Windows 7: Windows update KB974431 fails to install

Windows update KB974431 x86 always fails to install on my Windows 7 rtm build 7600 ultimate x86.

Any solution ?

I've read here and elsewhere that this is due to an invalid key, supposedly you need to remove your bad key, extend the trial period if necessary, and then you can install the update

It is because it didn't pass windows validation. You are correct.

Yes, it is correct.
Run Cmd.exe
run sfs /scannow <- that will get put the version back to non-Genuine Windows
run slmgr.vgs /rearm <- Get another 30 days

run the update, it will works.

Reboot, re-activate.

Thank you very much, there were typing errors in your post, I figured out that the correct advance would be :

cmd.exe
sfc /scannow
slmgr /rearm

reboot

install update, activate again.

Hi,

Solving Windows 7 KB974431 Update problem - iPmart® forum

It was working fine for me also. Re activation was needed but working.

Hi, I was trying to run "sfc.exe". but when I tried to run it on 'cmd.exe' with admin account,
'access denied' is displayed. and when I run 'slmgr /rearm', there's also error messages.

are there any solution for this?

You need to open an ELEVATED Run command.

Start->All programs-> Accessories-> right click on "command prompt" and choose "run as Administrator".

Then enter your commands.
Should work then.

I've already done it like this..I'd run command prompt run as administrator. but the same error message occurs as shown above...

Are there any other solution?

Only couple things you may try.
1. cd \windows\system then run cmd.exe as administrator.
2. Check the ownership of these files. Make sure you have the right or the owner of these files.

If all fail,Google "Elevated Command Prompt". Some one has already created a short cut for cmd.exe. Maybe you have something you think you are doing but not. The property of this shortcut is already preset. If you still can't run sfc.exe then either you didn't follow the instruction exactly or something wrong with your system. Each person has his own preference to activate Windows, maybe yours are different.