Win auto update says it is not running when task manager says it is running

Win7-64bit SP1 i5-2500, 16MB RAM IE9 and Firefox12 Windows activation OK. Have been running another computer for the past 28 days and this computer has been off line for that time. Went back online with this computer and now:

Been running this for 6 months and no problem updating, Action center/maintenance says update does not require any action. In Task Mgr. under services tab: wuauserv 536 Windows update running netsvcs. Under Process: svchost.exe SYSTEM 00 17,212k Host process

for Win Services highlighted. Back to services and click on services button: go to windows update: Status=Started, Startup Type=Automatic (delayed start), Log on As=Local System.

Go to Start menu, all programs, windows update. Windows update opens (window is red), click on update windows and get: Windows Update cannot currently check for updates because the service is not running. You may need to restart your computer.  Have update

service set to Auto update. After repeating this a dozen times here I am.

Just Updated Java, Firefox, Norton Comcast Security Suit, and then tried Windows Update and no go on the Windows update.

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