Windows 7: Windows 7 no longer updating, code 80070002

On Aug 27, 2012 my system first indicated it had a problem because it could not install updates. The update history is completely gone even though it had installed many updates since first being activated.



I've done searches and completed all the usual steps with no success. These include

• Microsoft automated "Fixit"
• Clearing the update history folder.
• Memory tests - run all weekend with no errors.
• Chkdsk with surface scan - no errors.
• Admin Cmd Prompt-> SFC /SCANNOW (exits after a few seconds with "Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation.")
• Windows Repair Install (Fails with "Windows cannot copy files ... 80070241"). I've tried it using the genuine original installation DVD and also tried it using the "flat" install method with no luck.

MS Security Essentials and MalwareBytes both say there are no threats. I'm all out of spit and bailing wire. Any suggestions?

First try this.
Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the C:\Windows\System32 folder. find the Catroot2 folder there, and right-click on it - select Properties.

In the General tab, clear the box beside 'Read-only (Only.....' by clicking in it until it's empty (it cycles around three values)

Click Apply.
Accept any warnings that come up - if you get a 'Ignore/Ignore All/Try again' option, pick 'Ignore all'

Once complete (may be almost instantaneous),

try an SFC /SCANNOW again

Thanks for the quick reply. Followed the instructions you gave and still get the same result from SFC /SCANNOW.

Any other thoughts?

Have you attempted a hard-drive error check?

Start > Computer > Right-Click C:\ Drive > Properties > Tools tab > "Check Now" button

Make sure both options are checked, the error-checking may take some time, and will need to schedule a error-check for the next reboot of your computer.

Hope this helps,

Harry

Will upload screenshots in a minute.

beat me to it - but it may need a more heavy-duty approach.....

Click on Start > All Programs > Accessories
Right-click on the Command Prompt entry
Select Run as Administrator and accept the UAC prompt - the Elevated Command Prompt window should pop up.

At the Command prompt, type
CHKDSK C: /R
and hit the Enter key.

You will be told that the drive is locked,
and the CHKDSK will run at he next boot - hit the Y key, and then reboot.
The chkdsk will take a few hours depending on the size of the drive, so be patient!
After the CHKDSK has run, Windows should boot normally (possibly after a second auto-reboot) - then run the SFC.

Fellas, I mentioned in the OP that I'd tried doing a CHKDSK with surface scan, but I'll give it another go later this afternoon. I'm using the computer in question at the moment for work stuff and can't shut down for the rest of the day just yet.

Thanks again for the feedback. I'd rather not have to reinstall as it will be a PITA at this point. System seems to be healthy apart from the fact that it cannot install updates.

good point - sorry!




This may result from mistakenly setting the System32 folder and its contents to 'Read Only' status.


To correct this:-

Open Windows Explorer (Computer)
Navigate to the C:\Windows folder
Find the System32 sub-folder and right-click on it
select Properties

Clear the 'blob' from the 'Read-only (Only applies to files in folder)' box by clicking on it until it's plain white.
Click on Apply.

Make sure that the radio button for 'Apply changes to this folder, subfolders and files' is set, and click OK.

Accept the Administrator prompt. After a couple of seconds, you'll be told there is an error - click on the 'Ignore all' button.

Wait for it to finish - it could take a couple of minutes.

OK out, and exit Windows Explorer.

Reboot twice

Have you tried to manually run SURT?

   Quote: Originally Posted by Mircosoft

To run the System Update Readiness Tool manually.
If you are offered the System Update Readiness Tool, but you encounter a problem using Windows Update, you can manually download and run the tool. You'll need to know the version of Windows and system type you are using.

1. Go to the System Update Readiness Tool webpage. In the Information for advanced users section, find the version of Windows and system type of your computer, and then click the link to download the System Update Readiness Tool. If you don't know which version of Windows you have, see View your computer information.
2. Run Windows Update again.

Just another suggestion to try, have you tried resetting the Windows Update service?

Start > Control Panel > Small Icons view > Administrative Tools > Services > Right-Click Windows Update Service > Start

Hope this helps,

Harry

No joy after following these instructions either.