I was receiving the 0x80072EE2 error on a Windows Active Directory network behind a Novell firewall. After locating the information below, I added the hosts listed below to the Do not use proxy server for addresses beginning with exceptions list. Voila! The firewall must be configured correctly, because the update website works just fine now.

 

 

Direct from help document at Microsoft:

When accessing the Update site, you receive the 0x80072EE2 or 0x80072EFD error. (Resolution 1) Last updated : 10/21/2005

Problem description
This error may occur if your Internet connection or configuration is preventing access to the Update site.

Applicable operating systems
Windows 2000
Windows XP
Windows Server 2003

Resolutions
1. A misconfigured Proxy/Firewall can cause this problem. Double-check the Proxy/Firewall settings.
Add the following urls to the exception list within your Firewall/Proxy:

http://*.update.microsoft.com
https://*.update.microsoft.com
http://download.windowsupdate.com

For help configuring Proxy/Firewall refer to documentation or contact the manufacturer.

For more information about When accessing the Update site, you receive the 0x80072EE2 or 0x80072EFD error. (Resolution 1), see article 836941 in the Microsoft Knowledge Base.

 

 

( Windows Update errors 0x80072EE2 & 0x80072EFD )