0x8DDD0018, can't switch updates to automatic

Hey everybody, I'd be glad to use some help here.

Some days ago, the Windows Security Center started warning me that I don't
have Automatic updates turned on, and that my PC is at risk. If I go to the
Windows Update website, I get error code 0x8DDD0018. From what I've read, the
solution to that error code is to switch updates to automatic - but that is
exactly what I can't do! It won't let me activate Automatic Updates.

On Microsoft's advice, I went to Run > services.msc, which gets me to a list
of services. In the list, everything (including BITS) has the status
"Started", except for Automatic Updates, which is set to "Stopping". I can't
set the starting method to Automatic, and I can't even start the sevice
(buttons saying Start, Stop, Pause and Continue are unclickable).

What do I do?

Maria

"Maria" wrote:

> Hey everybody, I'd be glad to use some help here.
>
> Some days ago, the Windows Security Center started warning me that I don't
> have Automatic updates turned on, and that my PC is at risk. If I go to the
> Windows Update website, I get error code 0x8DDD0018. From what I've read, the
> solution to that error code is to switch updates to automatic - but that is
> exactly what I can't do! It won't let me activate Automatic Updates.
>
> On Microsoft's advice, I went to Run > services.msc, which gets me to a list
> of services. In the list, everything (including BITS) has the status
> "Started", except for Automatic Updates, which is set to "Stopping". I can't
> set the starting method to Automatic, and I can't even start the sevice
> (buttons saying Start, Stop, Pause and Continue are unclickable).
>
> What do I do?
>
> Maria
>
>

Hi. The exact same thing happened to me. I did the same steps with no
success. I also downloaded AdWare and Defender and ran those also and deleted
a lot of malware. Also Windows Defender won't update also, even tho I've
tried repeatedly to do it manually. Any help, will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Jose

"Maria" wrote:

> Hey everybody, I'd be glad to use some help here.
>
> Some days ago, the Windows Security Center started warning me that I don't
> have Automatic updates turned on, and that my PC is at risk. If I go to the
> Windows Update website, I get error code 0x8DDD0018. From what I've read, the
> solution to that error code is to switch updates to automatic - but that is
> exactly what I can't do! It won't let me activate Automatic Updates.
>
> On Microsoft's advice, I went to Run > services.msc, which gets me to a list
> of services. In the list, everything (including BITS) has the status
> "Started", except for Automatic Updates, which is set to "Stopping". I can't
> set the starting method to Automatic, and I can't even start the sevice
> (buttons saying Start, Stop, Pause and Continue are unclickable).
>
> What do I do?
>
> Maria
>
>

"Maria" wrote:

> Hey everybody, I'd be glad to use some help here.
>
> Some days ago, the Windows Security Center started warning me that I don't
> have Automatic updates turned on, and that my PC is at risk. If I go to the
> Windows Update website, I get error code 0x8DDD0018. From what I've read, the
> solution to that error code is to switch updates to automatic - but that is
> exactly what I can't do! It won't let me activate Automatic Updates.
>
> On Microsoft's advice, I went to Run > services.msc, which gets me to a list
> of services. In the list, everything (including BITS) has the status
> "Started", except for Automatic Updates, which is set to "Stopping". I can't
> set the starting method to Automatic, and I can't even start the sevice
> (buttons saying Start, Stop, Pause and Continue are unclickable).
>
> What do I do?
>
> Maria
>
>

Maria ... first off, there has been an upsurge in posts with the error
code 0x8DDD0018 lately. Some folks found that when they attempted to
Start the AU service that there was an Error 1508. It appears that most
of these incidents are related to the malware known as Vundo.
Suggest you determine if the issue is related to that before attempting
to repair the AU service otherwise Vundo will disable it again.

Please read this: Tutorial for Kapersky Online Scanner
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=15574

Then, using Ineternet Explorer, have the system scanned:
http://www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner

If Vundo is detected suggest you post at a reputable anti-malware forum.
Please read the guidelines of the forum of your choice prior to posting:

http://www.atribune.org/forums/index.php?showforum=9
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum22.html
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/cleanup
http://www.cybertechhelp.com/forums/...splay.php?f=25
http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/Malwa..._Here-f37.html
http://gladiator-antivirus.com/forum...?showforum=170
http://spywarewarrior.com/viewforum.php?f=5

When the system is deemed to be clean, then go here:

Automatic Updates and WindowsUpdate Reset tool
http://www.codeplex.com/aureset/Rele...eleaseId=13656

Download the tool from the link at the bottom of the above page.
When the download completes, close all open browsers and programs.
Now, run the Reset tool.
That *should* restore updating.
If not, post back here.


MowGreen [MVP 2003-2008]
===============
*-343-* FDNY
Never Forgotten
===============



Maria wrote:

> Hey everybody, I'd be glad to use some help here.
>
> Some days ago, the Windows Security Center started warning me that I don't
> have Automatic updates turned on, and that my PC is at risk. If I go to the
> Windows Update website, I get error code 0x8DDD0018. From what I've read, the
> solution to that error code is to switch updates to automatic - but that is
> exactly what I can't do! It won't let me activate Automatic Updates.
>
> On Microsoft's advice, I went to Run > services.msc, which gets me to a list
> of services. In the list, everything (including BITS) has the status
> "Started", except for Automatic Updates, which is set to "Stopping". I can't
> set the starting method to Automatic, and I can't even start the sevice
> (buttons saying Start, Stop, Pause and Continue are unclickable).
>
> What do I do?
>
> Maria
>
>

Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315

Run a /thorough/ check for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis log
to an appropriate forum.

Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_R...:_Introduction
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware

When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
(http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use.
It will help you to both identify and remove any hijackware/spyware with
assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html,
http://forums.subratam.org/index.php?showforum=7,
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30, or other appropriate forums for review
by an expert in such matters, not here.**

If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this
isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA) computer repair shop.

--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

Jose wrote:
> Hi. The exact same thing happened to me. I did the same steps with no
> success. I also downloaded AdWare and Defender and ran those also and
> deleted a lot of malware. Also Windows Defender won't update also, even
> tho
> I've tried repeatedly to do it manually. Any help, will be greatly
> appreciated. Thanks, Jose
>
> "Maria" wrote:
>
>> Hey everybody, I'd be glad to use some help here.
>>
>> Some days ago, the Windows Security Center started warning me that I
>> don't
>> have Automatic updates turned on, and that my PC is at risk. If I go to
>> the
>> Windows Update website, I get error code 0x8DDD0018. From what I've read,
>> the solution to that error code is to switch updates to automatic - but
>> that is exactly what I can't do! It won't let me activate Automatic
>> Updates.
>>
>> On Microsoft's advice, I went to Run > services.msc, which gets me to a
>> list of services. In the list, everything (including BITS) has the status
>> "Started", except for Automatic Updates, which is set to "Stopping". I
>> can't set the starting method to Automatic, and I can't even start the
>> sevice (buttons saying Start, Stop, Pause and Continue are unclickable).
>>
>> What do I do?
>>
>> Maria

Hi Mow Green. I found the Vundo malware/virus on my computer. CA antivirus or
antispyware said it found and deleted it, but it is still there. Microsoft
safety.live.com did a complete scan and found Trojan Vundo, Program:
SpySheriff, Adware: HotBar, Program: Starware and could not remove any of
those files. What should I use to get rid of these bad files? And then do I
need to do the reset for AU? Thanks.
Jose

"MowGreen [MVP]" wrote:

> Maria ... first off, there has been an upsurge in posts with the error
> code 0x8DDD0018 lately. Some folks found that when they attempted to
> Start the AU service that there was an Error 1508. It appears that most
> of these incidents are related to the malware known as Vundo.
> Suggest you determine if the issue is related to that before attempting
> to repair the AU service otherwise Vundo will disable it again.
>
> Please read this: Tutorial for Kapersky Online Scanner
> http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=15574
>
> Then, using Ineternet Explorer, have the system scanned:
> http://www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner
>
> If Vundo is detected suggest you post at a reputable anti-malware forum.
> Please read the guidelines of the forum of your choice prior to posting:
>
> http://www.atribune.org/forums/index.php?showforum=9
> http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30
> http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum22.html
> http://castlecops.com/forum67.html
> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/cleanup
> http://www.cybertechhelp.com/forums/...splay.php?f=25
> http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/Malwa..._Here-f37.html
> http://gladiator-antivirus.com/forum...?showforum=170
> http://spywarewarrior.com/viewforum.php?f=5
>
> When the system is deemed to be clean, then go here:
>
> Automatic Updates and WindowsUpdate Reset tool
> http://www.codeplex.com/aureset/Rele...eleaseId=13656
>
> Download the tool from the link at the bottom of the above page.
> When the download completes, close all open browsers and programs.
> Now, run the Reset tool.
> That *should* restore updating.
> If not, post back here.
>
>
> MowGreen [MVP 2003-2008]
> ===============
> *-343-* FDNY
> Never Forgotten
> ===============
>
>
>
> Maria wrote:
>
> > Hey everybody, I'd be glad to use some help here.
> >
> > Some days ago, the Windows Security Center started warning me that I don't
> > have Automatic updates turned on, and that my PC is at risk. If I go to the
> > Windows Update website, I get error code 0x8DDD0018. From what I've read, the
> > solution to that error code is to switch updates to automatic - but that is
> > exactly what I can't do! It won't let me activate Automatic Updates.
> >
> > On Microsoft's advice, I went to Run > services.msc, which gets me to a list
> > of services. In the list, everything (including BITS) has the status
> > "Started", except for Automatic Updates, which is set to "Stopping". I can't
> > set the starting method to Automatic, and I can't even start the sevice
> > (buttons saying Start, Stop, Pause and Continue are unclickable).
> >
> > What do I do?
> >
> > Maria
> >
> >
>

Run a /thorough/ check for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis log
to an appropriate forum. You WILL need the assistance of an expert to
resolve this problem!

Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_R...:_Introduction
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware

When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
(http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use.
It will help you to both identify and remove any hijackware/spyware with
assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html,
http://forums.subratam.org/index.php?showforum=7,
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30, or other appropriate forums for review
by an expert in such matters, not here.**

If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this
isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA) computer repair shop.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/


Jose wrote:
> Hi Mow Green. I found the Vundo malware/virus on my computer. CA antivirus
> or antispyware said it found and deleted it, but it is still there.
> Microsoft safety.live.com did a complete scan and found Trojan Vundo,
> Program: SpySheriff, Adware: HotBar, Program: Starware and could not
> remove
> any of those files. What should I use to get rid of these bad files? And
> then do I need to do the reset for AU? Thanks.
> Jose
>
> "MowGreen [MVP]" wrote:
>
>> Maria ... first off, there has been an upsurge in posts with the error
>> code 0x8DDD0018 lately. Some folks found that when they attempted to
>> Start the AU service that there was an Error 1508. It appears that most
>> of these incidents are related to the malware known as Vundo.
>> Suggest you determine if the issue is related to that before attempting
>> to repair the AU service otherwise Vundo will disable it again.
>>
>> Please read this: Tutorial for Kapersky Online Scanner
>> http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=15574
>>
>> Then, using Ineternet Explorer, have the system scanned:
>> http://www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner
>>
>> If Vundo is detected suggest you post at a reputable anti-malware forum.
>> Please read the guidelines of the forum of your choice prior to posting:
>>
>> http://www.atribune.org/forums/index.php?showforum=9
>> http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30
>> http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum22.html
>> http://castlecops.com/forum67.html
>> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/cleanup
>> http://www.cybertechhelp.com/forums/...splay.php?f=25
>> http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/Malwa..._Here-f37.html
>> http://gladiator-antivirus.com/forum...?showforum=170
>> http://spywarewarrior.com/viewforum.php?f=5
>>
>> When the system is deemed to be clean, then go here:
>>
>> Automatic Updates and WindowsUpdate Reset tool
>> http://www.codeplex.com/aureset/Rele...eleaseId=13656
>>
>> Download the tool from the link at the bottom of the above page.
>> When the download completes, close all open browsers and programs.
>> Now, run the Reset tool.
>> That *should* restore updating.
>> If not, post back here.
>>
>>
>> MowGreen [MVP 2003-2008]
>> ===============
>> *-343-* FDNY
>> Never Forgotten
>> ===============
>>
>>
>>
>> Maria wrote:
>>
>>> Hey everybody, I'd be glad to use some help here.
>>>
>>> Some days ago, the Windows Security Center started warning me that I
>>> don't
>>> have Automatic updates turned on, and that my PC is at risk. If I go to
>>> the Windows Update website, I get error code 0x8DDD0018. From what I've
>>> read, the solution to that error code is to switch updates to
>>> automatic -
>>> but that is exactly what I can't do! It won't let me activate Automatic
>>> Updates.
>>>
>>> On Microsoft's advice, I went to Run > services.msc, which gets me to a
>>> list of services. In the list, everything (including BITS) has the
>>> status
>>> "Started", except for Automatic Updates, which is set to "Stopping". I
>>> can't set the starting method to Automatic, and I can't even start the
>>> sevice (buttons saying Start, Stop, Pause and Continue are unclickable).
>>>
>>> What do I do?
>>>
>>> Maria

Jose,

From what I've seen, the latest variants of Vundo are *very* difficult
to remove. Suggest you post at a reputable anti-malware forum for
assistance. Please read the guidelines of the forum of your choice
*prior* to posting:

http://www.atribune.org/forums/index.php?showforum=9
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum22.html
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/cleanup
http://www.cybertechhelp.com/forums/...splay.php?f=25
http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/Malwa..._Here-f37.html
http://gladiator-antivirus.com/forum...?showforum=170
http://spywarewarrior.com/viewforum.php?f=5

When the system is deemed to be clean, then use the Reset Tool if the
Automatic Update service can not be Started or changes to Disabled:

Automatic Updates and WindowsUpdate Reset tool
http://www.codeplex.com/aureset/Rele...eleaseId=13656

Download the tool from the link at the bottom of the above page.
When the download completes, close all open browsers and programs.
Now, run the Reset tool.
That *should* restore updating.
If not, post back here.


MowGreen [MVP 2003-2008]
===============
*-343-* FDNY
Never Forgotten
===============



Jose wrote:

> Hi Mow Green. I found the Vundo malware/virus on my computer. CA antivirus or
> antispyware said it found and deleted it, but it is still there. Microsoft
> safety.live.com did a complete scan and found Trojan Vundo, Program:
> SpySheriff, Adware: HotBar, Program: Starware and could not remove any of
> those files. What should I use to get rid of these bad files? And then do I
> need to do the reset for AU? Thanks.
> Jose
>
> "MowGreen [MVP]" wrote:
>
>
>>Maria ... first off, there has been an upsurge in posts with the error
>>code 0x8DDD0018 lately. Some folks found that when they attempted to
>>Start the AU service that there was an Error 1508. It appears that most
>>of these incidents are related to the malware known as Vundo.
>>Suggest you determine if the issue is related to that before attempting
>>to repair the AU service otherwise Vundo will disable it again.
>>
>>Please read this: Tutorial for Kapersky Online Scanner
>>http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=15574
>>
>>Then, using Ineternet Explorer, have the system scanned:
>>http://www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner
>>
>>If Vundo is detected suggest you post at a reputable anti-malware forum.
>>Please read the guidelines of the forum of your choice prior to posting:
>>
>>http://www.atribune.org/forums/index.php?showforum=9
>>http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30
>>http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum22.html
>>http://castlecops.com/forum67.html
>>http://www.dslreports.com/forum/cleanup
>>http://www.cybertechhelp.com/forums/...splay.php?f=25
>>http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/Malwa..._Here-f37.html
>>http://gladiator-antivirus.com/forum...?showforum=170
>>http://spywarewarrior.com/viewforum.php?f=5
>>
>>When the system is deemed to be clean, then go here:
>>
>>Automatic Updates and WindowsUpdate Reset tool
>>http://www.codeplex.com/aureset/Rele...eleaseId=13656
>>
>>Download the tool from the link at the bottom of the above page.
>>When the download completes, close all open browsers and programs.
>>Now, run the Reset tool.
>>That *should* restore updating.
>>If not, post back here.
>>
>>
>>MowGreen [MVP 2003-2008]
>>===============
>> *-343-* FDNY
>>Never Forgotten
>>===============
>>
>>
>>
>>Maria wrote:
>>
>>
>>>Hey everybody, I'd be glad to use some help here.
>>>
>>>Some days ago, the Windows Security Center started warning me that I don't
>>>have Automatic updates turned on, and that my PC is at risk. If I go to the
>>>Windows Update website, I get error code 0x8DDD0018. From what I've read, the
>>>solution to that error code is to switch updates to automatic - but that is
>>>exactly what I can't do! It won't let me activate Automatic Updates.
>>>
>>>On Microsoft's advice, I went to Run > services.msc, which gets me to a list
>>>of services. In the list, everything (including BITS) has the status
>>>"Started", except for Automatic Updates, which is set to "Stopping". I can't
>>>set the starting method to Automatic, and I can't even start the sevice
>>>(buttons saying Start, Stop, Pause and Continue are unclickable).
>>>
>>>What do I do?
>>>
>>>Maria
>>>
>>>
>>

Thank you both. I will post to a forum. I tried aumha but it wouldn't let me
register. Thanks again. Jose.

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> Run a /thorough/ check for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis log
> to an appropriate forum. You WILL need the assistance of an expert to
> resolve this problem!
>
> Checking for/Help with Hijackware
> http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
> http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
> http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
> http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_R...:_Introduction
> http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
> http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
> http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
> http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
> http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
> http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware
>
> When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
> (http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use.
> It will help you to both identify and remove any hijackware/spyware with
> assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
> http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
> http://castlecops.com/forum67.html,
> http://forums.subratam.org/index.php?showforum=7,
> http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30, or other appropriate forums for review
> by an expert in such matters, not here.**
>
> If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this
> isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
> independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA) computer repair shop.
> --
> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/
>
>
> Jose wrote:
> > Hi Mow Green. I found the Vundo malware/virus on my computer. CA antivirus
> > or antispyware said it found and deleted it, but it is still there.
> > Microsoft safety.live.com did a complete scan and found Trojan Vundo,
> > Program: SpySheriff, Adware: HotBar, Program: Starware and could not
> > remove
> > any of those files. What should I use to get rid of these bad files? And
> > then do I need to do the reset for AU? Thanks.
> > Jose
> >
> > "MowGreen [MVP]" wrote:
> >
> >> Maria ... first off, there has been an upsurge in posts with the error
> >> code 0x8DDD0018 lately. Some folks found that when they attempted to
> >> Start the AU service that there was an Error 1508. It appears that most
> >> of these incidents are related to the malware known as Vundo.
> >> Suggest you determine if the issue is related to that before attempting
> >> to repair the AU service otherwise Vundo will disable it again.
> >>
> >> Please read this: Tutorial for Kapersky Online Scanner
> >> http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=15574
> >>
> >> Then, using Ineternet Explorer, have the system scanned:
> >> http://www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner
> >>
> >> If Vundo is detected suggest you post at a reputable anti-malware forum.
> >> Please read the guidelines of the forum of your choice prior to posting:
> >>
> >> http://www.atribune.org/forums/index.php?showforum=9
> >> http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30
> >> http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum22.html
> >> http://castlecops.com/forum67.html
> >> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/cleanup
> >> http://www.cybertechhelp.com/forums/...splay.php?f=25
> >> http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/Malwa..._Here-f37.html
> >> http://gladiator-antivirus.com/forum...?showforum=170
> >> http://spywarewarrior.com/viewforum.php?f=5
> >>
> >> When the system is deemed to be clean, then go here:
> >>
> >> Automatic Updates and WindowsUpdate Reset tool
> >> http://www.codeplex.com/aureset/Rele...eleaseId=13656
> >>
> >> Download the tool from the link at the bottom of the above page.
> >> When the download completes, close all open browsers and programs.
> >> Now, run the Reset tool.
> >> That *should* restore updating.
> >> If not, post back here.
> >>
> >>
> >> MowGreen [MVP 2003-2008]
> >> ===============
> >> *-343-* FDNY
> >> Never Forgotten
> >> ===============
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> Maria wrote:
> >>
> >>> Hey everybody, I'd be glad to use some help here.
> >>>
> >>> Some days ago, the Windows Security Center started warning me that I
> >>> don't
> >>> have Automatic updates turned on, and that my PC is at risk. If I go to
> >>> the Windows Update website, I get error code 0x8DDD0018. From what I've
> >>> read, the solution to that error code is to switch updates to
> >>> automatic -
> >>> but that is exactly what I can't do! It won't let me activate Automatic
> >>> Updates.
> >>>
> >>> On Microsoft's advice, I went to Run > services.msc, which gets me to a
> >>> list of services. In the list, everything (including BITS) has the
> >>> status
> >>> "Started", except for Automatic Updates, which is set to "Stopping". I
> >>> can't set the starting method to Automatic, and I can't even start the
> >>> sevice (buttons saying Start, Stop, Pause and Continue are unclickable).
> >>>
> >>> What do I do?
> >>>
> >>> Maria
>
>