-14 02:27:17:461 824 910 Misc WARNING: WinHttp: DoFileDownload MakeRequest failed. error 0x80072efe 2011-09-14 02:28:20:344 824 910 Misc WARNING: Send failed with hr = 80072efe. 2011-09-14 02:28:20:344 824 910 Misc WARNING: SendRequest failed with hr = 80072efe. Proxy List used: <(null)> Bypass List used : <(null)> Auth Schemes used : <> 2011-09-14 02:28:20:344 824 910 Misc WARNING: WinHttp: SendRequestUsingProxy failed for <http://www.update.microsoft.com/v9/windowsupdate/selfupdate/wuident.cab>. error 0x80072efe 2011-09-14 02:28:20:344 824 910 Misc WARNING: WinHttp: DoFileDownload MakeRequest failed. error 0x80072efe 2011-09-14 02:29:20:560 824 910 Misc WARNING: Send failed with hr = 80072efe. 2011-09-14 02:29:20:560 824 910 Misc WARNING: SendRequest failed with hr = 80072efe. Proxy List used: <(null)> Bypass List used : <(null)> Auth Schemes used : <> 2011-09-14 02:29:20:560 824 910 Misc WARNING: WinHttp: SendRequestUsingProxy failed for <http://www.update.microsoft.com/v9/windowsupdate/selfupdate/wuident.cab>. error 0x80072efe 2011-09-14 02:29:20:560 824 910 Misc WARNING: WinHttp: DoFileDownload MakeRequest failed. error 0x80072efe 2011-09-14 02:29:20:560 824 910 Misc WARNING: DownloadFileInternal failed for http://www.update.microsoft.com/v9/windowsupdate/selfupdate/wuident.cab: error 0x80072efe 2011-09-14 02:29:20:560 824 910 Setup WARNING: SelfUpdate check failed to download package information, error = 0x80072EFE 2011-09-14 02:29:20:560 824 910 Setup FATAL: SelfUpdate check failed, err = 0x80072EFE 2011-09-14 02:29:20:560 824 910 Agent * WARNING: Skipping scan, self-update check returned 0x80072EFE 2011-09-14 02:29:20:592 824 910 Agent * WARNING: Exit code = 0x80072EFE 2011-09-14 02:29:20:592 824 910 Agent ********* 2011-09-14 02:29:20:592 824 910 Agent ** END ** Agent: Finding updates [CallerId = AutomaticUpdates] 2011-09-14 02:29:20:592 824 910 Agent ************* 2011-09-14 02:29:20:592 824 910 Agent WARNING: WU client failed Searching for update with error 0x80072efe 2011-09-14 02:29:20:592 824 4fc AU >>## RESUMED ## AU: Search for updates [CallId = {CEEC77BE-E90A-4B5D-B70F-E0AD48083E08}] 2011-09-14 02:29:20:592 824 4fc AU # WARNING: Search callback failed, result = 0x80072EFE 2011-09-14 02:29:20:592 824 4fc AU # WARNING: Failed to find updates with error code 80072EFE 2011-09-14 02:29:20:592 824 4fc AU ######### 2011-09-14 02:29:20:592 824 4fc AU ## END ## AU: Search for updates [CallId = {CEEC77BE-E90A-4B5D-B70F-E0AD48083E08}] 2011-09-14 02:29:20:592 824 4fc AU ############# 2011-09-14 02:29:20:592 824 4fc AU Successfully wrote event for AU health state:0 2011-09-14 02:29:20:592 824 4fc AU AU setting next detection timeout to 2011-09-13 23:29:20 2011-09-14 02:29:20:592 824 4fc AU Setting AU scheduled install time to 2011-09-14 04:00:00 2011-09-14 02:29:20:592 824 4fc AU Successfully wrote event for AU health state:0 2011-09-14 02:29:20:592 824 4fc AU Successfully wrote event for AU health state:0 2011-09-14 02:29:25:568 824 910 Report REPORT EVENT: {EC72C6BE-72C3-4DDC-A3F7-142230430B11} 2011-09-14 02:29:20:560+0800 1 148 101 {D67661EB-2423-451D-BF5D-13199E37DF28} 1 80072efe SelfUpdate Failure Software Synchronization Windows Update Client failed to detect with error 0x80072efe. 2011-09-14 02:29:25:584 824 910 Report CWERReporter::HandleEvents - WER report upload completed with status 0x8 2011-09-14 02:29:25:584 824 910 Report WER Report sent: 7.5.7601.17514 0x80072efe D67661EB-2423-451D-BF5D-13199E37DF28 Scan 101 Unmanaged 2011-09-14 02:29:25:584 824 910 Report CWERReporter finishing event handling. (00000000) 2011-09-14 07:29:20:605 824 894 AU ############# 2011-09-14 07:29:20:605 824 894 AU ## START ## AU: Search for updates 2011-09-14 07:29:20:605 824 894 AU ######### 2011-09-14 07:29:20:605 824 894 AU <<## SUBMITTED ## AU: Search for updates [CallId = {24D3EEFE-E842-4238-BAB9-9651D4B6021E}] 2011-09-14 07:29:20:605 824 4b8 Agent ************* 2011-09-14 07:29:20:605 824 4b8 Agent ** START ** Agent: Finding updates [CallerId = AutomaticUpdates] 2011-09-14 07:29:20:605 824 4b8 Agent ********* 2011-09-14 07:29:20:605 824 4b8 Agent * Online = Yes; Ignore download priority = No 2011-09-14 07:29:20:605 824 4b8 Agent * Criteria = "IsInstalled=0 and DeploymentAction='Installation' or IsPresent=1 and DeploymentAction='Uninstallation' or IsInstalled=1 and DeploymentAction='Installation' and RebootRequired=1 or IsInstalled=0 and DeploymentAction='Uninstallation' and RebootRequired=1" 2011-09-14 07:29:20:605 824 4b8 Agent * ServiceID = {7971F918-A847-4430-9279-4A52D1EFE18D} Third party service 2011-09-14 07:29:20:605 824 4b8 Agent * Search Scope = {Machine} 2011-09-14 07:29:20:605 824 4b8 Misc Validating signature for C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\WuRedir\9482F4B4-E343-43B6-B170-9A65BC822C77\muv4wuredir.cab: 2011-09-14 07:29:20:605 824 4b8 Misc Microsoft signed: Yes 2011-09-14 07:29:23:320 824 4b8 Misc Validating signature for C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\WuRedir\9482F4B4-E343-43B6-B170-9A65BC822C77\muv4wuredir.cab: 2011-09-14 07:29:23:320 824 4b8 Misc Microsoft signed: Yes 2011-09-14 07:29:23:335 824 4b8 Agent Checking for updated auth cab for service 7971f918-a847-4430-9279-4a52d1efe18d at http://download.windowsupdate.com/v9/microsoftupdate/redir/muauth.cab 2011-09-14 07:29:23:335 824 4b8 Misc Validating signature for C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\AuthCabs\authcab.cab: 2011-09-14 07:29:23:335 824 4b8 Misc Microsoft signed: Yes 2011-09-14 07:29:23:351 824 4b8 Misc Validating signature for C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\AuthCabs\authcab.cab: 2011-09-14 07:29:23:351 824 4b8 Misc Microsoft signed: Yes 2011-09-14 07:29:23:351 824 4b8 Setup Checking for agent SelfUpdate 2011-09-14 07:29:23:351 824 4b8 Setup Client version: Core: 7.5.7601.17514 Aux: 7.5.7601.17514 2011-09-14 07:29:23:366 824 4b8 Misc Validating signature for C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\WuRedir\9482F4B4-E343-43B6-B170-9A65BC822C77\muv4wuredir.cab: 2011-09-14 07:29:23:366 824 4b8 Misc Microsoft signed: Yes 2011-09-14 07:29:23:382 824 4b8 Misc Validating signature for C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\WuRedir\9482F4B4-E343-43B6-B170-9A65BC822C77\muv4wuredir.cab: 2011-09-14 07:29:23:398 824 4b8 Misc Microsoft signed: Yes 2011-09-14 07:30:25:392 824 4b8 Misc WARNING: Send failed with hr = 80072efe. 2011-09-14 07:30:25:392 824 4b8 Misc WARNING: SendRequest failed with hr = 80072efe. Proxy List used: <(null)> Bypass List used : <(null)> Auth Schemes used : <> 2011-09-14 07:30:25:392 824 4b8 Misc WARNING: WinHttp: SendRequestUsingProxy failed for <http://www.update.microsoft.com/v9/windowsupdate/selfupdate/wuident.cab>. error 0x80072efe 2011-09-14 07:30:25:392 824 4b8 Misc WARNING: WinHttp: DoFileDownload MakeRequest failed. error 0x80072efe 2011-09-14 07:31:28:167 824 4b8 Misc WARNING: Send failed with hr = 80072efe. 2011-09-14 07:31:28:167 824 4b8 Misc WARNING: SendRequest failed with hr = 80072efe. Proxy List used: <(null)> Bypass List used : <(null)> Auth Schemes used : <> 2011-09-14 07:31:28:167 824 4b8 Misc WARNING: WinHttp: SendRequestUsingProxy failed for <http://www.update.microsoft.com/v9/windowsupdate/selfupdate/wuident.cab>. error 0x80072efe 2011-09-14 07:31:28:167 824 4b8 Misc WARNING: WinHttp: DoFileDownload MakeRequest failed. error 0x80072efe 2011-09-14 07:32:30:972 824 4b8 Misc WARNING: Send failed with hr = 80072efe. 2011-09-14 07:32:30:972 824 4b8 Misc WARNING: SendRequest failed with hr = 80072efe. Proxy List used: <(null)> Bypass List used : <(null)> Auth Schemes used : <> 2011-09-14 07:32:30:972 824 4b8 Misc WARNING: WinHttp: SendRequestUsingProxy failed for <http://www.update.microsoft.com/v9/windowsupdate/selfupdate/wuident.cab>. error 0x80072efe 2011-09-14 07:32:30:972 824 4b8 Misc WARNING: WinHttp: DoFileDownload MakeRequest failed. error 0x80072efe 2011-09-14 07:33:33:310 824 4b8 Misc WARNING: Send failed with hr = 80072efe. 2011-09-14 07:33:33:310 824 4b8 Misc WARNING: SendRequest failed with hr = 80072efe. Proxy List used: <(null)> Bypass List used : <(null)> Auth Schemes used : <> 2011-09-14 07:33:33:310 824 4b8 Misc WARNING: WinHttp: SendRequestUsingProxy failed for <http://www.update.microsoft.com/v9/windowsupdate/selfupdate/wuident.cab>. error 0x80072efe 2011-09-14 07:33:33:310 824 4b8 Misc WARNING: WinHttp: DoFileDownload MakeRequest failed. error 0x80072efe 2011-09-14 07:33:33:310 824 4b8 Misc WARNING: DownloadFileInternal failed for http://www.update.microsoft.com/v9/windowsupdate/selfupdate/wuident.cab: error 0x80072efe 2011-09-14 07:33:33:310 824 4b8 Setup WARNING: SelfUpdate check failed to download package information, error = 0x80072EFE 2011-09-14 07:33:33:310 824 4b8 Setup FATAL: SelfUpdate check failed, err = 0x80072EFE 2011-09-14 07:33:33:310 824 4b8 Agent * WARNING: Skipping scan, self-update check returned 0x80072EFE 2011-09-14 07:33:33:326 824 4b8 Agent * WARNING: Exit code = 0x80072EFE 2011-09-14 07:33:33:326 824 4b8 Agent ********* 2011-09-14 07:33:33:326 824 4b8 Agent ** END ** Agent: Finding updates [CallerId = AutomaticUpdates] 2011-09-14 07:33:33:326 824 4b8 Agent ************* 2011-09-14 07:33:33:326 824 4b8 Agent WARNING: WU client failed Searching for update with error 0x80072efe 2011-09-14 07:33:33:326 824 6c4 AU >>## RESUMED ## AU: Search for updates [CallId = {24D3EEFE-E842-4238-BAB9-9651D4B6021E}] 2011-09-14 07:33:33:326 824 6c4 AU # WARNING: Search callback failed, result = 0x80072EFE 2011-09-14 07:33:33:326 824 6c4 AU # WARNING: Failed to find updates with error code 80072EFE 2011-09-14 07:33:33:326 824 6c4 AU ######### 2011-09-14 07:33:33:326 824 6c4 AU ## END ## AU: Search for updates [CallId = {24D3EEFE-E842-4238-BAB9-9651D4B6021E}] 2011-09-14 07:33:33:326 824 6c4 AU ############# 2011-09-14 07:33:33:326 824 6c4 AU Successfully wrote event for AU health state:0 2011-09-14 07:33:33:326 824 6c4 AU AU setting next detection timeout to 2011-09-14 04:33:33 2011-09-14 07:33:33:326 824 6c4 AU Setting AU scheduled install time to 2011-09-14 04:00:00 2011-09-14 07:33:33:326 824 6c4 AU Successfully wrote event for AU health state:0 2011-09-14 07:33:33:326 824 6c4 AU Successfully wrote event for AU health state:0 2011-09-14 07:33:38:318 824 4b8 Report REPORT EVENT: {812A2927-3742-46D6-978B-A0A2F5064D9D} 2011-09-14 07:33:33:310+0800 1 148 101 {D67661EB-2423-451D-BF5D-13199E37DF28} 1 80072efe SelfUpdate Failure Software Synchronization Windows Update Client failed to detect with error 0x80072efe. 2011-09-14 07:33:38:333 824 4b8 Report CWERReporter::HandleEvents - WER report upload completed with status 0x8 2011-09-14 07:33:38:333 824 4b8 Report WER Report sent: 7.5.7601.17514 0x80072efe D67661EB-2423-451D-BF5D-13199E37DF28 Scan 101 Unmanaged 2011-09-14 07:33:38:333 824 4b8 Report CWERReporter finishing event handling. (00000000) 2011-09-14 10:38:29:547 824 9b8 Report CWERReporter finishing event handling. (00000000) 2011-09-14 10:38:34:555 824 9b8 Report CWERReporter finishing event handling. (00000000) 2011-09-14 11:08:44:002 824 894 AU AU setting next sqm report timeout to 2011-09-15 03:08:44 2011-09-14 12:00:09:999 824 894 AU Forced install timer expired for scheduled install 2011-09-14 12:00:09:999 824 894 AU UpdateDownloadProperties: 0 download(s) are still in progress. 2011-09-14 12:00:09:999 824 894 AU Setting AU scheduled install time to 2011-09-15 04:00:00 2011-09-14 12:00:09:999 824 894 AU Successfully wrote event for AU health state:0 2011-09-14 12:00:15:007 824 150 Report CWERReporter finishing event handling. (00000000) The problem is present right "out of the box" and I have spent the last week going through the forums and trying the solutions but to no avail. I hope the experts on this forum will be able to assist. Thanks in advance!

Hi, For more information regarding the error code 0x80072EFE, you may refer to the following Microsoft KB article: You may encounter temporary connection-related errors when you use Windows Update or Microsoft Update to install updates http://support.microsoft.com/kb/836941 Generally, we can perform the following troubleshooting suggestions to troubleshoot the Windows Update issue: Suggestion 1: Temporarily disable firewall and antivirus program to test the issue. Suggestion 2: Disable Windows Update service, rename the folder %windir%\SoftwareDistribution and restart the Windows Update service. Suggestion 3: Run the System Update Readiness tool (Checksur.exe) to scan and repair the system files. If some files cannot be repaired automatically, you may replace them manually. For more information, please refer to the following Microsoft KB and TechNet articles: Description of the System Update Readiness Tool for Windows Vista, for Windows Server 2008, for Windows 7, and for Windows Server 2008 R2 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947821 Advanced guidelines for diagnosing and fixing servicing corruption http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee619779(WS.10).aspx Suggestion 4: Run SFC /Scannow to scan and repair the system files. If some corrupted files cannot be repaired, you may manually replace them. For more information, please read the following Microsoft KB article: How to use the System File Checker tool to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files on Windows Vista or on Windows 7 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929833 Suggestion 5: Perform an In-Place upgrade to repair the whole system. Regards, Please remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.