What is the "0x800a0007 Windows Update Error?"

Even though it might be alarming to see "0x800a0007 Windows Update Error" on your computer, it is quite easy to repair. There are various reasons why this error message is received, especially when trying to update software. Some common reasons for receiving the 0x800a0007 Windows Update Error include, incorrect settings in Secure Socket Layers (SSL), incorrect date and time settings, or the use of a proxy server.


Incorrect computer settings appear to be the leading cause for a "0x800a0007 Windows Update Error". Previously, if the computer's language is set to another language, for example Chinese or Russian instead of the English language, an "update error" message will occur. However, Microsoft has addressed how to change the computer's default language in the knowledge base article entitled, "Q250288: Windows Update Web Page Is Displayed in Wrong Language." However, there is a simple way to work around this problem as outlined in "Q250288," to change your machine's default language to English. Afterwards, try updating again.

Other settings, which have the potential to cause the "0x800a0007 Windows Update Error," are an incorrect date and time. Incorrect date and time settings on your computer causes a discrepancy between your computer and the Microsoft update servers when it tries to connect to receive the latest update. Like the proceeding problem of an incorrect language setting, incorrect date and time settings are easily remedied by changing your computer settings. It is also noteworthy to remember, incorrect date and time settings either together or separately, can cause the "0x800a0007 Windows Update Error."

Secure Socket Layers have been known to cause the "0x800a0007 Windows Update Error." However, it is not the case of having SSL enabled, but rather having disabled that leads to the problem. To enable SSL in Windows XP:

On the Desktop go to Start
Click Control Panel
Click on the Internet Options icon
The Internet Properties window will open, click the Advanced tab
Next move the cursor down to the Security section.
From this area, either versions SSL 2.0 or 3.0 can be enabled. However, the problem is further complicated if using a proxy server. Enabling use HTTP 1.1 and use HTTP 1.1 through proxy connections, found under HTTP 1.1 settings of the Advanced tab, can repair this.

Other than incorrect language, date, and time settings, or disabled SSL, there is an ongoing debate on whether the cause for the "0x800a0007 Windows Update Error," might also be the Akamai servers. Your computer will connect to the Akamai servers that Microsoft uses to increase bandwidth, to download the required updates. It is suggested the cause of the error might be due to the Akamai server sending ads, which are blocked by your computer's anti-spyware program. A remedy for this situation is to temporarily disable both your anti-spyware or anti-virus programs. However, keep in mind how vulnerable your computer is as a result of doing this, especially when it connects to the Internet to receive updates. Updating through a firewall might also cause an update error.

One of the last main causes of the "0x800a0007 Windows Update Error" is due to the way in which your computer connects to the Microsoft servers. When using a proxy server, your computer can be prevented from connecting to the Windows Update server. This is easily fixed, and involves inputting your Internet Service Provider (ISP) proxy settings into your computer. To accomplish this in Internet Explorer:

Click Tools
Then click Internet Options where a new window entitled Internet Options opens up
Go to the Connections tab on the Internet Options window
Then Local Area Network (LAN) settings at the bottom
Place a checkmark to use a proxy server for your LAN and click the Advanced button.
Next type in the Proxy Address and Port settings provided by your ISP
Click OK
Using any of the methods described above should allow you to update your software and correct the "0x800a0007 Windows Update Error" previously received.