80072EFE in Windows Vista

I recently got a laptop that hadn't been used since 2015 (at least according to the last check for updates date in Windows Update) and it receives an 80072efe error. Why is this? When I try to update to SP2 it also says that I have to get a system readiness tool. I installed that but it changed nothing.

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Replies (3)

Great White North

Hi Tillamook233:

Error 80072EFE is a generic error that usually means there are issues making an internet connection. If you have a Vista OS and see this error when Windows Update runs on your computer please see page 1 of m#l's thread Updates not working, it has been searching for updates for hours. Microsoft deactivated the Windows Update servers for older Win XP and Vista computers on 03-Aug-2020, and the Microsoft support article Windows Update SHA-1 Based Endpoints Discontinued for Older Windows Devices lists some of the typical error codes Win XP and Vista users will see if they try to run Windows Update after this date.

Running the System Update Readiness Tool (CheckSUR) will not fix this problem.
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32-bit Vista Home Premium SP2 * Firefox ESR v52.9.0 * Malwarebytes Premium v3.5.1-1.0.365
HP Pavilion dv6835ca, Intel Core2Duo T5550 @ 1.83 GHz, 3 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS

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Volume Z

Note that although offering some explanation, Windows Update SHA-1 based endpoints discontinued for older Windows devices needs to be revised. Starting with the failure to discriminate between Windows 7 RTM and SP1. Service Pack 1 has started making all the difference in the world in August 2020.

It is correct that 80072EFE is due to the SHA-1 based endpoint discontinuation when seen in Windows 7 RTM or earlier - although the article fails to mention the error.

It is incorrect that Windows 7 Service Pack 1 is affected by the SHA-1 based endpoint discontinuation.

It is incorrect that the effects of the SHA-1 based endpoint discontinuation can be mitigated by manually installing KBs. Any platform affected cannot be recovered.

When 80072EFE occurs in Windows 7 Service Pack 1, it is not due to the effects of the SHA-1 based endpoint discontinuation.

When one of the errors mentioned occurs in whatever platform including Windows 7 Service Pack 1, it cannot be fixed by installing the KBs listed. The updates listed do not have the power to break Windows Update when missing. They have no bearing on the SHA-1 based endpoint discontinuation.