Multiple Issues - BSOD and Win Updates Failure

patriceltic · 20 Apr 2016

Since I have a couple of issues, thought I would start here and perhaps you can direct me to the proper posting area.
Dell Inspiron One 2305
4.00 gb memory - AMD Athlon II x2 250u processor
Windows 7 Home Premium - system purchased Feb 2011

Problems: Windows updates will not install AND Stop: Fatal System Error C000021a

The scenario is as follows:

On 4/13, I downloaded and successfully installed 13 windows security updates. On 4/16, I thought I would run a Disk Cleanup since it had been a while. On 4/17, I received notice that 2 important windows updates (3019978 & 3075220) were ready to download and install. After trying to do the install, they both failed. Many times I tried to no avail. I then thought maybe the disk cleanup removed some file I needed for this process. I ran a system restore back to 4/13 and prior to the disk cleanup. It took about an hour for that process to complete but it did and now system runs a little slower but it runs. I also received a Fatal System Error message after system recovery: c000021a. Unfortunately, the system restore did not solve the update install problem. They still fail and I am in a loop now where they keep showing up and asking to be installed before shutdown and each time they fail. I have tried a few fixes on my own: Services -- where you reset the windows update services process. No deal. Microsoft FixIt tool. No deal. Troubleshoot problems - no deal. Woud taking it back to prior 4/13 with system restore do any good? Does it sound like a corrupt registry? Could some help be offered for this dilemma?? Thank you.
MWB premium and Avast Free anti-virus - also Malware anti-exploit free I have run scans on MWB and Avast - no problems emerge from those scans.

ThrashZone · 20 Apr 2016

Hi,
Sounds like my laptop except for the error and bsod that is
But it was fine in March but suddenly in April nothing but issues

This is the only thing that got it going again
Switch your windows update setting to Never check for updates temporarily

Restart the machine
Then download this to your downloads folder to run it from there,
https://technet.microsoft.com/librar...or=-2147217396

Download the x86 for 32 bit system or x64 for a 64 bit system

Install it and restart when prompted too after it does a stand alone search for updates which shouldn't take too long it took all of 5 seconds "If" the windows update settings are switched to Never check for updates before running it from the downloads folder.

Once it installs and restarts
You can reset your updates setting to whatever you had prior = Default....
Then manually check for updates.

I believe the solution came from Softpedia in the comments
Windows Update Hanging When Downloading April 12 Patches

patriceltic · 20 Apr 2016

Hi and thanks for input. The system seems to work fine in spite of the Fatal System Error (yikes) - boots up, runs around the web, shuts down - all happens without incident. If I can just get these updates fixed, I think everything will be ok. I did some sleuthing -- probably on this forum and found the same solution that you offered a couple of days ago. I did download and was given the following message when trying to install: "already installed on system" P.S. Hope you are o.k. in Houston. Thanks again.

Additional info as of this morning, 4/21. I ran a disk scan for errors and none were noted-3 hour scan. I also looked at my update history and noticed that on 4/19 an update to windows defender was installed successfully. I don't understand this as the 2 critical updates failed time after time starting on 4/17-error 80070308. I am not sure how to proceed at this point and would appreciate some direction from one of you valiant volunteers. Do I go to the BSOD page and attempt to do what is required there or to the windows update section and follow all steps to hopefully resolve. Thanks very much

I am marking this solved even though answers did not come from this forum.