Applies to Windows Vista

Windows Update error 80070422, 80244019, or 8DDD0018

If you receive one of these errors while downloading updates, the most common cause is a computer virus that has turned off Windows Update, or another service on your computer that is needed by Windows Update. If your computer is infected with a virus, you will need to scan and clean it first, and then restart these services. While your computer might not be infected with a virus, it is recommended that you follow steps to scan for viruses, and then turn the services on.

To restart in Safe Mode and scan for viruses

When a virus infects a computer, it often blocks the computer's ability to run antivirus programs, or causes those programs to be ineffective. Follow these steps to check and clear any viruses:

Restart your computer in safe mode. See Start your computer in safe mode for more information.
Scan your computer for viruses.
Once you've scanned and removed any viruses, restart your computer.

Notes

Scanning your computer can take time, and your computer can appear to be frozen or inactive. Allow scanning to complete successfully before continuing.
Each antivirus program scans and removes viruses differently. Review your antivirus program's Help or documentation for specific instructions.
If you do not have an antivirus program installed, go to the Windows Vista Security Software Providers website for more information about online scanners or installing another antivirus scanner.

To restart services required by Windows Update

You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps.

Open Administrative Tools by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, and then clicking Administrative Tools.
Double-click Services. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
In the Services window, double-click Background Intelligent Transfer Service.
On the General tab, under Startup type, click Manual, and then click Apply.
Click the Log On tab, and make sure the service is enabled in every hardware profile listed.
Click the General tab, click Start, and then click OK. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
In the Services window, double-click Windows Event Log.
On the General tab, next to Startup type, make sure that Automatic is selected.
Next to Service status, check to see if the service is started. If it is not, click Start, and then click OK. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
In the Services window, double-click the Windows Update service.
On the General tab, next to Startup type, make sure that Automatic is selected.
Next to Service status, check to see if Started is listed. If it is not, click Start, and then click OK. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
In the Services window, double-click Software Licensing.
On the General tab, next to Startup type, make sure that Automatic is selected.
Next to Service status, check to see if Started is listed. If it is not, click Start, and then click OK. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
Close the Services window, and try to install Windows updates again.

If you continue to see this error, see this automatic troubleshooter on the Microsoft Support website, or go to the Microsoft Answers website for more assistance.

Notes

Before you contact Microsoft, make sure you run updated antivirus and spyware removal software on the infected computer.
For more in-depth information on this error, see this knowledge base article online.

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