Solved Repeated Windows Update failures (KB954430 & KB973688) Error Code 643

[Buzzboy]

Repeated Windows Update failures (KB954430 & KB973688) Error Code 643

I recently completed a clean install of Window 7 Home Premium and have been running Windows updates to get up to date. There are two updates (KB954430 & KB973688) that fail to install repeatedly. I'd appreciate any advice on how to clear this up. The update history details for each of the updates follows:

KB973688

Update for Microsoft XML Core Services 4.0 Service Pack 2 for x64-based Systems (KB973688)

Installation date: ‎1/‎3/‎2015 1:53 PM

Installation status: Failed

Error details: Code 643

Update type: Important

Install this update to prevent applications from sending too many HTTP requests while a well-known Document Type Definition (DTD) is included. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer. Once you have installed this item, it cannot be removed.

More information: 
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/973688

Help and Support: 
http://support.microsoft.com

KB954430

Security Update for Microsoft XML Core Services 4.0 Service Pack 2 for x64-based Systems (KB954430)

Installation date: ‎1/‎3/‎2015 9:46 AM

Installation status: Failed

Error details: Code 643

Update type: Important

A security issue has been identified in Microsoft XML Core Services (MSXML) that could allow an attacker to compromise your Windows-based system and gain control over it. You can help protect your computer by installing this update from Microsoft. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer. Once you have installed this item, it cannot be removed.

More information: 
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=128803

Help and Support: 
http://support.microsoft.com

 

[NoelDP]

Please follow the Windows Update Posting Instructions and post the requested data

If the file is too large (8MB compressed), remove the older CBSPersist cab files until the final file is below the limit - you can always post them separately after zipping them. (the forum doesn't allow the upload of bare CAB files, for a number of reasons)

 

[Buzzboy]

Requested data

Thanks for your help Noel.

I installed SURT and ran SFC Scan. Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity errors. I attempted to install the updates again, which failed, and I got error Code 643. I've attached the zipped CBS folder. I had to remove 3 CbsPersist files in order to get the file under 8MB. Let me know if you need me to zip and post them separately.

 

[NoelDP]

It looks to me like your SoftwareDistribution folder is corrupt...



Open an Elevated Command Prompt
Run the following commands

NET STOP WUAUSERV
REN C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution SDOLD
NET START WUAUSERV

reboot
then wait 10 minutes, and open Windows Updates, and run a Check for Updates.

Install only the oldest update found - and reboot once installed
then go back to Windows updates and install the others.

 

[Buzzboy]

I renamed the SoftwareDistribution folder, rebooted and checked for updates. Windows Update found the same two updates that failed before. They both had the same publishing date, so I tried to install KB973688. Unfortunately, it failed again with error Code 643.

 

[NoelDP]

Sounds like the XML Core services on your machine are hosed.
Dunno what to suggest apart from a repair install - but I'll do some research and see if I can find anything less drastic

 

[NoelDP]

Hmmm - both those updates apply to RTM Windows 7...
Try installing the full standalone SP2 update - from here.
Download Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (KB976932) from Official Microsoft Download Center
(7601.17514.101119-1850_Update_Sp_Wave1-GRMSP1.1_DVD.iso) - you'll need to create the DVD and then use that for the update.

 

[Buzzboy]

I ran the update from DVD and it said that Service Pack 1 was already installed and closed out without offering to re-install or repair. Essentially noting happened.

 

[NoelDP]

Hmmm - please follow the http://www.sevenforums.com/bsod-help-support/96879-blue-screen-death-bsod-posting-instructions.html and post the resulting file(s) back in this thread - they'll give us a lot more information.

 

[Buzzboy]

The BSOD debug file is attached.

 

[NoelDP]

SP1 is definitely already installed - both the XML updates are from before (and supposed to be included in) SP1, so I think they can probably just be hidden, unless you are finding errors in any XML functionality.

 

[Buzzboy]

Thanks for all your time and expertise Noel. I'm not noticing any problems with XML functions, so I will simply hide the updates.