Allo,
I run Kubuntu 20.10 as the host.
I have VirtualBox 6.1.16 r140961 (Qt 5.14.2)
I installed Windows 7 64 bit.
For the NIC, I setup bridged mode.
Internet Explorer can access the Internet.
When I try to run Windows update, it gives
Code 80072EFE

//EDIT: I have a real installation of Win 7 64 bit. It works fine. It rarely gets an update from Microsoft, in other words, Microsoft did not throw the servers in the trash.
All updates are initiated by me on the Win 7.
I don't even allow Firefox to update itself and I disable its nag feature.
On my Kubuntu, same thing --> all updates are initiated by me.
Everything, absolutely everything must be disabled. Only a human is allowed to click Go to start an update.

~~~~vmelkon

#1 it is possible that you have a firewall running (in the host or the guest, either can cause this) or a rootkit in your image.

#2 it is possible that your networking is not quite up to the task. Are you on a slow connection? If so multiple tries might resolve the issue this time. The network settings in VB might be "tweaked" to see if a different set of options might work better.

#3 see additional information about this error at troubleshooting sites like https://appuals.com/fix-windows-update-error-80072efe/
or https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...0-240141745bbd
online.

Disclaimer: I am not currently running any Linux nodes that can load up and run VirtualBox. If I did, I doubt if I still have any Win7 images around for testing. In other words, this is all "off the cuff". Good luck!

Windows 7 went EOL January 14, 2020 which means no updates unless you paid for extended support as far as I know.

I assume that is why your seeing that error code.

I have a virtualbox Win7 VM that still works perfectly and still occasionally gets updates from MS. A little googling reveals that the original poster's error code is a common problem, even with native Win7 installations. The links given by wpeckham's post(item #3) specifically deal with possible fixes.

My real installation of Win 7 gets updates. The servers are up except that Microsoft extremely rarely releases an update now.

~~~~vmelkon

I am surprised but I know the have released special security updates in the past.

Security updates should be fine for now but no more feature updates if I am not mistaken. Are you able to run a tracert to windowsupdate.microsoft.com from the VM in question?

Have you tried any of the things mentioned here?

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...f-4848bca07324

I understand "real installation of Win 7 gets updates" but did you recently did this installation?

Also, was the Win 7 VM activated with legitimate license key?

Yes and it reaches some servers such as
microsoft-b.ip4.torontointernetxchange.net (206.108.35.109)
both from the VM Win 7 and also my Kubuntu 20.10 host PC.

Does this mean that it isn't the Kubuntu firewall that is blocking?

~~~~vmelkon

This is a recent installation.
I doubt that anything is corrupted.
As for the 3 services mentioned, they are running.

The BIG QUESTION that I have, have any of you installed Win XP, Win Vista, Win 7, 8, 10 in VirtualBox on your Linuxes?
Did the updates work or is there something special I have to do?

I'll just take a HDD and install Win 7 on a real PC to see if it gives the full 2.2 GB of installation files.

~~~~vmelkon

I did not activate it. This Win 7 is for indian scammers, so that they will attack it and use syskey on it.

~~~~vmelkon

OK, so I installed Win 7 on a real PC and ran the update and it gave the same error code.
So, the servers are offline.
I am going to set this thread to solved.

~~~~vmelkon

To achieve what?

Sorry if it's a naive question. My thoughts are that your energy could be better spent setting up things like hardware firewalls, and educating your end users.

I already spread the word around, I encourage people to spread the word around. It's very important to stop crime.
It is preferable that the indian scammer connects to my PC rather than he connects to someone naive.

Some people have made videos, such as:
Angry Refund Scammer Gives Up And Begs For $2,000
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IGJktzvX88
By Kitboga
Length = 26:08

Scambaiting - Scammer has a Mental Break Down!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1EJpsXJUUY
By Rinoa Poison
Length = 44:13

^^^^^These guys (Rinoa Poison, Kitboga), they spend 5 h, 10 h 24 h 70 h on the phone with these scammers.
I guess it is their full time job.

~~~~vmelkon

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