0x8ddd0018 error

In pre-XP Service Pack 2 installations this service is set to Automatic Start up type.

However..... when Windows XP Service Pack 2 is installed, it appears that in some instances the service can be disabled and this can generate the Windows Update error code 0x8ddd0018

Microsoft have added this description to BITS:

Transfers files in the background using idle network bandwidth. If the service is stopped, features such as Windows Update, and MSN Explorer will be unable to automatically download programs and other information.

If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it may fail to transfer files if they do not have a fail safe mechanism to transfer files directly through IE in case BITS has been disabled.

To try and resolve the Windows Update error code 0x8ddd0018, use the following tips... After each tip test to determine whether the issue is resolved.
 

Resolution Suggestion:

# To resolve this problem, make sure that BITS and the Automatic Updates service are started..

A simple solution but one that works in most circumstances!

1. Click Start, click Run, type services.msc, and then click OK.

2. In the list of services, right-click Automatic Updates, and then click Properties.

3. In the Startup type list, click Automatic, and then click Apply.

4. If Service status is set to Stopped, click Start, and then click OK.

5. Right-click Background Intelligent Transfer Service, and then click Properties.

6. In the Startup type list, click Manual, and then click Apply.

7. If Service status is set to Stopped, click Start, and then click OK.

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