Update Error Code 80073712

[Ausearch]

I have a Dell laptop running Win 7 Pro SP1 with MS updates current thru 5/31/2013. When I run Update I get an Error Code 80073712. Checking on this code, it seems to be related to a corrupt Registry (most likely in my case), so a Repair Install seems to be indicated.

Everything else is working fine, and I'm reluctant to go thru the hassle. Is there a workaround for MS Update, i.e., a way to download and install the updates manually?

Thanks -

 

[Brink]

Hello Ausearch, and welcome to Seven Forums.

For that error number, see if this below may be able to help.

Error Code 0x80073712 occurs in Windows Update or Microsoft Update

 

[NoelDP]

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

 

[Ausearch]

Requested Information

The requested info should be uploaded.

Thanks for your help!

 

[NoelDP]

Here's the root of your problem - or one of them, at least...

Checking Packages
(f) CSI Unable to Query Store Version 0x00000002

(from the CheckSUR report)


I need to have a look at your COMPONENTS registry hive

Please copy the C:\Windows\System32\config\COMPONENTS file (no extension) to your desktop and then compress it - upload the compressed file to your favoured fileshare site (preferably Dropbox or OneDrive) and post a link.

 

[Ausearch]

Components Folder

Noel -

Here is the link to DropBox for the Components Folder. Thanks for your prompt replies!

https://www.dropbox.com/s/yhqa24w1tep95no/components.zip

 

[NoelDP]

Bad news
It looks to me as if your COMPONENTS hive is hopelessly corrupted.

Unless you can find a Restore Point to get back to which has a good COMPONENTS hive, then your only real hope is a repair install (and I can't guarantee that will work!).

Failing that, a clean install will be necessary.

 

[Ausearch]

Noel - Thanks very much for your prompt help! At least I have a clear picture of my next steps. I've got lots of experience with Repair Installs of Win XP, and this looks similar. I'll let you know how it turns out -

Richard

 

[NoelDP]

See the tutorial here - it's a lot less hassle than the old XP ones
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html?ltr=R

 

[Brink]

Before doing a repair install, did you give what I posted above a try to hopefully avoid the repair install?

 

[NoelDP]

Brink - that isn't gonna fix the level of registry corruption I see present, unfortunately
There's only three things that may fix it -
1) a good System Restore Point
2) a repair install
3) a Clean install.

 

[Brink]

Oh well. In that case, yeah a repair install may be best to try and avoid a clean install.

 

[Ausearch]

Looks like a Clean Install

I tried the Repair Install this afternoon (and yes, it is much smoother than the XP Repair Install) but I hit a dead end. While it was running step 2 of Upgrading Windows = Gathering Files, settings and programs, I got the message "Setup can't continue. Restart computer and restart setup." I did reboot and restart, but got the same message. As you suspected might happen, Noel.

So I'll go ahead next week and gather all the files/disks I need and follow the Clean Install Tutorial. I'll let you know what happens.

Thanks -