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Windows Update Fails Missing BITS Service

Client had a bunch of virus’s and spyware I had to remove from bench. When plugged back into PC the Windows Updates and MSE Updates would not work. Tried MS Fixit for updates and still did not work. Found out the BITS service was missing. Found the following to get the BITS to work:

First I had to create the service entry by copy and paste the following into a DOS-PROMPT (I used as Administrator)

sc create BITS binpath= “c:\windows\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs” start= delayed-auto

After this the BITS would not start. I tried the following (copy/paste into DOS-PROMPT):

regsvr32 qmgr.dll /s
regsvr32 qmgrprxy.dll /s
sc sdset bits D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU)
regsvr32 wuaueng.dll /s

 

That did not work. I then had to export the following registry from a working PC and then import it into the failing PC:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\BITS

Here is the .reg file that you just merge and it should solve the problem (Windows 7).

I also created one for XP users. Try the XP-BITS.reg

The update from the last downloaded update would not install. Other updates would. I downloaded the .msi update associated and tried to install but it said it was not needed so I hid that update. All other updates worked fine.

AMENDMENT:

I found this site that has the bits.reg file along with other  .reg files that could fix updates. They are broken down for Windows 7 (Seven.zip) Vista.zip and XP.zip. Click on the download link and select the appropriate OS. Extract the files and then select the bits.reg and wuauserv.reg.

 

 

58 comments to Windows Update Fails Missing BITS Service

  • Adam

    Hi Steve,
    Where do you put the .reg file? And will it work for 64 bit Windows 7 systems?

    Cheers
    Adam

  • You save the .reg file and then Double-click on it. It will then merge into your registry. I got the .reg from my Windows 7 64-bit so yes it will work.

    Steve

  • Adam

    Thanks so much Steve…it works fine.

    Just to say the internet is full of people searching for this solution, some nasty malaware about at the moment.

    Cheers mate,
    Adam

  • Will that file work for 32 bit windows 7 operation systems or do you have an extra one for 32 bit?

  • Yes this should work for 32 bit Windows 7.

  • Thank you very much, your fixed worked.

  • Eric

    Thanks so much!!! I am using Windows Vista Ultimate and I downloaded the .reg file, replaced it in my registry and it is working now! I have been trying to fix this problem for 3 months now and this is the only solution!

  • Paul

    Tried all the steps you suggested. Still no success. UPDATE is failing with “WindowsUpdate_80246008” “WindowsUpdate_dt000” when I try and START BITS receive error: 2147024891

  • You might want to checkout MS KB HERE

    MS Updates are always tricky when they don’t work. If this does not work I suggest keep searching the Internet. If worse comes to worse BACKUP and then do a fresh install. This is the last resort.

    Thanks,

    Steve

  • Ayah

    I did all what you typed there but still nothing 🙁

    BITS is still missing from the services and I am still unable to update my unit.

    I really wished there was someone who could help me with this haha. Nobody from the net seems to be able to solve it (or I’m probably just doing it wrong) and fresh installing is just painful lol.

  • Jim Strom

    confirmed — after much effort the reg update solved the problem. Come on MS — can’t you fix this? Wasted time…

  • Rich

    Steve,

    Found your BITS fix. I installed and it re-appeared in services, however when trying to update it just kept grinding. So, I decided to try the MS Fix-It since BITS was back. It did it’s thing and said it fixed two items. Went back to updates and it worked perfectly. FYI-W-7 32bit. It’s dedicated people like you that make the INTERNET a more pleasant place. Thanks for your site and knowledge.

    Rich

  • Thank You for your kind comments. I try and help people that come across similar experiences and help them.

  • OMG Thank you so much! I’ve been searching for a solution for so long! Thnx bud!

  • Irene Kravchuk

    Thanks for the fix Steve! You put Microsoft to shame: nothing their site suggested worked for me, but your solution did 🙂 I got my BITS service back and Windows Update is now working.

  • Darryl

    AWESOME! I’m an old fart with my computer being my “Window” to the world. After hours of removing a virus and trying to update my OS and failing, I downloaded your reg file and presto! It works! I’m always sceptical of free fixes but was at a loss.

    Thanks from a fellow .ca’r.

  • Patricia

    Hi Steve,
    I would like to try the fix you describe since the BITS is missing in my computer. However,in which folder should I save the .reg file? When I click on the link you supplied, another tab opens with text. I guess I need to save that text somewhere, right? Thank you in advance for your help!

  • Hello Patricia,

    It does not matter where you save the .reg file. You can place it on your desktop. Then double-click onto it to merge into the registry. Once done that you can delete the .reg file.

    Steve

  • Patricia

    Thank you Steve. I have saved the .reg file and run the file, but the BITS file does not show up in the Services folder. I have tried the other two steps you mentioned above with no success. I finished doing a full scan and cleaned a trojan. Run the registry file again and nothing. (Sigh) Any other suggestion will be greatly appreciated.
    P

  • You have to create the BITS first. That was the first part:

    sc create BITS binpath= “c:\windows\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs” start= delayed-auto

    The BITS should show up in services. Then run the .reg if needed. If you did the first part and the BITS does not show up under services then I am not sure why it did not work. Sometimes you have to run as administrator the cmd prompt in order to run the sc command properly.

    Steve

  • Hi Steve, thank you very much, it worked for me !!

  • Luke

    Steve Your a Smart Guy.

    Had the same malware infected on my pc..

    for all the other noobs out there the last fix does work but ensure u go back and run…..

    sc create BITS binpath= “c:\windows\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs” start= delayed-auto

    in command prompt as admin..
    i think there is a space in steve’s above line if you try to direct copy paste 🙂

    thanks again STEVE GENIUS

  • Thanks for the compliment.

    I’m just here to help.

    Steve

  • John

    What a genius! I searched the web and tried everthing. This is the only worked!!! Shame on MS. Keep good works up, Steve!!!

  • Boyd

    Hi,

    I experienced the same problem; no BITS service. I tried the MS approach with no luck. Your approach worked, thankyou. Important note; I had a trojan alert come up as soon as I downloaded the registry file. AVG picked it up. WhaPlease make sure antivirus is up to date and you scan the file before starting it. Otherwise thankyou for solving the issue.

  • Doug

    I tried all teh above fixes several times. No luck. When I do the BITS install, it says the registry entries were made. But, no BITS in Services. No updates.

  • My updates didnt work anymore, so I thought I would upgrade to windows 8. But that didnt work either! I have been searching for hours, your reg file fixed it and I am now downloading… thanks a lot for sharing!

  • Hi Doug,

    I don’t know why it did not work for you. You must have a bigger issue with the PC.

    Steve

  • Mac

    Hello,

    Your file worked and BITS is back in the services, but I didn’t do step one first… That is type

    sc create BITS binpath= “c:\windows\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs” start= delayed-auto

    Into an administrative command prompt. So i went back and did this, but, after I’ve tried a few different permutations of this script with correct spacing, command prompt spits out a message saying that I need to leave a space between = signs and a paragraphs worth of other crap. Am I typing this in right? BITS is back but update is still not working and I feel like I am typing this script incorrectly into cmd? Any suggestions?

  • Mac

    THIS IS WHAT IT SAYS

    Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601]
    Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

    C:\Windows\system32>sc create BITS binpath= “c:\windows\system32\svchost.exe -k
    netsvcs” start= delayed-auto
    DESCRIPTION:
    Creates a service entry in the registry and Service Database.
    USAGE:
    sc create [service name] [binPath= ] …

    OPTIONS:
    NOTE: The option name includes the equal sign.
    A space is required between the equal sign and the value.
    type=
    (default = own)
    start=
    (default = demand)
    error=
    (default = normal)
    binPath=
    group=
    tag=
    depend=
    obj=
    (default = LocalSystem)
    DisplayName=
    password=

    C:\Windows\system32>

  • Joseph

    Hi Steve,

    Ever since I had a major virus prob which needed professional assistance, my windows update just didnt work. As I am a complete novice when it comes to tinkering with the finer details of the hardware, I thought I had to go back to the tech-company or perhaps the shop where I purchased the laptop. But, the rest worked fine and I thought I could live with the lack of updates. That is, until I was told by a friend that windows updates are crucial in order to keep those nasty trojans, malware and vira etc away – which was the problem in the first place. So, wanting to “promote” myself to a do-it-myself-kinda-guy, I desperately searched the net from here to there in search of help. Microsoft fix-it didnt – and I came close to thinking about buying the Win 8 upgrade – just to solve the darn problem once and for all. But lo and behold – in a last ditch effort I stumbled upon ur site – tried ur solution – and freakin hell, it worked. Being a total novice – in really couldnt believe my eyes.
    Long story short; many many thanks for helping IT-morons like myself. You truly live up to ur moniker 😀

    Greetings and best wishes from across the pond (Denmark)

  • michael

    Thanks a ton! I have been dealing with this for what seems like weeks. I used your .reg and *poof*! The Windows updates are starting to work again.

    Thank you so much!

  • Mr. Pat

    Been scouring the web for hours trying solutions that didn’t work. I copied the reg entry from another working PC and viola! Thanks. Thought I was going to have to re-install Windows.

  • Candy E

    I have updates downloading now after using your suggested fix. You are awesome. I looked for months trying to figure out the solution. I am bookmarking your website. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

  • g r

    Last succesful update 8/12/2012. Found this site an hour ago. [Drumroll] Problem… SOLVED! Kudos. Thank You. Rock On!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Dan

    If you get the problem Mac was having in November, move the second ” to the end of the path instead of after the switches; ie after svchost.exe.

    sc create BITS binpath= “c:\windows\system32\svchost.exe” -k netsvcs start= delayed-auto

  • Dave S

    tried it all BITS never comes back in the services list. I am running a Toshiba Satellite with Vista SP2 32 Bit computer runs ok otherwise but want to maintain all updates if possible. Its old laptop on Mobile sempron chip 3600 at 2.0 Ghz or so it sayd.

  • So if you followed my steps did you get an error on the first where you actually create the BITS? Make sure you run as administrator in the DOS BOX.

  • Dave S

    when i merge the wauserve.reg file it says that its been successfully added to the registry. When I try to do that with the Bits.reg it says “Not all data was successfully written to the registry. Some keys are open by the system or some other process.

  • Thank You very much. That totally worked!

  • Ken Ammon

    Steve, Thanks for this post. I simply downloaded the FIX-BITS.reg file to my desktop, double-clicked it, merged it into my existing registry. Then tried doing the Windows Updates again and viola! it’s working again! Such a simple fix, gotta love it.

  • Tim

    This issue drove me crazy for over a year. Then, by random chance, I ended up here….and it fixed it! Thanks so much!

  • Brian Huddart

    Steve, I seem to have the same problem as everyone here, but with two older XP machines that have just started failing to do Updates recently. When I download and extract the files, they don’t include a bits.reg file. Not sure what to do next. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

  • Hello Brian,

    I was sure they had the BITS.reg file in the files. I did find another site that had some BITS fix. You can try this site:

    http://www.philmorgan.net/techie-tools/windows-update-bits-background-intelligent-transfer-service-fix-batch-file-for-windows-xp

    I have not tested it so it warns user own risk.

    Steve

  • If the link I gave you does not work I just created a BITS.reg file for XP. Here is the link.

    http://steveit.ca/dl/fix-bits/XP-BITS.reg

    Steve

  • Brian Huddart

    Steve

    I can’t say anything that hasn’t been said above, but I’ll try. I used the philmorgan.net link above on both XP machines and it worked a treat. Both PCs now running updates again. While I know that it is only until early April, when Microsoft pulls the plug on XP, for a relative novice this problem has caused me so much distress and Microsoft’s website was a nightmare (so many dead ends). YOU ARE A STAR – regards from an old man who can get a decent night’s sleep again! Cheers.

  • James W

    Thanks Steve for the perfect fix. Been trying for months to get XP to update with no joy. After getting BITS to work, it all went smoothly. Hope others also find this great site. – Cheers

  • Conrad

    Nearly thirty hours of work trying one snake oil “solution” after another to address the failing updates. Wasted time and effort until I found this page. Exported BITS reg entry from a known good XP machine, stuck it on a USB stick and solved the update problem. Many thanks.

    MS, as usual, truly jumped the shark here, but this page cleaned up their mess. As always, and I mean absolutely 100% always, the best support is to be found from MS users, rather than official MS “support”.

  • Slavica

    Hi Steve
    I clicked on your XP-BITS.reg and it got added to the registry, and then restarted the laptop and the BITS were in the services. I was so happy, but prematurely because even after I changed it from manual to automatic it still cannot be started. When I clicked on BITS>Start it gave me this error code :Could not start BITS on local computer error code 1290:0x50a

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