Windows Update, Windows Defender and Windows Firewall errors

I'm have a very similar problem described by member Eterna1 on 9-05-12. I copied and pasted the question below. Here is the link http://www.techsupportforum.com/foru...ng-664461.html
It was resolved then so i'm hoping I can get the same help. would really appreciate any help.

First I got browser hijacked in IE 8 when I clicked on a link from google search and it took me to a search engine instead. Then I checked windows update and discovered it wasn't working and neither is windows defender, firewall and security essentials. The rest is as follows:

Windows Update
When I try to run windows update I get the following message:

Windows Update cannot currently check for updates, because the service is not running. You may need to restart your computer.




Windows Defender
When I try to run windows defender I get the following message:

Windows Defender
This program is turned off
If you are using another program that checks for harmful or unwanted software, use the action center to check that program's status.
If you would like to use this program, click here to turn it on.

When I click to turn it on, I get the following message:

The specified service does not exist as an installed service. (Error code: 0x80070424)



Windows Firewall
Update your firewall settings. when I try to update by clicking on use recommended settings I get the following message:
Windows firewall can't change some of your settings
(Error code: 0x80070424)

Windows Security Service
When I try to turn it on get this message:The windows security service can't be started