WU fails with 8024402C: "Managed by your system administrator"

Hello
My Vista Professional always fails to Windows Update, with code 8024402C. The associated MS help page [1] correctly identifies that my system is managed by WSUS:
"You receive updates: Managed by your system administrator"

The problem is that this is a laptop from school and I no longer have access to the school network (the last bullet point in the document). After having tried all the steps in the document, I still cannot configure the WU settings (they're all disabled). On this system I have access to both Admin accounts and I would love to find a way to enable WU.

1. Can this be changed via Local Security Policy or similar? I've looked into secpol.msc, gpedit.msc, services.msc, but no luck. (Possibly I didn't know where exactly to look.)
2. Should I use "reset to default WU" tool [2]?
3. Is there any other way to disable network control of updates, or all network control of my system? I do have full admin privileges

Thanks in advance


[1] Windows Update error 8024402C
[2] How do I reset Windows Update components?

See these links

You may encounter temporary connection-related errors when you use Windows Update or Microsoft Update to install updates

Windows Update error 80072ee2

2. Should I use "reset to default WU" tool [2]?

Click to expand...

You can try it too.

I still cannot configure the WU settings (they're all disabled).

Click to expand...

Windows Update - Enable or Disable Access - Windows 7 Forums[2]=Performance%20Maintenance

Thanks for the links.

I've been looking for a solution for weeks, but after starting the thread WU miraculously started downloading. My best guess is that I simply clicked the "check updates on-line" link in the WU window. Probably there were (temporary) internet issues when I previously tried to do so.

Regards
Liviu