Windows 7: Error Code 800736B3 on SP1 Update

I have lurked in this forum in the past - always finding answers. Thanks to all the experts contributing to this forum.

This time I joined so I could post, as I have been unable to find a solution to my problem.

I can install all updates except for SP1. I keep getting error 800736B3.

I ran the Update Troubleshooter, which claims to have repaired Win Update components - still same error.

I then successfully ran the hotfix KB947821. The same error occurs.

I ran sfc /scannow & no integrity violations were found.

I also tried again after a clean boot - same error.

I don't have a clue as to what to try now. Any suggestions?

Try reading here

Hopefully stuff in there will help.

Thanks, Nem, but they suggest all the things I've already listed/tried in my post.

Hi, TBoyd.

I don't believe that the Update Troubleshooter is quite the same as the Microsoft Fixit to reset the Windows Update components. I suggest you give that a try.

Make sure your computer is malware free. If you are on a laptop, be connected to an electric outlet, not wireless. Temporarily disable your firewall, antivirus and other security software.

PC is malware free. I'm only running MS Security Essentials & all is OK. I already installed SP1 on my laptop & had no problems.

I finally downloaded the huge SP1 exe file from MS & attempted a manual install (ran as admin). It went about 60% of the way & then got an "Installation was not successful" message - prompting me to install the "check for system update readiness" tool - KB947821. I did that & the install was successful for KB947821.

I then tried installing SP1 again & got the same message. Both failed instances came up with a new error code - 0x800f081f

I am really tired of dealing with this. I've always kept my PC in top condition & all other updates have installed with no problem.

Hi, TBoyd.

Have you used vLite or a similar program in the past? That program resulted in the 0x800f081f error with Windows Vista SPs and is also mentioned as an issue with Windows 7 SP1. See You do not have the option of downloading Windows 7 SP1 when you use Windows Update to check for updates

Hi Corrine

I've never used vLite. I do have the option of downloading SP1 when checking for updates. It always remains at 0%. That's why I tried the manual install from MS.

(I just edited & deleted my comment in this post that SP1 was successful on Windows 7 32 bit running on a virtual disc on the same PC. I was wrong - It was unsuccessful with the same error.)

Has anyone out there with a virtual disc on their PC had success installing SP1? I wonder if that has anything to do with the problem.

I did see something on virtual disc when I was researching another problem. Let me see if I can find it again.

Hi, TBoyd.

I've had so many topics open, I wasn't certain I could locate the discussion I saw earlier today. Here is the solution posted for VirtualPC install error:

From Cannot Install SP1 0x80004005 - E_FAIL

Thanks, Corrine.

I changed the MaxNumFilters value to 14, but still no go.

I finally emailed MS Support for the first time in years. Just to recap, here is the body of my email to them:

"I have been trying for 3 days to install SP1. It appears in my available updates. All other updates install EXCEPT SP1. The download never goes further than 0% & I get error code 800736B3 every time. I ran the Win Update Troubleshooter & it claims to have repaired WinUpdate components. I re-checked for updates & attempted again - I still get the same error. After more research, I downloaded & successfully installed the hotfix KB947821, but I STILL have the same problem.

I then downloaded the SP1 from Microsoft's site (windows6.1-KB976932-X64.exe) and ran as administrator. The installation progresses for about 15 minutes & then I get a message box stating "Installation was not successful", and suggests that I run the KB947821 hotfix - Which I have run MANY times & it was successfully installed. The "Installation not successful" message also has a NEW error code - 0x800f081f. I searched MS for this error code & have found NOTHING.

My Windows 7 Pro 64 bit OS has been stable & have had no problems with any other updates. I have THOROUGHLY researched this problem & posted in MS Community - but no answers. Now I am going to the SOURCE for the answer. I have a feeling that if I just ignore this huge update, I will miss out on future updates from MS.

PLEASE - I need a valid solution & no "canned responses" referring me to proposed solutions on the MS website, as I have explored your site for answers, but have come up empty. If there is an answer to my specific problem on your site, it has been well-hidden!

Please take time to read the details of my problem carefully. I am looking to you to give me an answer & please don't tell me I have to perform a re-install!"

I can't wait to read their reply! This should be good. I'll have to post it when it comes in.