Error code 80073712 when installing update KB2773072

[sliverfox]

I got notification 1/9 that 14 updates are available for Windows 7 Pro, 64-bit.
All installed but 1. Update KB2773072 generates error code 80073712. I have re-tired multiple times each after a system reboot. The update is RECOMMENDED not critical. I can probably go without it. It appears it is related to gaming applications. I don't game. Any suggestions about getting the update installed?

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Hello and welcome sliverfox mate try this

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

This will show up any violations in the system.

 

[Saurabh A]

Hi silverfox,

'kb2773072' updates the 'game rating systems' in 'Windows 7'; you may check this article for detailed information: Update changes the game rating systems in Windows 7 (As correctly stated, it may not be a critical update for computer functionality).

You may try the following troubleshooting steps to see if they work:

1. Clean up the bloated 'Software Distribution folder': Software Distribution folder contains 'Windows Update installation files' and if corrupt, may cause repeated issues; this folder can be deleted/renamed using 'Windows Explorer'. You may want to backup the folder on an external media. Deleting the Software Distribution folders will not affect your computer’s functionality. When new 'Windows Updates' are ready for download, a new 'Software Distribution folder' will be created.

- Stop the 'Windows Automatic Updates service'
- Delete the 'Windows\SoftwareDistribution folder' (You may also choose to rename the existing folder 'SoftwareDistribution_old' so that Windows creates a new folder)
- Restart the 'Automatic Updates service'

You may want to use the following commands in an 'elevated command prompt' to perform the above mentioned tasks:
To launch an 'elevated command prompt' click 'Start' > type 'cmd' (without quotations) in the 'Search programs & files textbox > right click 'cmd' (it shows up in search results) > Click 'Run as an administrator' > Click 'Yes/continue' if prompted

(To stop the Windows Automatic Update service): net stop wuauserv (Tap Enter key)
(To delete Software Distribution Folder): del c:\windows\SoftwareDistribution /q /s (Tap Enter key)
(To restart Windows Automatic Update Service): net start wuauserv (Tap Enter key)

Windows Update related issues are likely to get fixed after this step; please allow 'Windows' to install the updates. Alternatively, you may want to force the 'Windows Updates' manually after fixing the 'Update corruption': Install Windows updates in Windows 7

2. If the issue persists, you may try an 'MS Troubleshooter' to 'Diagnose and Troubleshoot Windows Update issues': Troubleshoot problems with installing updates - WindowsUpdate_dt000

3. If you still experience issues, you may try the troubleshooting steps listed in this article: Error Code 0x80073712 occurs in Windows Update or Microsoft Update

Hope this helps. Do reply if you have any further questions; would be glad to assist.

 

[tom982]

1. Clean up the bloated 'Software Distribution folder': Software Distribution folder contains 'Windows Update installation files' and if corrupt, may cause repeated issues; this folder can be deleted/renamed using 'Windows Explorer'. You may want to backup the folder on an external media. Deleting the Software Distribution folders will not affect your computer’s functionality. When new 'Windows Updates' are ready for download, a new 'Software Distribution folder' will be created.

- Stop the 'Windows Automatic Updates service'
- Delete the 'Windows\SoftwareDistribution folder' (You may also choose to rename the existing folder 'SoftwareDistribution_old' so that Windows creates a new folder)
- Restart the 'Automatic Updates service'

You may want to use the following commands in an 'elevated command prompt' to perform the above mentioned tasks:
To launch an 'elevated command prompt' click 'Start' > type 'cmd' (without quotations) in the 'Search programs & files textbox > right click 'cmd' (it shows up in search results) > Click 'Run as an administrator' > Click 'Yes/continue' if prompted

(To stop the Windows Automatic Update service): net stop wuauserv (Tap Enter key)
(To delete Software Distribution Folder): del c:\windows\SoftwareDistribution /q /s (Tap Enter key)
(To restart Windows Automatic Update Service): net start wuauserv (Tap Enter key)

I'm sorry, but this couldn't be more wrong. Unless in extenuating circumstances, where corruptions have been properly identified, the SoftwareDistribution folder should never be touched. It is all completely managed be the Windows Update agent and requires no user input.

Deleting the SoftwareDistribution folder will delete the entire history of Windows Updates that have been installed on the system, not to mention leaving you with a blank Windows Features list. It will also take a lot longer to search for updates in the next run as the list of installed updates and hotfixes has to be re-cached.

Silverfox, I would highly recommend against you following these instructions for the reasons above. Instead, can you post the information asked for here please?

http://www.sevenforums.com/windows-...4840-windows-update-posting-instructions.html

This way we can fix this properly rather than with horrific quick fixes.

Tom

 

[NoelDP]

@Tom - 'Hear, Hear'
I was trying to think of a good way to put it - you said it a lot better than I could have.

 

[tom982]

@Tom - 'Hear, Hear'
I was trying to think of a good way to put it - you said it a lot better than I could have.

Haha, thanks

Now back to the good ol' revision!

 

[Saurabh A]

@tom982, NoelDP:

Thank you for sharing your perspective.
I agree that deleting 'SoftwareDistribution folder' could have been suggested later at a more ideal stage.

Have recently started posting on 'Seven Forums'; thank you for sharing the knowledge and concern.