Resolving Windows Update Failure (Event ID 3) on Server 2016

The WindowsUpdateFailure3 event on Windows Server 2016 is a common error logged when the server encounters issues during the Windows Update process. This event typically signifies problems such as network interruptions, misconfigurations, or connectivity issues with update servers. It often occurs when servers are unable to access the internet or when there are errors in the update retrieval process. Understanding and addressing this event is crucial for maintaining server security and performance by ensuring timely updates.

Causes of windowsupdatefailure3 Event on Server 2016

Here are the primary causes of the ‘WindowsUpdateFailure3′ event on Server 2016:

1. Network Issues:

   • Timeouts: The error code 0x80072ee2 indicates that the operation timed out, often due to network connectivity problems.
   • Service Locator Service Errors: The error code 0x8024500b suggests issues connecting to or parsing responses from the Service Locator Service.

2. Server Misconfigurations:

   • Disabled Internet Options: If the server’s internet options are disabled, it can prevent successful updates.
   • Firewall and Antivirus Interference: Firewalls or third-party antivirus software can block update processes.

3. Software Conflicts:

   • SCCM Configuration: Using System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) for updates while having Windows Update settings misconfigured can cause conflicts.
   • Outdated Cumulative Updates: Servers not updated past certain cumulative updates (e.g., September 2016 CU) may face communication issues with WSUS servers.

Symptoms of windowsupdatefailure3 Event on Server 2016

The ‘WindowsUpdateFailure3′ event on Windows Server 2016 is typically associated with the following symptoms and error messages:

1. Event ID 1001: This event is logged in the Application Event Log.
2. Error Codes:
   • 0x80072ee2: The operation timed out.
   • 0x8024500b: There was an error in connecting to or parsing the response from the Service Locator Service redirector server.
3. Problem Signature:
   • P1: 10.0.14393.4283
   • P2: 80072ee2
   • P3: 00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000
   • P4: Scan
   • P5: 0
   • P6: 1
   • P7: 8024500b
   • P8: Device Driver Retrieval Client
   • P9: {9482F4B4-E343-43B6-B170-9A65BC822C77}
   • P10: 0.

These errors often occur when there is an interruption or error in the internet connection or when using a third-party product for updates instead of Windows Update.

Troubleshooting windowsupdatefailure3 Event on Server 2016

Sure, here are the steps to troubleshoot the ‘WindowsUpdateFailure3′ event on Server 2016:

1. Check Logs:

   • Open Event Viewer: Go to Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Event Viewer.
   • Navigate to Windows Logs > Application and System to find relevant error messages.

2. Reset Update Components:

   • Stop services: net stop wuauserv and net stop bits.
   • Delete SoftwareDistribution folder: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.
   • Delete catroot2 folder: C:\Windows\System32\catroot2.
   • Restart services: net start wuauserv and net start bits.

3. Verify Network Settings:

   • Ensure the server has a stable internet connection.
   • Check proxy settings: netsh winhttp show proxy.
   • Verify DNS settings: Ensure the server can resolve update servers.

These steps should help you address the issue.

Preventing windowsupdatefailure3 Event on Server 2016

Here are the best practices for preventing the ‘WindowsUpdateFailure3′ event on Server 2016:

1. Regular Maintenance:

   • Clear the Windows Update cache by deleting or renaming the C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution folder.
   • Regularly check and clean up the CBS and CBSPersist log files.

2. Updates:

   • Ensure all cumulative updates are installed, especially those past September 2016.
   • Use Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) or another reliable update management tool.

3. Monitoring:

   • Monitor the Event Viewer for specific errors related to Windows Update.
   • Use scripts to reset Windows Update client settings if errors persist.

4. Configuration:

   • Set Windows Update to manual using sconfig and stop the Windows Update and Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) services if not using Windows Update.
   • Configure automatic updates through Local Group Policy Editor.

5. Network:

   • Ensure a stable internet connection to avoid interruptions during updates.

Implementing these practices should help in preventing the ‘WindowsUpdateFailure3′ event on your Server 2016. If you need further assistance, consider reaching out to Microsoft support.

The WindowsUpdateFailure3 Event on Server 2016

The WindowsUpdateFailure3 event on Server 2016 is a common error that occurs due to network issues, server misconfigurations, and software conflicts.

It can be caused by timeouts, service locator service errors, disabled internet options, firewall and antivirus interference, SCCM configuration issues, and outdated cumulative updates.

The event is typically associated with Event ID 1001, error codes 0x80072ee2 and 0x8024500b, and problem signatures P1-P10.

To troubleshoot the issue, check logs, reset update components, verify network settings, and ensure a stable internet connection.

Regular maintenance, updates, monitoring, configuration, and network stability are key practices to prevent future occurrences of this event.

Proactive management is crucial to avoid interruptions during updates and maintain server security and performance.