Solved Failure configuring windows updates Reverting changes...

[MissChris]

Do not turn off your computer. I have been stuck in this loop since this past Sunday. I am running a Dell OptiPlex 745 with windows 7 pro 64bit. I had been doing some cleaning and updating of drivers and software, windows updates were not included in this, and everything was fine, until one of my programs started acting strange. I shut it down and decided to just do a restore. Everything went great until I got to the restart your computer part. When it came back up it was doing the thing about please wait while...and then jumped to the failure and reverting message. t was late so I left it be until the next m orning, when --- it is still reverting. I did some research and tried a few things, mostly with command prompt. But first I did the repair your computer thing. No joy. I tried the scan sfc only to get yet another error There is a system repair pending which requires reboot to complete. Restart windows and run sfc again. Of course I'm getting the initial msg again. It does the same in all safe modes. I did a chkdsk from the command prompt, some corrupted system files were found and repaired. No change on my initial problem. I did dism.exe to clean up image and revertpendingactions, but no image was found. I did this on both c and d drive. I tried deleting reboot.xml and pending.xml. I looked for a rebootpending in the registry-wasn't there. I tried every suggestion I found out there. No joy. I have pretty much resigned myself to re-installing my OS, unless someone knows a solution. Oh, yet another trial hit me yesterday. I need to find my ID tag, and when I tried to get back to the command prompt via F8, the option for repairing my computer, which had been getting me to the command prompt is no longer there. :shock: So now I'm realllly stuck. The desktop all this is happening on was refurbished and the ID tag on the side of it is for the OS, which was previously installed (xp). Needless to say I don't have a recovery disk. The OS I have is genuine ms, just need to find the ID tag. Any help anyone might have for me will be greatly appreciated.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Hello and welcome Chris now use this to find your code if you are going to reinstall Find Product Key in Windows 10 Installation Upgrade Tutorials I know it says the 10 forum but the Showkey will give you the code.

Then if you want to that ius you can download a fresh copy of 7 form the links in this and by the by do clean the drive with DISKPART and don't just format it Clean Install Windows 7 - Windows 7 Help Forums there are link s to the ISO's there.

For cleaning the drive see this Disk - Clean and Clean All with Diskpart Command - Windows 7 Help Forums use clean unless you want to use clean all but it takes a long time and a plain clean is ok.

 

[MissChris]

Thanks so much for your response and advice. Update: Right after I signed up here and made this post, a sheer miracle happened. I was about to start preparing for the re-install, when I heard a familiar sound coming from my pc. The one you get when your pc boots up and looks for the drive to boot from...it had been hours since my last attempt at trying to get somewhere with it and there had been no sound coming from it at all. I tapped the mouse and the monitor came to life. I think I went into shock when I saw my log on on the screen. I logged in and it told me that restore had completed successfully, it also told me the date it had reverted to. I had read many posts where people afflicted with this problem eventually found their systems finishing after hours, but I do believe I hold the record with 3 days +. I do believe though that I will still do a clean re-install, AFTER I get everything off that I want and need, since I really don't know what state my system is in now. Any thoughts on that? :huh:

 

[RolandJS]

Backing up your data folders and files -- a great idea In fact, do that on a routine basis, maybe bi-monthly?

 

[MissChris]

Backing up your data folders and files -- a great idea In fact, do that on a routine basis, maybe bi-monthly?

Yes, I've seen your posts (and signature) many times in the last 3+ days. The intention is always there, but the urgency only comes when disaster strikes.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Thats good Chris but if you are going to do a reinstall please don't forget what I said about cleaning the drive or better still getting new one the old one can be used for a backup if you can afford another one now might be the tiem for a SSD but it's your choice of course but you wouldn't regret getting a SSD an to be honest that are not that expensive now ie a 500GB Samsung 850 EVO out here is a shade over $200 but so worth it.

You have those links for finding the key and how to clean install and you will find a fresh ISO cuts down on the number of updates nit by a lot but any has got to be worth just making yourself an ISO.

SAMSUNG 850 EVO 2.5AM - Newegg.com or

Crucial MX300 2.5 CT525MX300SSD1 - Newegg.com the Samsung preferable but the Crucial is ok (it is cheaper than the Samsung out here )

 

[MissChris]

Ok, thanks again for the input, It's been very helpful, but...it's been a rough couple days and I'm still stuck-stumped to boot. Seems I'm getting a cold wet rag slapped in my face every which way I turn. I got a cd and usb (flash) ready for whatever I might need them. Did all my backups etc., followed your links. I actually also was able to get my ID tag!!! First cold wet rag came when I followed the links to ms iso downloads. Used the download tool provided etc., entered my id tag, hit verify---an error occurred try again. Tried again-same error. Now, several hours later, I tried again and got this "Error The product key you entered appears to be for software pre-installed by the device manufacturer. Please contact the device manufacturer for software recovery options." That looks to me like I can't get what I need from ms. I had another iso file, which I tried to use to burn a cd, but it also said "the selected disk image file is not valid". I'm afraid to power down this system without first being able to get some other bootable media established, who knows, it might not come up again. and ICIT2LOL, u kinda hit the nail on the head when you mentioned "budget". A new pc would be the preferred route to go all the way around, but...so, here I is, gots to try and work wif what I got. I will keep looking for a solution, and any further input will be greatly appreciated!
Here's what dell offers: If you require a recovery image and have downgrade rights to Windows 7 professional while running a Dell computer with an Intel 6th generation processor, known as a Skylake chipset, a compatible system image is now available to download.
Also tried this:How to create and use the Dell Windows recovery image

Using the Dell OS Recovery Tool

I was required to enter the service tag, which I did. And it told me "No OS images defined for this product"

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Ok Chris I know it is a damn pain when you get back that message did you try the other link"" where you don't need to use he key because Showkey will show the key that was set by Dell even though they installed it via their licence to do so.
Now two options either ask Dell to what i would do first is reply in the clean install tutorial the authour Brink is a top bloke and if he doesn't know what to do then no one would give that a shot first.

You can also check that key with these

Products: Belarc Advisor

and this KeyFinder | Magical Jelly Bean

if these two show up the same key then it has to be right and I would contact Microsoft by phone to sort things out and unless you get someone who is really pedantic then they are usually obliging.

But do try Brinks tutorial first.

 

[torchwood]

Hi Chris,

youve got a couple problems there

Neither MS or Dell will provide you with a download

WHY

You said your comp was refurbed from XP -
therfor NO Dell service tag for W7,(to be expected)
MS dont support OEM W7 downloads.

A proper refurb would have had a W7 REFURB marked COA sticker, and the edition.
and the code would be unique

After you have pulled the product key with Belarc or showkey please google the last 3 blocks
(or post them here - see link below)
If you recieve multiple hits then its likely non-genuine
you could also run this tool copy/paste the output
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=52012

Finally if the product code is
32KD2-K9CTF-M3DJT-4J3WC-733WD
then its non genuine
Roy

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Tahnks Roy didn't think of that mate mind you I think it is a bit pedantic re Dell and Microsoft eh?

 

[MissChris]

Thanks again for the continued effort to try and help. 3 programs returned the same key, google did not return any results, and the key does NOT look anything like the one you posted above, Roy. So I guess we're genuine
Here's the diagnostics result
Diagnostic Report (1.9.0027.0):
-----------------------------------------
Windows Validation Data-->
Validation Code: 0
Cached Online Validation Code: 0x0
Windows Product Key: *****-*****-TYQQP-FPY47-PDH4G
Windows Product Key Hash: pBJJZaivlPoEBw+Yp9Pxwh9fQbM=
Windows Product ID: 00371-OEM-0635356-74074
Windows Product ID Type: 3
Windows License Type: OEM System Builder
Windows OS version: 6.1.7601.2.00010100.1.0.048
ID: {1B76E542-EF1B-444E-B71C-57C4A6E6EA00}(3)
Is Admin: Yes
TestCab: 0x0
LegitcheckControl ActiveX: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Product Name: Windows 7 Professional
Architecture: 0x00000009
Build lab: 7601.win7sp1_ldr.170913-0600
TTS Error:
Validation Diagnostic:
Resolution Status: N/A
Vista WgaER Data-->
ThreatID(s): N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Windows XP Notifications Data-->
Cached Result: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
File Exists: No
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
WgaTray.exe Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
WgaLogon.dll Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
OGA Notifications Data-->
Cached Result: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
OGAExec.exe Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
OGAAddin.dll Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
OGA Data-->
Office Status: 109 N/A
OGA Version: N/A, 0x80070002
Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Office Diagnostics: 025D1FF3-364-80041010_025D1FF3-229-80041010_025D1FF3-230-1_025D1FF3-517-80040154_025D1FF3-237-80040154_025D1FF3-238-2_025D1FF3-244-80070002_025D1FF3-258-3
Browser Data-->
Proxy settings: N/A
User Agent: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 8.0; Win32)
Default Browser: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
Download signed ActiveX controls: Prompt
Download unsigned ActiveX controls: Disabled
Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins: Allowed
Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe: Disabled
Allow scripting of Internet Explorer Webbrowser control: Disabled
Active scripting: Allowed
Script ActiveX controls marked as safe for scripting: Allowed
File Scan Data-->
Other data-->
Office Details: <GenuineResults><MachineData><UGUID>{1B76E542-EF1B-444E-B71C-57C4A6E6EA00}</UGUID><Version>1.9.0027.0</Version><OS>6.1.7601.2.00010100.1.0.048</OS><Architecture>x64</Architecture><PKey>*****-*****-*****-*****-PDH4G</PKey><PID>00371-OEM-0635356-74074</PID><PIDType>3</PIDType><SID>S-1-5-21-2549034862-1895423726-1613992507</SID><SYSTEM><Manufacturer>Dell Inc. </Manufacturer><Model>OptiPlex 745 </Model></SYSTEM><BIOS><Manufacturer>Dell Inc. </Manufacturer><Version>2.3.1 </Version><SMBIOSVersion major="2" minor="3"/><Date>20070521000000.000000+000</Date></BIOS><HWID>27F83007018400FA</HWID><UserLCID>0409</UserLCID><SystemLCID>0409</SystemLCID><TimeZone>Central Standard Time(GMT-06:00)</TimeZone><iJoin>0</iJoin><SBID><stat>3</stat><msppid></msppid><name></name><model></model></SBID><OEM><OEMID>DELL </OEMID><OEMTableID>B8K </OEMTableID></OEM><GANotification/></MachineData><Software><Office><Result>109</Result><Products/><Applications/></Office></Software></GenuineResults>
Spsys.log Content: 0x80070002
Licensing Data-->
Software licensing service version: 6.1.7601.17514
Name: Windows(R) 7, Professional edition
Description: Windows Operating System - Windows(R) 7, OEM_COA_NSLP channel
Activation ID: c33001fc-5e9c-4f27-8c05-e0154adb0db4
Application ID: 55c92734-d682-4d71-983e-d6ec3f16059f
Extended PID: 00371-00212-353-574074-02-1033-7601.0000-0192015
Installation ID: 002553764462471122380560637512324271181854619890534082
Processor Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88338
Machine Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88339
Use License URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88341
Product Key Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88340
Partial Product Key: PDH4G
License Status: Licensed
Remaining Windows rearm count: 3
Trusted time: 11/18/2017 4:03:59 AM
Windows Activation Technologies-->
HrOffline: 0x00000000
HrOnline: 0x00000000
HealthStatus: 0x0000000000000000
Event Time Stamp: 10:10:2017 00:39
ActiveX: Registered, Version: 7.1.7600.16395
Admin Service: Registered, Version: 7.1.7600.16395
HealthStatus Bitmask Output:

HWID Data-->
HWID Hash Current: MAAAAAEAAwABAAIAAAABAAAAAQABAAEAeqia4lz/Tmu2hi737lCw/2YqQj1MDCqF
OEM Activation 1.0 Data-->
N/A
OEM Activation 2.0 Data-->
BIOS valid for OA 2.0: yes
Windows marker version: 0x0
OEMID and OEMTableID Consistent: yes
BIOS Information:
ACPI Table Name OEMID Value OEMTableID Value
APIC DELL B8K
FACP DELL B8K
HPET DELL B8K
BOOT DELL B8K
MCFG DELL B8K
SSDT DELL st_ex
ASF! DELL B8K
SLIC DELL B8K
SSDT DELL st_ex
SSDT DELL st_ex
SSDT DELL st_ex

I also had the good luck to find this
https://www.howtogeek.com/186775/how-to-download-windows-7-8-and-8.1-installation-media-legally/
The direct download won't work because of the verification process ("Error The product key you entered appears to be for software pre-installed by the device manufacturer. Please contact the device manufacturer for software recovery options." )
Then I followed this
Download Any Windows or Office ISO Using a Free Third-Party Tool
The Microsoft Windows and Office ISO Download Tool. will get the iso file, and the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool will put the iso file on the usb drive or dvd, whichever you choose. So I've done all the above and now I just hope it works. Maybe this info will benefit others as it has helped me get to this point.
Now I do have another curiosity (to me anyway) that I wanted to ask about. After my pc finally came out of that ...reverting changes... loop, I saw that my c drive was nearly completely full. I have multiple windows folders: windows-windows.old-windows.old.000-windows.old.001. There was 1 old windows installation before. Where did all this come from?
Thanks again for all your input, and I guess I will see y'all on the "other side"

 

[torchwood]

Hi Chris,

that should be fine.

The product key you have is also GOOD

Thats the site i would have got you the link from

Do have a couple of other comments re drivers

The bios is currently dated 2007 - check for a newer version,
(Service tag id not required just the specific 745 page and the form factor)
Once installed use the Belarc report and go to the manufactures site NOT DELL to update drivers

The windows old file would have been created by the repair option as a back-up, standard proceedure.
Id opt for a clean install myself


Roy