System Update Readiness Tool is Not Working

[NoelDP]

Can you please upload your C:\Windows\WindowsUpdate.log file? - it may show more details on the failure-mode of the SP1 install, and enable fixing it short of a repair install.
Unfortunately, although there's a mass of data in the CBS logs, there's not a lot there that I can understand well enough to suggest an immediate way forward, so the background data from the WU log should help us narrow down the problem areas.

 

[arctobear]

@Greg, if I do the clean reinstall, will I keep Jaws the whole time to do it by myself, or will I need someone's assistance? I didn't understand some of the instructions. I tried to create a recovery disc, but it said the disc wasn't blank, even though it said zero items. Weird, not sure about that.

Here's the WU log file. Hopefully this will work.

 

[gregrocker]

Not for the Clean Reinstall. You'll need assistance for the 20-30 minutes it's in the boot mode and until it connects to the network, or you can get to the built-in Screen Reader.

However for the Repair Install (click this link) it starts and ends on the desktop with all programs kept in place so unless it had a catastrophic failure you might not need someone there.

An alternative to having a Clean Reinstall helper might be having a cam on another PC, tablet, or phone which you can aim at the screen so I can walk you through boot mode using Skype, etc.

I'll be out all day now but Noel will read your Updates log as he's the best there is on that.

 

[arctobear]

Well if I get a laptop I'll be able to do that. I may attempt the repair install, but first I'll wait for him to read the update log.

 

[NoelDP]

(Flattery will get you nowhere, Greg - I really know very little about update logs! I just stumble along and occasionally hit on an answer. )

From what little I can make out in the logs, it would seem that the way forward is to clear the SoftwareDistribution folder, and then attempt installation again.


you will lose your Update history (but the updates will still be installed, and viewable in the Installed Updates listing).

Open an Elevated Command Prompt
Run the following commands

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

wait 15 minutes, and reboot
then wait 10 minutes, and open Windows Updates, and run a Check for Updates.

Install ONLY Service Pack 1 - then reboot twice before attempting any other updates.

 

[arctobear]

Can you please provide me with detailed instructions on how to do this using the keyboard? I mean like directions for idiots, including what is supposed to be on the screen and all that? Also, I only use the keyboard, so I need keystrokes.

 

[NoelDP]

Here are some instructions to make life easier
1) To open an Elevated Command Prompt Window (the ECP window), click on Start, All Programs, Accessories – then right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as Administrator. Accept the UAC prompt.
This should open the Elevated Command Prompt window - a black-and-white text-only window

2) To run the commands easier, highlight the block of commands, and hit Ctrl+C . In the ECP Window, click on the black/white icon at top left – select Paste. The commands will run but may not complete the last command, so hit the Enter Key once.

3) To copy the results... click on the Black/White icon in the top left, and select Edit... 'Select All', and hit the Enter key - then use Ctrl+V or r-click+Paste to paste it into your response.


If you have problems with that, I'll post a small batch file for you to download and run - back in a minute or two (if my connection holds long enough!)

 

[NoelDP]

Download and save the attached batch file 'sdold.bat'

right-click on the saved file and select 'Run As Administrator'
Accept the User Access Control warning, and the Command Prompt window will flash briefly - you should get no other messages.

wait 15 minutes and reboot
then wait 10 minutes, and open Windows Updates, and run a Check for Updates.

Install ONLY Service Pack 1 - then reboot twice before attempting any other updates.

 

[arctobear]

I can't get it to work. It won't let me copy/paste, and then it says something about it not recognizing the command when I try to type it. Also it won't let me close it.

 

[NoelDP]

try running the batch file as Administrator, then.

You can close the Command Prompt window by either typing EXIT (and hit the Return key) or using Alt+F4

 

[arctobear]

Typing exit closed it. I've downloaded the batch file and am about to run it.

 

[arctobear]

Okay, I followed the instructions, but apparently the service pack didn't install even though it said it did, because it's still in my list of updates that need to be installed.

 

[NoelDP]

Click on the Start button
in the Search box, type
WINVER
and hit the Enter key
You should get the 'About Windows' window - does it say
Microsoft Windows
Version 6.1 (Build 7601:Service Pack 1)

or
Version 6.1 (Build 7600)
??

Please post the new WindowsUpdate .log file, and the new CBS.log file

 

[Kaktussoft]

I called a tech support company and they did a diagnostic using remote access, and the lady said I had a bunch of corrupted and missing drivers, and the only way she could fix it was to download a bunch of advanced tools, and for that I had to purchase a package of at least one year of support, which I couldn't afford. I'd like to do this myself without having to get my harddrive wiped. Do you guys have any suggestions? Thanks.

Was that tech support company from India (very strange english accent?) Your text looks like it was FAKE support and criminals. They want to install fake antivirus and all kind of keyloggers. They are just after your money

 

[Kaktussoft]

Windows Repair (All In One)

 

[arctobear]

Just to let you guys know, the reason I haven't been on is because I've been in the hospital. I'm back home now, but I'm having to stay with people for a couple weeks. If you would still like to help me I can try to work on the desktop when I get back. I did get a laptop with Windows 8, so if the desktop is fixed I'll have both computers.
greg and others, thanks so much for all your help, and I'm sorry I disappeared on you guys.

Also, a bit OT, but can someone please contact the staff of eightforums.com and ask them to assist me? I can't register because my laptop's being a *** about the captcha because of my visual impairment. The audio isn't working right. I guess I haven't gotten everything updated yet or something.

 

[derekimo]

That's alright, take care of your self first. Post back when you're ready again.

I'll ask the admin to look at your eightforums account.

 

[Brink]

Also, a bit OT, but can someone please contact the staff of eightforums.com and ask them to assist me? I can't register because my laptop's being a *** about the captcha because of my visual impairment. The audio isn't working right. I guess I haven't gotten everything updated yet or something.

Hello Arctobear,

I set you up an account at Eight Forums. I sent you a PM with the details.

 

[A Guy]

Hope you're OK arctobear. Get back when you can. A Guy

 

[gregrocker]

So glad to hear from you Jessie. I hope whatever had you down is gone for good. We are still ready to assist you in whatever way we can.

How do you like Win8? It can be a PITA with the metro Start Screen charms popping out of right field and the wall of buttons slamming down on your work just to get to the Start menu choices. What I do when I install it is immediately install Windows 7 Start Menu for Windows 8 which puts a replica Win7 Start menu on if you can supply the 7 disk for it to pull files from (Extracted ISO you have would be sufficient if you point it there). Then you'll have the familiar Win7 desktop setup, with just a few of the remaining Win8 crApps hanging around that can be uninstalled and set to default to your favorites, e.g. WMP, Adobe Reader, etc.

So let us know when you're ready and how you'd like to proceed. We'll be here.