Windows Updates corrupt OS

NoelDP · 26 Dec 2013

It is increasingly likely to be a hardware problem.

Let's have a look at the CBS.log and see what it has to say - compress it and upload it (it should come down to about 5 MB)

dboiler · 26 Dec 2013

Here's the compressed CBS.log file.Attachment 298842

dboiler · 26 Dec 2013

Another tidbit on this problem; Before reformatting again, tried entering Safe Mode - unsuccessful. But then rather than trying to start the machine normally or in command prompt or the several other options, I selected the debug mode. Using this, I was able to start windows normally, it seemed. That's how I was able to get the cbs.log file off and send. I'm also, at this time, attempting to run more of the windows updates.

NoelDP · 26 Dec 2013

This appears to be the first error-set in the CBS.log file....

Code:

2013-12-26 12:16:47, Info                  CBS    External EvaluateApplicability, package: Package_for_KB2560656~31bf3856ad364e35~x86~~6.1.1.2, package applicable State: Installed, highest update applicable state: Installed, resulting applicable state:Installed
2013-12-26 12:16:47, Info                  CBS    Session: 30343774_1110934142 initialized by client WindowsUpdateAgent.
2013-12-26 12:16:47, Info                  CBS    Exec: This is a PSF Package.  Job has been saved and we are returning to client.
2013-12-26 12:16:47, Info                  CSI    000000a9@2013/12/26:17:16:47.814 CSI Transaction @0x38f480 destroyed
2013-12-26 12:16:47, Info                  CBS    Exec: DPX job state saved for one or more packages, aborting the staging and install of execution.
2013-12-26 12:16:47, Info                  CBS    Perf: Stage chain complete.
2013-12-26 12:16:47, Info                  CBS    Failed to stage execution chain. [HRESULT = 0x800f0816 - CBS_E_DPX_JOB_STATE_SAVED]
2013-12-26 12:16:47, Error                 CBS    Failed to process single phase execution. [HRESULT = 0x800f0816 - CBS_E_DPX_JOB_STATE_SAVED]
2013-12-26 12:16:47, Info                  CBS    WER: Failure is not worth reporting [HRESULT = 0x800f0816 - CBS_E_DPX_JOB_STATE_SAVED]
2013-12-26 12:16:49, Info                  CBS    Reboot mark refs: 0

The log is stuffed with a similar 79 errors (over 8 reboots? - so 10 updates are in a failure state of some kind, even if WER thinks it's not worth reporting.
I can't see any other obvious errors in there.

dboiler · 26 Dec 2013

Here's an update on my Windows Updates problems; Since the last time during a restart when the system horked-up and couldn't repair itself, I have NOT reformatted and reinstalled Windows but, rather, as I mentioned earlier, I selected the Debugging Mode after pressing F8 while the system was coming up. Ever since then, I have been able to install all the Windows Updates and all the Security Updates, Framework Updates, IE Updates, and even the Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool and the Windows Update Agent.

What I have not run are IE 9, 10, and 11 for Windows 7 and Security Update for Windows 7 KB2862330 as I read there might still be issues with that.

Also, I notice in my Update History that these updates Failed:

Update for Windows 7 KB2719857 and KB2732500
and
Security Updates KB2868623 and KB2893984

All the rest of the 130+ updates installed successfully.

I've also been able to install my recently purchased Office 2013 without problems. I'll load all my data and other programs later but for now the laptop seems to be behaving.

Again, the only thing done differently this time was entering the Debugging Mode. I have no idea what that did but despite the 4 failed updates, I'm going to go cautiously forward.

NoelDP · 26 Dec 2013

A couple of failed updates is par for the course - the sequencing isn't perfect, and there's at least one update which doesn't install for the simple reason that another higher-priority one is installed first which contains later versions of the files involved.
You'll probably find that the rest of the files installed happily at the second attempt :)

I've never had problems with any of your remaining files on any fresh install I've done.

dboiler · 27 Dec 2013

All updates are installed, with the exception of IE 9, 10, and 11, and Office 2013 is installed and functioning. All seems fine thus far so, for now, I'll go ahead and mark this Post as Solved. Thanks very much for all your help Noel, Miles, and Bear.

Dave

NoelDP · 27 Dec 2013

You're welcome - good luck!

...and I really do recommend installing all versions of IE (in sequence, obviously) - IE11 is a lot better than IE8, and I prefer it to Chrome (and refuse to use FireFox - it's too buggy)