SP1 Will Not Install. Why ?

[Robert11]

Hello,

Installed a new HD. 1 TB SATA, Western Digital
Reinstalled Windows, etc. from 3 HP Restore Disks I made when I got the PC, about 3 yrs ago. Running the 64 bit vers. of W7.

With the exception of one program, and a bunch of the Windows stuff like Windows Update, some Windows troubleshooters, etc., everything else seems to work just fine.

Though that it would be a good idea to install SP1.
Hoping that this might correct some of the Windows help and update rograms.
I don't really require them, but would be nice.

Anyway, SP1 would not install.
Error Msg. says : Catastrophic Failure Error: E_Unexpected (0X 8000ffff)

Also tried running, as they suggested, their System Update Readiness Tool.
This also would not run.

Anti Virus stuff was off.

Anyone have any ideas as to whey these 2 programs would not run; particularly why SP1 would not install ?

Thanks,
Bob

 

[gregrocker]

You can try installing SP1 while running a Clean Boot and after cleaning up after the preinstalled crapware: Clean Up Factory Bloatware

However running the OEM preinstall is a corrupt installation to begin with due to all of the junk larded onto the best, most lightweight OS ever. This is why most tech enthusiasts prefer to Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. Everything you'd need is in the blue link including the latest official installer with SP1.

Once you get the superior Clean Reinstall save a backup image externallyl so you never have to reinstall again, and use that as your backup instead of OEM disks larded with sponsor's crapware.

 

[derekimo]

Is your new install activated? http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3408-activate-windows-7-online.html

How did the rest of those SFC scans turn out? http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/234278-running-sfc-etc.html

You were saying that there were some files that hadn't been fixed.

 

[Robert11]

Hi guys,
Thanks so much for all the help.

I guess I'm out of tune with the MS and Windows "mentality" a bit.

As I mentioned, after I installed th new hd, I used the three system restore disks that I created when I got the pc some three years ago. As nearly everything seemed to work, the idea that I had to reactivate Windows never occurred to me
I assumed windows was on it, as it apparently is in some form, although as you say, may be corrupted.

Do I have to activate it again ?

The paper work that came with the pc is probably all gone by now.
As is anyroduct key for Windows that might have come with the pc
I never received with the hp pc any windows7 disc, as best I recall.

Or, when I reactovate, if you say I really have to, is the windows key in hard memory, and it will grab it from there ?

Or,...?

Thanks for all the assistance. Really appreciated.

 

[derekimo]

Your product key should be on a sticker like this,



As for activation, all you have to do to check is look on this window towards the bottom,

But as gregrocker pointed out, this http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html#post1839164 is a much cleaner and preferred method of reinstall.