Windows update error 80070005 quick resolution

If you've been infected by malware that "hides everything", don't forget to unhide the folders under c:\windows\SoftwareDistribution\
open an administrative level command prompt and type this:
cd \windows\SoftwareDistribution
attrib -r -s -h /s /d *.*

if you want to open the firehose (somewhat) safely, you might try this from c:\windows:
attrib -r -h /s /d *.*

You won't be able to unhide system files, but you will unhide everything that you otherwise have access to.

(Be very certain you're in the SoftwareDistribution folder prior to runnning the attrib command line, otherwise you just unhid/unreadonly/unsystem the entire folder you're in.)

This should quickly fix the WindowsUpdate_80070005 error and allow you to download Windows Updates as well as Microsoft Security Essentials updates if you're encountering 0x80070005 error.

There's no warranty about whether you try this stuff. It may make things work, but you should at least consider whether you're comfortable with this.