Windows 7: W7 Update failure loop, error code 80070643

Hi

I presented this Windows Update problem, error code 80070643 to the forum about 18 months ago, and at that time I decided to reinstall Windows 7 as it was the least complex option. The problem I have is a Windows Update failure loop which leads to the failure of all subsequent Windows Updates and also disables System Restore, and the update failure always starts with the .NET Framework update. When this problem started, it occurred every 6 months, so I had no major issues reinstalling just to correct it. Now it is occurring every 2 months, making re-installation unsustainable.

My question is this – Microsoft kb976982 states that an MSI fix, Microsoft Fixit 50123, should be used first to try to resolve the issue. When I tried to run it, I got the message

“Windows Installer – this action is only valid for products that are currently installed”.

Visiting Microsoft Help for more info about the Fixit50123, there was this System Tip -

“This article applies to a different version of Windows than the one you are using. Content in this article may not be relevant to you. Visit the Windows 7 Solutions Center”.

Even though there is an MSI.DLL file in Windows 7 system 32, does that mean I do not need this Fixit50123 at all? If so, I can then go ahead and try the uninstall / reinstall the .NET Framework, secure in the knowledge that I did not miss one important step i.e. the MSI Fixit50123.

Thanks

The type of error message you got often means that you've downloaded the wrong bitness of installer - however, I do mot think that's the case here (as far as I know, there is only one Fixit50123 file)
What I suspect is that there is a failure in dll registration somewhere - and you need to fix that before attempting anything else.
Are you seeing any other symptoms, besides Windows Updates problems?
try this KB article - How do I reset Windows Update components? use the fixit from that and see if it helps (or gives the same message!)

Hi Noel

No, the PC has been running very well because its a fresh install, only 2 months old. I kind of feared this would happen, so I even updated the BIOS by installing the latest file from ASUS. There are 3 other failed up updates, error code 80071A91, the other 6 are 80070643. The puzzling thing is that last month the .NET Framework update (kb2656356) was successful.

Anyway, I will try the fix you have highlighted; its quite a complex set of command prompts but it looks like I can skip Step 4 for now so I'll give it a try. Thanks for your help.

(stolen from "Counterfeit Windows 7" Error Message On An Activated Genuine - Microsoft Answers - while written for Vista, it should also work for Windows 7 )


Windows Update Error 0x80071A91

The error code 0x80071A91 translates to " Transaction support within the specified file system resource manager is not started or was shutdown due to an error.” Now I know that doesn’t mean much to the common user, but it gives us some insight as to the failure you’re experiencing.

In an effort to resolve this issue I recommend you run the following command. This will in essence reset the File System Resource Manager (FSRM), and should resolve the issue with the failed updates.

If this does not resolve you present update error please let us know. Also, keep in mind that if one update in a group fails all the updates will fail with one error code. Thus, it may be to your benefit to attempt installing those updates one at a time to see if the problem is restricted to a particular update.

How-to reset the File System Resource Manager if you receive error 0x80071A91

1. Click Start, click All Programs, clickAccessories, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
2. In the Command Prompt window you will need to type the following, and pressENTER:
fsutil resource setautoreset true C:\
3. Note:You will need to replace the C:\ with the drive letter that Windows Vista is installed on.
4. Restart your computer, and then attempt to install the failed update(s).

Hi Noel

The 80071A91 failed updates have now successfully re-installed after re-setting the File System Resource Manager by command prompt in Safe Mode. Having struggled with update failure for 3 years, I can't thank you enough.

I have also tried to reset the Windows Update Components (error 80070643) in Safe Mode as set out in kb971058 after first backing up my registry, but I got the following message-


The Background Intelligence Transfer Service service is not started. More help is available by typing NET HELPMSG 3521.


Since the relevant services are not running in Safe Mode, can I then proceed in the following order, in Safe Mode -


Step 3 – delete the qmgr*dat files


Step 4 – skip for now as advised in the article


Step 5 – enter system 32


Step 6 – re-register the BITS and Windows Update files


Step 7 – reset Winsock


Step 12 – restart the computer


then finally


Step 11 – reinstall the latest Windows Update Agent in Normal Mode with internet connection.


Is this procedure feasible? Thanks.

I would be surprised if resetting teh components would make any difference - otherwise I suspect the other updates would also have failed with the same error message.
Having said that, it shouldn't do any harm, and may do some good.

There is no need to go into Safe Mode for this purpose - but as you've found, the BITS service doesn't run there, so you can ignore step 2 completely
However - if you just use the Fixit from the page, it should do everything automatically anyhow.

{edit} - what are teh failing update KB numbers? {/edit}

Hi Noel


I now realise that I misunderstood your instructions. When I reset the File System Resource Manager, I only re-installed the failed updates relating to error 80071A91, thinking the remaining failed updates required a different fixit. However, your posts state that if one update failed, so would the rest, so it follows somehow that one fixit could work for all the failed updates. And it has, because all the other failed updates have now successfully re-installed, so there's no point me messing with any other fixits for now – if ain't broke, don't fix it!

The relevant failed updates are outlined below-

Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB2709981) - Error details: Code 80070643

Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB2703157) - Error details: Code 80070643

Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer 8 for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB2699988) - Error details: Code 80070643

Security Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB2667402) - Error details: Code 80070643

Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.1 on Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 for x64-based Systems (KB2686831) - Error details: Code 80070643

Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB2709630) - Error details: Code 80070643

Security Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB2709715) - Error details: Code 80071A91

Security Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB2709162) - Error details: Code 80071A91

Security Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB2685939) - Error details: Code 80071A91

Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB2699779) - Error details: Code 80070643

Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB2677070) - Error details: Code 80070643

Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.1 on Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 for x64-based Systems (KB2656373) - Error details: Code 80070643


It has been an incredible 3 year journey – first the warranty people couldn't help, then changing the motherboard from a Denver 10 to ASUS didn't help, then updating the BIOS didn't help. Wish I could buy you a pint, mate, to say thank you.


Thanks again.

Glad to hear everything seems hunky-dory now
Keep an eye on it for a few days, but hopefully it'll continue to work properly.

HI, i am having the same issue for a couple of months now, error codes 80070643 , 80071A91 and 78f, and i have been searching every tech forums that could help me, i found one ( flushing out the software distribution) and it worked for me, unfortunately only once, because the next day that i attempted to update my windows, it gave me the same error codes, up to this very day.. i read this post, but excuse me for being ignorant with the tech terms, but i really dont know how it was solved,,could you please help me? and also, i read about it installing in safe mode, and im really scared to do it, i dont have much knowledge in computers, but i really hope you can help me do this..ahmmm, maybe step by step please?

thank you...

Lesley
Please start a new thread of your own - it enables more people to participate, and reduces confusion for all.
Include details of your OS, Anti-Virus, and which updates are failing, which which error message