Windows update KB974431 fails to install

Windows update KB974431 x86 always fails to install on my Windows 7 rtm build 7600 ultimate x86.

Any solution ?

I've read here and elsewhere that this is due to an invalid key, supposedly you need to remove your bad key, extend the trial period if necessary, and then you can install the update

It is because it didn't pass windows validation. You are correct.

Yes, it is correct.
Run Cmd.exe
run sfs /scannow <- that will get put the version back to non-Genuine Windows
run slmgr.vgs /rearm <- Get another 30 days

run the update, it will works.

Reboot, re-activate.

Thank you very much, there were typing errors in your post, I figured out that the correct advance would be :

cmd.exe
sfc /scannow
slmgr /rearm

reboot

install update, activate again.

Working...

Hi,

Solving Windows 7 KB974431 Update problem - iPmart® forum

It was working fine for me also. Re activation was needed but working.

Hi, I was trying to run "sfc.exe". but when I tried to run it on 'cmd.exe' with admin account,
'access denied' is displayed. and when I run 'slmgr /rearm', there's also error messages.

are there any solution for this?

You need to open an ELEVATED Run command.

Start->All programs-> Accessories-> right click on "command prompt" and choose "run as Administrator".

Then enter your commands.
Should work then.

I've already done it like this..I'd run command prompt run as administrator. but the same error message occurs as shown above...

Are there any other solution?

Only couple things you may try.
1. cd \windows\system then run cmd.exe as administrator.
2. Check the ownership of these files. Make sure you have the right or the owner of these files.

If all fail,Google "Elevated Command Prompt". Some one has already created a short cut for cmd.exe. Maybe you have something you think you are doing but not. The property of this shortcut is already preset. If you still can't run sfc.exe then either you didn't follow the instruction exactly or something wrong with your system. Each person has his own preference to activate Windows, maybe yours are different.

actually some friend of mine taucht me this command line..that it would be helpful.

@echo off

takeown /f %Windir%\System32\sppcomapi.dll
takeown /f %Windir%\System32\sppwinob.dll

icacls %Windir%\System32\sppcomapi.dll /deny *S-1-1-0:F
icacls %Windir%\System32\sppwinob.dll /deny *S-1-1-0:F

net stop sppsvc
net start sppsvc

taskkill /f /im explorer.exe>nul
start /i %Windir%\explorer.exe>nul
exit

did this command line affect the ownership of "sfc.exe" files?
I think blocking access to those two files would affect access to 'sfc.exe'.
How do I disabling those blocks and back to normal...

If you are running a RTM this late into it's release then the first thing is where did you get it from. If you downloaded it from a Torrent site you just may have a bad copy. Then the only good recommendation that anyone can give you is to buy a copy of Win 7.

thank you for your good advise..

actually I'm about to buy a real license version..
but what I trying to do is just fix this problem first. then register real license without reinstalling.
because I'm very satisfied with my OS setting right now. all useful programs are installed.


I just want to know how can I get my machine back to previous settings, 30 days license status... I just wanna save some time...

I understand your feeling on this. I have the same issue. I pre-ordered a Windows 7 but I don't want to reinstall all my applications. I just like what my computer is now!

I was bugged by not able to upgrade to KB974431 but finally I did the sfc.exe /scannow and it reset the version and I did the update. I don't know why you can't do it. There is another way what you can do, it will take time and some money but sometimes it is better than reinstall all applications especially something involves configs, passwords ... etc settings.

Use a clean drive or just buy a new one, connect it to the USB port. Boot Windows 7 with its DVD. Select move settings (migrate option), move all your existing hard drive settings to the USB drive. You will be surprise it actually will move many GB data to the USB drive, so that is why I said use a new drive. Then re-install Windows 7. Then just delete the windows.old that is where the old windows 7 files. Then do all the upgrades... reboots ... and you will see the KB974431 update without problem. Then activate it and migrate all the stuffs back. I did that once but I don't recall all the details but it worked. While I was using the beta Window 7 I didn't like one of the new beta and there was no way to go backwards so I did a migration then re-installed the old beta Windows 7 and migrate the data back. What your friend told you was valid. You have to stop the service, change the ownership and delete or modify the files. The trick or technique was developed for how to activate the newer Windows 7 beta version with the old RC version product id which provided by Microsoft. If you don't want to spend time to do the research then use the migration method, it takes time but you can install your legal version and migrate everything back and without any more worries in the future. Playing this cat and mouse game with Microsoft is just like the iPhone jailbreaking game with Apple is another example of tiresome nightmares. The difference is Microsoft is much tender and kinder than Apple. Apple is greedy and fascistic. For Microsoft, you just pay them and problems solved. For Apple, you don't even have that choice.

thank you for your good tip. actually yesterday I bought a legal version, I just wished my product key applied to my pre-installed version of the window as well., but it's in vain, which I'd already known.

I didn't know the migration tip other than Mac OS X, it sounds a little different but quite useful. and I'm a bit relieved due to your tip even though it'll take some time. Now I have to start investing my time to resetting my system without worrying about losing my all data.

thanks again your good tip, and if anymore question, posting again.

There are couple more things you could try.

1. Boot up your existing Windows 7, put the legal Windows 7 DVD in the DVD ROM Drive, CD \CDROM, run setup.exe. When it comes to select upgrade installation or custom installation, choose upgrade installation. About 30 to 45 minutes late, you will have the legal Windows 7 installed plus all your applications and data intact. You will see the migration which is automatic in this case actually takes some time and you will be glad you don't have to do it manually. Enter the product code at the being of the installation or later does not really matter.
2. Or you may download a 7 Loader.exe from the Web. Run it and check whether you have the 7 Loader installed. Click uninstall, it may take you back to the original unregistered state and you can go from there.

I've installed legal window7, actually clean install. I tried to use migration fuction you'd mentioned but I couldn't, using Acronis true image, instead. All functions are quite well, including kb974431 update and sfc.exe. I'm very satisfied.

And I've also pile up your tip for the next time I have a problem. thanks anyway.