Windows Update error 80246002

This error started appearing in Windows 7 a few days ago, some say due to the update KB2982791 (unconfirmed yet).

If you were affected by this error - here's how to fix it (so far).

First of all - what doesn't work:

• Uninstalling the KB2982791 update.
• Deleting the SoftwareDistribution folder contents inside the Windows folder (this used to work for me in previous Windows Update errors).
• Renaming the Download subfolder of the SoftwareDistribution folder.
• Restoring the system to an earlier state may not fix this problem.
• Running the Windows Update Troubleshooter may not fix this problem.
• Applying the KB947821 patch may not fix this problem.

What does work (confirmed by many cases, including my own experience with this error):

You need to manually set the DNS addresses (of a well known public DNS server, such as Google DNS) for your network connection to successfully get rid of the update error. 

1. Go to Network and Sharing center inside Control Panel.

2. Click "Change Adapter Settings" on the left side pane. 

3. Right click the network connection you're currently using to be connected to the internet.

4. Choose Properties.

5. Double click "Internet Protocol Version 4 (Tcp/IPv4)"

6. Change "Obtain DNS Server Address automatically" to "Use the following DNS server addresses" - enter 8.8.8.8 as Preferred DNS server, and 8.8.4.4 as Alternate DNS server.

7. OK all of the windows. 

8. Now either restart the machine and check your updates again, or run the ipconfig /flushdns command inside the command prompt in elevated mode.

After this procedure - Windows Update should start searching for updates, it will take a while, so be patient. Eventually you will be presented either with more updates, or the statement that there are no newer updates.