Windows Update not working

My Girlfriend was saying her Laptop wouldnt play Facebook Videos, so I asked her if all her Windows Updates are done, she did some, and it restarted, but when it came back on it said:
Windows Update cannot currently check for updates because the service isnt running
She did the Troubleshoot, installed and ran a fix software but it gave an error:
Installer encountered an error 0x80070424
The specified service does not exit as an installed service
She got her brother to take a look but still cant figure out whats wrong and what they can do next,
any suggestions?
Answer #1
Try running from the Microslop update site
http://www.update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate
Have all of these methods been tried to fix it ?
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/968002
You don’t say what version of Windows ?
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Windows-Update-error-80070424
Answer #2
Im guessing its infested with malware “and ran a fix software but it gave an error” if it wasn’t it is now.
Do a reformat or a reset if your on windows 8
Answer #3
I forgot to mention that Facebook requires “Flash” you can try updating that oir uninstall/reboot/install if you have problems updating it.
http://get2.adobe.com/flashplayer
ED – I doubt it’s full of Malware, just sounds like a usual Windoze issue.
– if you think there may be malware – try installing Malwarebytes (in free mode), update the definitions on it, then reboot, but run it in Safe Mode – you can usually get to Safe Mode by tapping F8 when booting. It’s pointless formatting or resetting when you can spend maybe 30 minutes and get it working, I think it’s worth the try.
http://www.malwarebytes.org/
Answer #4
With Windows 7 OS: Control Panel/Administrative Tools/Services …………. That error normally means the Automatic Update Service isn’t running on auto or manual.
If you can’t find Administrative tools …………….Right Click on Start Menu icon, select Properties, then Start Menu tab, then Customize. Scroll down to System administrative tools then tick one of the Display options.
Also, try installing the latest version of Flash player.