Errors after Windows 7 reinstall

[Azaran]

I recently reinstalled Windows 7 SP1 on my computer after getting a new hard drive, but since then Windows update is disabled ("Windows could not search for new updates" with error code 80072EFE). When I try to install updates directly from the Microsoft site, I get the following error:



I tried disabling the Cryptography service as one site suggested, but it didn't do anything. Another suggestion was to install Net Framework, but when I try I get another error about certificate trust:



Any ideas on how to fix this?

PS: I know Windows 7 is no longer supported, but I much prefer it and would like to use it for another few years

[Starker]

PS: I know Windows 7 is no longer supported, but I much prefer it and would like to use it for another few years

I know this is not what you prefer to hear, but don't.

I was one of the people who stuck with XP for the longest time, so I definitely understand not wanting to upgrade. I had customised everything just to my liking and everything worked, mostly, and I didn't want to disrupt my workflow, but the upgrade to W7 was not that bad in hindsight (or at least not nearly as bad as I had imagined) and W10 is not that much different from W7 with some tweaks in settings and classic start menu installed. Plus there are very good reasons to not stick to an unsupported OS, from security to driver support to missing out on new features and fixes (W10 actually boots faster now and has a mobile hotspot GUI, for example).

[Azaran]

Well I managed to install a few updates individually, and got Net Framework in by installing Paint.net, which comes bundled with it. I do use Windows 10 for work, but it's still a big adjustment. I might upgrade in a year or so, we'll see

[Starker]

Why do you want the updates anyway? Is there some specific feature you need?

[Azaran]

It was mainly the security updates against vulnerabilities, but there's a few patches that are needed for software. I was actually prompted to install the Platform update when trying to install Paint.net

[Starker]

Well, there's this guide that talks about Windows updates needing a "compatible" anti-virus software and how to get around it:

https://kb.plugable.com/general-supp...res-what-to-do


You'll still need to upgrade to W10 sooner or later, though. For me, it took about an hour and a half, plus a few tweaks along the line here and there, but there are some shortcuts to make things easier. You can install a lot of programs in bulk with Ninite for example: https://ninite.com/

The most annoying and time-consuming part was removing all the crap they put on the start menu, turning off as much telemetry as possible, and tweaking other settings for privacy and convenience. These videos should cover most of the tweaking most people should want, though they are a bit old by now and some settings have already changed:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9kFXnomRWQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8CLiTUTcp4

And since I very much dislike W8 and W10's start menu, the Classic Shell (or its successor Open Shell) for a customisable start menu is simply a must: http://www.classicshell.net/

[Azaran]

Thanks, I'll definitely need that classic shell.
I was able to install a few more updates, slowly getting there

[Nameless Voice]

Alternatively, you could switch to Linux Mint, which has a better Windows-style interface than any actual Windows OS ever did.

(Sadly, this may not be viable, depending on which software you want to run. I personally use it at work, but cannot on my personal computer due to needing Windows-only software.)

[Azaran]

Yeah I thought about Linux, but nothing beats Windows for software compatibility

[Azaran]

Well, there's this guide that talks about Windows updates needing a "compatible" anti-virus software and how to get around it:
https://kb.plugable.com/general-supp...res-what-to-do
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Well I think one of those fixed the blocked updates issue, thank you sir!