Windows could not search for new updates, error 800703F1

juxtapose · 01 Aug 2012

When I try to check for updates I get an error code saying that I need to install new windows update software but after trying to install it I get an error windows could not check for updates and get an error with the title as an error(error 800703F1).

(might be related) Some days ago windows tried to install some updates but failed several times. Every time I restarted the PC it said the updates failed to install and then I had to re-download them.

So I can't use windows update to search for new updates at the moment. Any help you could give would be appreciated.

**cluberti** · 01 Aug 2012

According to err, that error code is:

Code:

ERROR_BADDB                                                   winerror.h
The configuration registry database is corrupt.

Given that, I'd restore to a restore point (via system restore) prior to when this issue started, days ago. A Restore point gets created every time WU tries to install updates, so you should have one you can use.
If the problem continues, you can try some of the things here:
Support for Microsoft Update

juxtapose · 06 Aug 2012

Thanks for the reply.. I checked the system restore points and they all are unusable as the Windows updates have been trying to install the updates automatically for a couple weeks. I turned off the auto update for now. Any other ideas? I tried the microsoft fix it agent and it said it fixed the problem but the same error code keeps appearing each time I try to update the update agent software.

Layback Bear · 06 Aug 2012

Run sfc /scannow from the cmp prompt/admin. It's Windows 7 way of checking its own System Files. May help and can't hurt.
This also might be of some help.
Windows Update - Reset

juxtapose · 07 Aug 2012

Layback Bear said:

Run sfc /scannow from the cmp prompt/admin. It's Windows 7 way of checking its own System Files. May help and can't hurt.
This also might be of some help.
Windows Update - Reset

sfc/ scannow found a corrupt file and corrected it but then the same error reappeared. The same with the windows update reset as seen in the other link. Maybe some other ideas. Is there some way to reinstall the windows operating system maybe. It is a lenovo version

Layback Bear · 07 Aug 2012

Well it's kind of my fault. When sfc /scannow finds a problem run it two more times booting after each. For what ever reason at times it can't fix all the problems with one run.
Have you been infected? What security programs do you use? The reason I ask because some infection can cause these kinds of problems.
Also it would help us help you if you filled in completely your ((My System Specs)). Lets see what happens after these things are done. Any information about what you were doing when this happened could be helpful.