The log is empty -no errors detected.
1.Uninstall all 3p security software,reinstall Windows Update Agent How to obtain the latest version of the Windows Update Agent to help manage updates on a computer
2.If point 1 doesn't help,reset system transaction logs CLFS transaction logs - Reset - Windows 7 Forums[2]=General%20Tips

when you say 3p security software- you mean '3rd party'? you mean like Avast antivirus, Ad-Aware, but not Windows defender- I need to uninstall Avast & Ad-aware? (I only use Windows firewall other than the firewall that's inbuilt into my router)- are you referring to any other type of 'security' software?

If you already replaced TrustedInstaller.exe you don't need repeat this step.If you have already Windows Modules Installer service and it working you don't need enter fix for this service too.It's clear.

I didn't yet put back the TrustedInstaller.exe file in the Servicing folder (at least I don't see it in the Directory anymore)- to clarify- you're saying I should put it back there (by turning off UAC etc)? If so- should I import TrustedInstaller.reg as well (as in your original steps, using PsExec.exe and the command prompt)? I looked in services.msc & I don't see either
BITS or 'Windows Modules Installer' listed- they don't seem to exist

Thanks again Flavius- I am very grateful for your support and sharing your wisdom

Originally Posted by TheSelf

when you say 3p security software- you mean '3rd party'? you mean like Avast antivirus, Ad-Aware,

Yes.

If you already replaced TrustedInstaller.exe you don't need repeat this step.If you have already Windows Modules Installer service and it working you don't need enter fix for this service too.It's clear.

I didn't yet put back the TrustedInstaller.exe file in the Servicing folder (at least I don't see it in the Directory anymore)- to clarify- you're saying I should put it back there (by turning off UAC etc)? If so- should I import TrustedInstaller.reg as well (as in your original steps, using PsExec.exe and the command prompt)? I looked in services.msc & I don't see either
BITS or 'Windows Modules Installer' listed- they don't seem to exist

In this case you have to really again apply my fix.Disabling UAC will not help.Import TrustedInster.reg by using psexec tool.Import also fix to BITS service (in the same tutorial)

I definitely cannot install Windows security agent whilst Avast AV & Ad-aware are installed? nothing else needs uninstalling- correct?

when you say apply your 'fix'- you mean specifically to add the TrustedInstaller.exe file to my 'servicing' folder as well as import the trustedInstaller.reg file, yet I don't need to turn the UAC off in order to 'takeownership' of the servicing folder? Should I try this fix again before uninstalling 3rd party security software & reinstalling Windows update agent? sorry this is getting so ccomplex, yet 'fixing the BITS service' is in which tutorial under what link?

Thank you

Originally Posted by TheSelf

I definitely cannot install Windows security agent whilst Avast AV & Ad-aware are installed? nothing else needs uninstalling- correct?

Because you don't have Windows Modules Installer and BITS unable to install Windows Update Agent.Leave this step,first you have to fix missing services.Maybe uninstalling 3p security soft won't be neccessary,fixing all services will resolve all issues.

when you say apply your 'fix'- you mean specifically to add the TrustedInstaller.exe file to my 'servicing' folder as well as import the trustedInstaller.reg file,

Naturally.

I don't need to turn the UAC off in order to 'takeownership' of the servicing folder?

It's unecessary move,you don't need to disable UAC to change permissions
In my tutorial are useful links how to change permissions.

'fixing the BITS service' is in which tutorial under what link?

In current tutorial in SCENARIO I is link to issue with BITS

Here you go
Background Inteligence Transfer Service - Fix

For you applicable is method III

it's WORKING! Thank you sooo much Flavius for your Masterful Guidance- you freaking ROCK!

one last question- I didn't run the Windows Update Agent yet- before I remove 'take ownership' (I used the takeownership.reg file to do so 'automatically') do I need to run the Windows Update Agent (for 64 bit systems) now for any other reason? (I'd rather not uninstall any 3rd party security software if possible if it's still worth running it)

(PS: when I downloaded the Add_Take_Ownership.reg file - it actually downloaded as Add_Take_Ownership.download for some reason- I had to change the file type manually from .download to .reg, yet it seemed to work OK- I guess the same will be true for the Remove_Take_Ownership.reg file as well)

thanks again!

PPS: do I still need to reinstall the Windows Modules Installer service? If so, how?

Originally Posted by TheSelf

PPS: do I still need to reinstall the Windows Modules Installer service? If so, how?

I don't understand this !You've restored both services already or not? If you've restored both services and Windows Update working you don't need to do that any more.

yes- the windows updates issue does seem to be working ok-thank you (further to placing the TrustedInstaller.exe file in the servicing folder and importing the TrusterInstaller.reg & BITS.reg files via PsExec.exe & restarting-I'm very happy- it's just that I checked services.msc - I do now have Windows Modules Installer service listed though it's set to 'manual' - should it be set to 'automatic' for example? Though I apparently imported the BITS.reg file I still don't see it listed as a service in services.msc- Also as it was originally one of the steps you suggested and as I didn't yet use it, I just don't really understand what the Windows Update Agent executable file does and if it will clear anything further up that may not be obvious- I'm only asking, as I have a very limited understanding of this whole subject & though it appears to be working OK now, I am just checking that nothing important is missing or needs to be done to finalize it otherwise if not, I'm just going to run the Remove_Take_Ownership.reg file to complete once & for all- thanks for your patience & understanding with me

Originally Posted by TheSelf

I do now have Windows Modules Installer service listed though it's set to 'manual' - should it be set to 'automatic' for example?

Defaultly Windows Modules Installer service is set to manual and it's normal.OS start this service when used Windows Update or "Turn Windows Feature on or off" -never more.

Though I apparently imported the BITS.reg file I still don't see it listed as a service in services.msc-

It doesn't make sense what you said.Prepare log from VistaSysInfo http://www.vistax64.com/software-too...info-tool.html

(select all int his tool).Log attache to post.

can I attach privately?