Windows Update errors 80073712 + 80246007 (Win 7 x64 Ultimate SP1 NL)

I have problems with Windows Update, specifically with threeupdates:

- a Security Update for Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 (C++ 2005 SP1) (KB2538242);
- a Security Update for Windows 7 for x64 systems (KB3045171) and
- a Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer 11 for Windows 7 x64 (KB3065822).

These generate error code 80073712 and 80246007.

Previously, I also had problems with:

- a Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer 11 for Windows 7 x64 (KB3021952) and
- a Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer 11 for Windows 7 x64 (KB3049563).

These only generated error code 80073712.

I have downloaded and run the System Update Readiness Tool. It seems that this has fixed the latter two errors, but I'm not 100% sure about it.

SFC /SCANNOW returns with errors, but it also says these cannot be fixed.

My version of Internet Explorer is 11.2.9600.16248. The rollback to IE 10 through the procedure which is posted elsewhere on the Windows Se7en Forums doesn't work.

I don't use Internet Explorer 11, but Windows 7 needs to be fully up-to-date to be able to upgrade to Windows 10. I have tried to do that, but it rolls back because of the lacking updates.

I have attached the appropriate files to this message.

The CBS folder with the log was too large to attach to this message, so I have posted it in my public Dropbox folder: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/18384232/CBS.zip

Thank you in advance for your time :)

The SFC scan errors can be ignored - they are the result of installing KB3068708

There are no CheckSUR result in the data? - please run a CheckSUR scan and post the logs...
Please download and save the CheckSUR tool from http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947821
(you'll need to look in the details for Windows 7, downloading from the Microsoft Download Center)

Run it - The tool can take anywhere from 5 mins to a couple of hours to run (or 'Install') depending on how much it has to do, and may exit silently - it may appear to freeze for most of that time, but be patient.
The result is logged in the C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\CheckSUR.log file - and an archive …\checksur.persist.log file

Then zip the CheckSUR.log and upload it to your reply.

Thank you for your reply. I have attached the CheckSUR.zip file to this message (although it's only 768 kB in uncompressed form).

You have MAJOR problems...

Code:

Summary:
Seconds executed: 1211
 Found 5031 errors
  CSI Create Hard Link Failed Total count: 36
  CSI Manifest Missing Total count: 40
  CSI Payload File Missing Total count: 4955

There is no way we can possibly 'fix' this - I suspect that your only option is going to be a reformat/reinstall or system recovery.
You need to back up all your data to external media first.

Okay, thank you. I already suspected that I would need to reinstall Windows because of these specific issues. I couldn't resolve them through normal means, which usually works fine. That's why I posted my question on this forum.

I make regular backups, so reinstalling Windows isn't a problem data-wise. Apart from the issues I asked advice for, my system works fine and everything is up-to-date (anti-virus, anti-malware, browsers, Flash, etcetera). I'll start work on a fresh re-install tomorrow. If I run into any issues, I'll post a question on the forum.

Thanks again for your time!

You're welcome - good luck!