Windows (Vista) can't check for updates, error code 80244004

My system tray shows the windows update icon with message "Windows can't check for updates". When I run the windows updater is gives error code 80244004.

In the past few weeks I have tried several times to resolve this issue but to no avail. I'm not sure how many suggestions I have tried but here is a list of some of them:

- Cleanboot,

- Hotfix for windows KB947821 (system update readiness tool),

- Microsoftfixit.wu.LB139301626980876022.3.1.run.exe,

- Microsoftfixit.wu.MATSKB.run.exe,

- System file checker tool,

There is some history to my laptop which may be significant. The last three years my laptop was in the cupboard due to a graphics card problem. Recently someone managed to fix this and I could start using my laptop again. At first I tried to do updates but came across the problem that the computers clock was completely out of date. After resetting the clock to the correct time I was able to do some updates (can't remember which ones though) but it shows just how long the laptop was not in use.

I first noticed the windows update problem when I saw the windows defender update icon in the system tray. I managed to resolve that with a manual install method. But I haven't been able to resolve the Windows updater issue.

Windows updater shows "most recent check for updates 14-9-2010" and underneath that it shows "updates were installed 13-8-2013.

According to the "Update History" the following updates have been installed since my laptop has been running again:
- Microsoft .NET framework 4 client profile for windows vista x86 KB982670, date installed 13-8-2013,
- Update for windows KB928439, date installed 25-8-2013,
- Several copies of the Hotfix for windows KB947821 (system update readiness tool).

The last update prior to this was:
- Definition update for windows defender KB915597 (definition 1.89.1145.0), date installed 7-9-2010.

I'm running windows Vista Home Premium x86, SP2 on an Acer Aspire 9303 laptop.

In some of the database posts I read about an anti-virus program ESET causing problems but I do not run this. I have Malwarebytes, Spybot, SUPERantispyware, CCleaner, TDSSKiller.

Can anyone suggest a step-by-step method of resolving my issue?

Many thanks in advance.

Roland

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