SP1 failed to install

I am running Win7 Ultimate 64-bit with all previous updates installed. I also have XP mode installed on my virtual machine. I tried to install Windows 7 Service Pack 1 for x64-based Systems (KB976932) today via Windows Update. The download took over 2 hours with my high speed cable internet. The install took about 2 hours after the download. When the install finished, it prompted me to reboot. After rebooting there was a "file loading screen" before the normal windows loading screen. I received a "Fatal error C000009A applying update operation 119978 of 338264 (\Reg...)".

After several attempts i was finally able to revert back to a previous system restore point. Why is SP1 failing to install for so many people? Should I perform a clean install of Windows 7 first before installing SP1? Or should i not install SP1 at all until these problems are fixed?

A clean install is what I did prior to installing SP1. Doing this SP1 installed without faults, and a clean install seemed to be the right thing to do.

Surfing the internet there appears to be a large group of people who are experiencing problems with SP1. Some of those are probably people with pirated versions of Win 7; hence these folks will have to decide to either buy a copy or just reinstall without SP1. . .:)

Thanks for the reply. I do own (bought) my copy of Windows 7. I will try a clean install. Recently, prior to SP1, I installed an 'icon changer' software that i think might have done something to my registry. Perhaps that may be the cause IDK. But a clean install couldn't hurt.

Lee said:

Some of those are probably people with pirated versions of Win 7

Some.... Maybe

A large portion of SP1 installation issues are happening on genuine Windows installations.

To the O.P.

If you're having problems installing SP1 on your current configuration, I recommend a clean install. Might save you a bit of time in the end.

electrotune1200 said:

Lee said:

Some of those are probably people with pirated versions of Win 7

Some.... Maybe

A large portion of SP1 installation issues are happening on genuine Windows installations.

To the O.P.

If you're having problems installing SP1 on your current configuration, I recommend a clean install. Might save you a bit of time in the end.

Thanks, I just finished backing up my important files. I will try the clean install and see if that works.

After a clean install, SP1 installed successfully. Thanks for all of your help.

No worries man! Glad you got it all sorted.

I find Windows runs really snappy after a clean SP1 install. Well worth the effort.