win update issues

[Target]

looking for assistance in resolving a win update problem (essentially it doesn't)

On my win7 SE netbook windows update performance (?) has deteriorated over time, such that it hasn't displayed progress for some time, and has now refused to download or apply updates altogether.

I've googled and it appears to be a relatively common issue, but none of the common fixes seem to work in this case (ie it's been sitting on the desk for the last 6+ hours 'updating' without change - no progress, no change)

Anyone here got any suggestions (other than a rebuild)

[Target]

it never fails... within about 30 mins of posting this it started to update 

that said, i'm not at all confident that the issue has resolved itself 

[bit]

Mine used to want to run the same 11 updates over and over every 2 days.
Now, it wants to do 12.
I shut it off (updates), partly also b/c I'm nervous about it someday deciding to upgrade me to Windows 10 without asking; I'm still watching how others make out before I jump into that.
Someone also said when you update to Windows 10 it saves all your old Windows 7 (or whatever), and requires about XX-GB of free HD space, and I only run 30GB free space anyways.
But getting back to your original question, every so often I try to run updates, and that's been my experience; endless re-updater loop.

[crabby3]

These may help you get back on track -

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2700567#/en-us/kb/2700567

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/findbysymptom/a/windows-update-frozen.htm

The Microsoft Fix It (first link) worked for my Vista Home Premium update freezes.

[Target]

These may help you get back on track -

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2700567#/en-us/kb/2700567

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/findbysymptom/a/windows-update-frozen.htm

The Microsoft Fix It (first link) worked for my Vista Home Premium update freezes.

nope, the fixit tool...didn't.  And FWIW there are apparently 2 versions, one of which can be more 'aggressive' in its actions

[crabby3]

These may help you get back on track -

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2700567#/en-us/kb/2700567

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/findbysymptom/a/windows-update-frozen.htm

The Microsoft Fix It (first link) worked for my Vista Home Premium update freezes.

nope, the fixit tool...didn't.  And FWIW there are apparently 2 versions, one of which can be more 'aggressive' in its actions

... and the second link was equally useless?

[crabby3]

Interesting short-read here  http://blog.laptopmag.com/how-to-fix-a-stuck-windows-update

This deals with update freeze during shut down.  Not your issue but it talks about a System Update Readiness Tool from Microsoft’s website.

... may help reset something ...

[Curt]

it talks about a System Update Readiness Tool from Microsoft’s website.

Windows 7 32-bits: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=3132
Windows 7 64-bits: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=20858

This tool is being offered because an inconsistency was found in the Windows servicing store which may prevent the successful installation of future updates, service packs, and software.

modified:
oh, a better page for all windows systems:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/what-is-the-system-update-readiness-tool

What is the System Update Readiness Tool?

The System Update Readiness Tool can help fix problems that might prevent Windows updates and service packs from installing. For example, an update might not install if a damaged system file prevents the update from recognizing the version of Windows that's running on your computer.

If your computer is having problems installing an update or a service pack, download and install the tool, which runs automatically. Then, try installing the update or service pack again.
To download and run the System Update Readiness Tool

    Click the link in the table "below" that corresponds to the version of Windows running on your computer.