BiggAndyy

Windows 7 (and Vista and even Xbox) will encounter this error, and there are numerous fixes in the cloud to remedy this problem.  I’ll quickly list my attempts failures, and then describe what I did that finally did succeed.

I tried editing the Firewall to allow all the Microsoft sites access.  No help.

Updating the Network Card device driver.  Nothing.

Reinstalling several .dll files mentioned at some sites.  Did not work.

Edited the registry to change the MTU (maximum transmission unit).  Zilch.

Swearing loudly.  I felt better but the machine ignored me.  Zip.

Re-performed all those things logged in as the local administrator.  Up until now I did it as the local user and just upped the privileges when asked by 7.  Lots of time but no effect.

Finally I started to think outside the box/cubicle.  I remembered one of the .dll files was java-something-something.dll.  I began to wonder… did this machine have updated Java?  No, it did not.

I updated Java (to 6r30) over the web, rebooted, and heeeeeeey!!!!  That worked!

Once again, the simplest solution was the correct one, and once again, it was one of the Big 3 Things (Windows Updates, Java, and Antivirus).  So, long story short, if the propeller heads start directing you to edit this registry entry and modify that policy object STOP.  Try the simple things first!  It will only take a small amount of time and many times WILL solve the problem.

No, this isn’t an advertisement for insurance coverage against infections from malware, viruses and spyware. But protecting your system from infection is so easy a caveman could do it.

It is really as easy as 1 -2 -3. There are only 3 things to keep track of, and all of them offer automated programs to run in the background so all you need to do is allow permission for those programs to do their job.

Number 1: Windows Updates (if you are on a MAC why are you reading this blog???)
Schedule Windows to do automatic updates WHEN YOUR COMPUTER IS ON!  Years ago it made sense to turn off your computer when you were finished using it.  But today, to insure that you are receiving updates from Microsoft in a timely manner have your Microsoft Update run on Tuesdays (Patch Tuesday in geek-speek).

Number 2: Antivirus protection.  There are many antivirus scanners that real time monitor your system for malicious software and attacks.  Many are subscription based, many are free with a subscription option.  Choose one and USE IT.  Leaving your machine on is just more insurance that you receive updates to your virus definitions and keep the window of opportunity for a new exploit to attack your machine as small as possible.

Number 3: Java/Flash Updates.  Yes, the majority of exploits propagating across the interwebs today are being served up by unpatched or outdated Java and Flash plugins.  Both these have a TSR that receives information from their home base and ask the user to update to the latest versions.  USE THIS!

This will go a long way (even to you administrators) in keeping your machines healthy, fast, and trouble free.

Microsoft Software Update Website.

Avast Antivirus Website.

Java Website.

Flash Website.