answer:They can be on Manual and still able to use the Windows Update site, but they need to be Started (running) before you browse to it. (I’ve done it) I think your problem may be that you need to use the short service name with the net start command as well. Try this for the start script: sc config bits start= demand net start bits sc config wuauclt start= demand net start wuauclt (Note that it enables, then starts BITS before enabling, then starting Windows Update. Of course the stop script should be in reverse order)