Windows Update won't check for updates due to a not running service

Trying to update a nearly one year old backup installation (Win7 pro x64) on the seccond hard drive, I've just run into the following error message:

Windows Update cannot currently check for updates, because the service is not running. You may need to restart your computer.

First of all I've checked the status of the Windows Update Service, it was running. Then I've restarted the computer. The Update still didn't work and the same message reappeared.

The solution was simple though:

1. On the left hand in the Windows Update Control Panel click "Change settings"
2. Under "Important updates:" change the installation type from "Install updates automatically (recommended)" to  "Never check for updates (not recommended)"
3. Save the changes by clicking Ok
4. Then again click "Change settings"
5. Now revert the selection to what it was before (automatically)
6. Again click Ok

There is a seccond approach to it, which also worked on another occasion:

1. Open a console window (run cmd.exe as Administrator)
2. net stop wuauserv
3. Go to %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution (usually under C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution)
4. rename the subfolder downloads to something else
5. net start wuauserv

This one is also described here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/958046/en-us