Can't use Windows Update after virus removal

[Scarlet52698]

The amazing Broni was kind enough to guide me in eradicating a very nasty virus that infected my laptop last week. While the machine is clean, I can no longer use Windows update or update Microsoft Security Essentials. If anyone can help me fix this, I'd be grateful. Thanks!

Using Windows Vista OS x86

 

[bazz2004]

If you’re lucky it’s just that the necessary Windows service is turned off. Open Control Panel, Administrative Tools and check the Computer Services that are running. There will be an entry for Automatic Updates. If it’s turned off, right click the entry, select Properties and choose Automatic Start-up.

 

[Scarlet52698]

Yeah, I checked that and it is already set to automatic.

 

[bazz2004]

Does it say "Started" under the Status column? There's a Refresh and Restart option that might help.