Unusual Windows Update Failure

[wfc4life]

Hello Everyone

I had a client bring in a Win 7 Home Premium 64 bit HP laptop. The issue is that Windows Update won't complete the installation of new updates. Windows Update shows all available updates, you can download/install within the operating system, updates start to configure prior to reboot, but when the configuration attempts to complete on reboot the message/action "updates have failed, reverting changes" occurs. After a second restart, the operating system can be used normally until the computer is shutdown, and then the cycle continues. I checked the update failure code (800f0826) which says that one particular update is holding up all the rest of them. I have tried selecting multiple single updates that had been flagged as the "problem" update (by having a different error code than the rest, although this code is not consistent) both via Windows Update and downloading the standalone update, but I get the same result every single time

I performed my normal virus/malware removal process, and while I found a few questionable programs that I removed, the system was mostly clean. I can't find any problems with the operating system, with the exception of this one issue. I have run almost every program you can think of. Ex: Malwarebytes, MSE, TDSSKiller and RogueKiller Tigzy, JRT, AdwCleaner. Auslogics Task Manager Portable, Autoruns, HijackThis, Tweaking.com Windows Repair AIO, and Process Explorer to name a few.

At this point, other than a nuke and pave, I'm out of options on how to resolve this problem. In the short term, I have disabled Windows Update to prevent the install loop. Thought I would post to the see if I'm missing something.

 

[MichaelBits]

So it's only one update causing the issue? Or several?

 

[Moltuae]

Problems like this with WU are actually very common in my experience. I've had similar problems many times, even on freshly installed Windows 7 systems. There's a number of causes and things to try:

One common cause is corruption the SoftwareDistribution folder contents .... From memory: you just stop the WU service, backup and delete the folder then restart the service.

Alternatively, MS have a 'Fixit' or two for this and other common causes:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058/en-us
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/troubleshoot-problems-installing-updates#1TC=windows-7


For the stubborn WU problems that refuse go away, after trying all the usual fixes, reinstalling the System Update Readiness Tool usually works for me:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows7/what-is-the-system-update-readiness-tool





EDIT: Oh, and another common cause that I've just remembered .... .NET: Un-install every .NET update then try again.

 

[wfc4life]

So it's only one update causing the issue? Or several?

There are multiple updates with different error codes (besides the 800f0826 error code that is on all the remaining failed updates). According to Microsoft once the first failed update hoses up things, the other updates are an automatic fail with the generic 800f0826 error code. What makes no sense to me, is that the error codes are different every time.

 

[wfc4life]

Problems like this with WU are actually very common in my experience. I've had similar problems many times, even on freshly installed Windows 7 systems. There's a number of causes and things to try:

One common cause is corruption the SoftwareDistribution folder contents .... From memory: you just stop the WU service, backup and delete the folder then restart the service.

Alternatively, MS have a 'Fixit' or two for this and other common causes:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058/en-us
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/troubleshoot-problems-installing-updates#1TC=windows-7


For the stubborn WU problems that refuse go away, after trying all the usual fixes, reinstalling the System Update Readiness Tool usually works for me:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows7/what-is-the-system-update-readiness-tool





EDIT: Oh, and another common cause that I've just remembered .... .NET: Un-install every .NET update then try again.

Thanks for the suggestions Moltuae! I did reset Windows Update, and run the MS Fixit with the same outcome, however I will try out the System Update Readiness Tool recommendation when I can next access the laptop. The client wanted it back for the weekend. I'm hopeful it can resolve the problem.

 

[nlinecomputers]

What UPDATE is the one that fails? Can you manually install it from the KB article that describes it?

What happens if you just decline that one bad update and let the rest continue?

 

[wfc4life]

What UPDATE is the one that fails? Can you manually install it from the KB article that describes it?

What happens if you just decline that one bad update and let the rest continue?

I'm sorry, I failed to write down specific update numbers. When I use the standalone installer it immediately fails, and states it's not needed for this operating system. When I attempt to install only one update (no matter which one I use), I get the same outcome, failure.

 

[nlinecomputers]

I'm sorry, I failed to write down specific update numbers. When I use the standalone installer it immediately fails, and states it's not needed for this operating system. When I attempt to install only one update (no matter which one I use), I get the same outcome, failure.

That sounds like a clue. Is or is it not supposed to be for the version of Windows you are using? Sounds like WU has flagged an incorrect version for you to download. Can't put a square peg in a round hole. Decline and block the update(assuming that it IS an incorrect version.) If the stand alone IS a correct patch and is still not installing then the problem is with the patch and NOT windows update and all the various efforts to "fix" windows update is for not. And a waste of your time. You need to figure out WHY this patch is not working OR why WU thinks you need this patch.

 

[JustInspired]

Check time and date.
Use Tweaking.com's AIO Repair tool.

 

[tek9]

Did you test RAM and HDD?

 

[Mr.Mike]

I'm running the System Update Readiness Tool now for a 0x80070643 error I've had for months. It never occurred to me that updates would be sent to a Win 7 machine that weren't intended for it. I tried deleting all the .NET frameworks and reloading; it didn't work. Here's hoping it works. +1 to nlinecomputers for his take on this!

I'll report back on the outcome.

EDIT: Nope, still can't update. I'll keep looking.

 

[Moltuae]

A related problem that I've had on a few occasions, results in a blank/empty Windows Features List. If you have that symptom too, try the methods outlined here:
https://www.raymond.cc/blog/fix-bla...ndows-features-on-or-off-optionalfeaturesexe/

In fact, even if you don't have that symptom it's worthwhile doing some of the checks/repairs mentioned, especially the old sfc /scannow of course.





Also, I find that sometimes the order in which you do the various procedures can be important, such as clearing the SoftwareDistribution folder again after uninstalling .NET updates and installing the System Update Readiness Tool.

I've never found a one-size-fits-all solution for WU problems, but I'm yet to find a WU problem that I couldn't fix with a combination of those fixes and a bit of persistence and perseverance.

 

[Cambridge PC Support]

Haven't got the reference to hand but search for catroot, software distribution and pending.xml

 

[HFultzjr]

Try this..........disregard the error code....what we are trying to do is delete old data, then proceed with new data.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-update-error-80070002#1TC=windows-7

After doing the above, use system restore to go back to a good point in time.

Repeat above.

Search for new updates and install them one at a time, researching any error codes and correcting before moving on to the next one. Don't forget to re-start when asked to.

Can be a real PITA, but I have been successful using this method.


Windows Updates.........huh, who needs 'em.....LOL

P.S. you do have an image in case of major screw-ups, don't you. Nothing like being able to go back to square one when needed most.

Harold

 

[atlanticjim]

WU problems are not that uncommon.
I would do as above with the MS recommendations but then use WSUS offline update. I always find that is makes for a cleaner process.

 

[wfc4life]

Check time and date.
Use Tweaking.com's AIO Repair tool.

Thanks JustInspired! Date and time are good. I did use Tweaking.com's AIO tool, but it didn't help this time unfortunately.

 

[wfc4life]

Did you test RAM and HDD?

No, since there were no other issues with the laptop. I'll add it to my followup list though.

 

[wfc4life]

I'm running the System Update Readiness Tool now for a 0x80070643 error I've had for months. It never occurred to me that updates would be sent to a Win 7 machine that weren't intended for it. I tried deleting all the .NET frameworks and reloading; it didn't work. Here's hoping it works. +1 to nlinecomputers for his take on this!

I'll report back on the outcome.

EDIT: Nope, still can't update. I'll keep looking.

Thanks for sharing Mr. Mike! Let me know if you ever get your problem resolved, and I'll do the same.

 

[wfc4life]

A related problem that I've had on a few occasions, results in a blank/empty Windows Features List. If you have that symptom too, try the methods outlined here:
https://www.raymond.cc/blog/fix-bla...ndows-features-on-or-off-optionalfeaturesexe/

In fact, even if you don't have that symptom it's worthwhile doing some of the checks/repairs mentioned, especially the old sfc /scannow of course.





Also, I find that sometimes the order in which you do the various procedures can be important, such as clearing the SoftwareDistribution folder again after uninstalling .NET updates and installing the System Update Readiness Tool.

I've never found a one-size-fits-all solution for WU problems, but I'm yet to find a WU problem that I couldn't fix with a combination of those fixes and a bit of persistence and perseverance.

Thanks for the additional feedback and encouragement Moltuae. I'll give your suggestions a try.

 

[nlinecomputers]

I am going to ask again.

Have you tried to block the one bad update? Will the updates install with that one blocked.

WHICH UPDATE IS IT!?!

What of the weird NOT For your OS error? Is it the wrong update(example an update for Xp that is trying to install on Win7) or is the error incorrect? (It is the correct patch for the flavor of your OS but you get this weird error anyway.)

IMO this is NOT a Windows UPdate problem. It is a problem with the single lone update that will not install. You need to figure out why it is not working and quit trying to fix what isn't broken because I bet if you take out this bad one all of your other updates will install properly.