Windows 7 no longer updating, code 80070002

[Gixxernaut]

On Aug 27, 2012 my system first indicated it had a problem because it could not install updates. The update history is completely gone even though it had installed many updates since first being activated.

I've done searches and completed all the usual steps with no success. These include

• Microsoft automated "Fixit"
• Clearing the update history folder.
• Memory tests - run all weekend with no errors.
• Chkdsk with surface scan - no errors.
• Admin Cmd Prompt-> SFC /SCANNOW (exits after a few seconds with "Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation.")
• Windows Repair Install (Fails with "Windows cannot copy files ... 80070241"). I've tried it using the genuine original installation DVD and also tried it using the "flat" install method with no luck.

MS Security Essentials and MalwareBytes both say there are no threats. I'm all out of spit and bailing wire. Any suggestions?

 

[NoelDP]

First try this.
Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the C:\Windows\System32 folder. find the Catroot2 folder there, and right-click on it - select Properties.

In the General tab, clear the box beside 'Read-only (Only.....' by clicking in it until it's empty (it cycles around three values)

Click Apply.
Accept any warnings that come up - if you get a 'Ignore/Ignore All/Try again' option, pick 'Ignore all'

Once complete (may be almost instantaneous),

try an SFC /SCANNOW again

 

[Gixxernaut]

Thanks for the quick reply. Followed the instructions you gave and still get the same result from SFC /SCANNOW.

Any other thoughts?

 

[x BlueRobot]

Have you attempted a hard-drive error check?

Start > Computer > Right-Click C:\ Drive > Properties > Tools tab > "Check Now" button

Make sure both options are checked, the error-checking may take some time, and will need to schedule a error-check for the next reboot of your computer.

Hope this helps,

Harry

Will upload screenshots in a minute.

 

[NoelDP]

Have you attempted a hard-drive error check?

Start > Computer > Right-Click C:\ Drive > Properties > Tools tab > "Check Now" button

beat me to it - but it may need a more heavy-duty approach.....

Click on Start > All Programs > Accessories
Right-click on the Command Prompt entry
Select Run as Administrator and accept the UAC prompt - the Elevated Command Prompt window should pop up.

At the Command prompt, type
CHKDSK C: /R
and hit the Enter key.

You will be told that the drive is locked,
and the CHKDSK will run at he next boot - hit the Y key, and then reboot.
The chkdsk will take a few hours depending on the size of the drive, so be patient!
After the CHKDSK has run, Windows should boot normally (possibly after a second auto-reboot) - then run the SFC.

 

[Gixxernaut]

Fellas, I mentioned in the OP that I'd tried doing a CHKDSK with surface scan, but I'll give it another go later this afternoon. I'm using the computer in question at the moment for work stuff and can't shut down for the rest of the day just yet.

Thanks again for the feedback. I'd rather not have to reinstall as it will be a PITA at this point. System seems to be healthy apart from the fact that it cannot install updates.

 

[NoelDP]

good point - sorry!




This may result from mistakenly setting the System32 folder and its contents to 'Read Only' status.


To correct this:-

Open Windows Explorer (Computer)
Navigate to the C:\Windows folder
Find the System32 sub-folder and right-click on it
select Properties

Clear the 'blob' from the 'Read-only (Only applies to files in folder)' box by clicking on it until it's plain white.
Click on Apply.

Make sure that the radio button for 'Apply changes to this folder, subfolders and files' is set, and click OK.

Accept the Administrator prompt. After a couple of seconds, you'll be told there is an error - click on the 'Ignore all' button.

Wait for it to finish - it could take a couple of minutes.

OK out, and exit Windows Explorer.

Reboot twice

 

[Slartybart]

Have you tried to manually run SURT?

To run the System Update Readiness Tool manually.
If you are offered the System Update Readiness Tool, but you encounter a problem using Windows Update, you can manually download and run the tool. You'll need to know the version of Windows and system type you are using.

1. Go to the System Update Readiness Tool webpage. In the Information for advanced users section, find the version of Windows and system type of your computer, and then click the link to download the System Update Readiness Tool. If you don't know which version of Windows you have, see View your computer information.
2. Run Windows Update again.

 

[x BlueRobot]

Just another suggestion to try, have you tried resetting the Windows Update service?

Start > Control Panel > Small Icons view > Administrative Tools > Services > Right-Click Windows Update Service > Start

Hope this helps,

Harry

 

[Gixxernaut]

good point - sorry!




This may result from mistakenly setting the System32 folder and its contents to 'Read Only' status.


To correct this:-

Open Windows Explorer (Computer)
Navigate to the C:\Windows folder
Find the System32 sub-folder and right-click on it
select Properties

Clear the 'blob' from the 'Read-only (Only applies to files in folder)' box by clicking on it until it's plain white.
Click on Apply.

Make sure that the radio button for 'Apply changes to this folder, subfolders and files' is set, and click OK.

Accept the Administrator prompt. After a couple of seconds, you'll be told there is an error - click on the 'Ignore all' button.

Wait for it to finish - it could take a couple of minutes.

OK out, and exit Windows Explorer.

Reboot twice

No joy after following these instructions either.

 

[Gixxernaut]

Just another suggestion to try, have you tried resetting the Windows Update service?

Start > Control Panel > Small Icons view > Administrative Tools > Services > Right-Click Windows Update Service > Start

Hope this helps,

Harry

Service was running, stopped it, started it back. No change in symptoms.

Sorry, neglected to mention that I'd tried this before as well.

 

[Gixxernaut]

Have you tried to manually run SURT?

To run the System Update Readiness Tool manually.
If you are offered the System Update Readiness Tool, but you encounter a problem using Windows Update, you can manually download and run the tool. You'll need to know the version of Windows and system type you are using.

1. Go to the System Update Readiness Tool webpage. In the Information for advanced users section, find the version of Windows and system type of your computer, and then click the link to download the System Update Readiness Tool. If you don't know which version of Windows you have, see View your computer information.
2. Run Windows Update again.

Once again I apologize, but I had tried this as well before opening this thread. Should have been included in the original list of things I've tried.

 

[pricetech]

Did you try this ??

Windows Update error 80070002

If you mentioned, and I missed it, my appologies.

 

[Gixxernaut]

Did you try this ??

Windows Update error 80070002

If you mentioned, and I missed it, my appologies.

No problem, I did do that, which I listed in the OP as "Clearing the update history folder."

Okay folks, I'm back from a quite lengthy check disk with surface scan. No errors, not even so much as a single repair made. It's as if everything is just peachy except Windows cannot run sfc /SCANNOW or install any updates.

 

[NoelDP]

Please open Event Viewer
Export both the Windows Application and System logs to your desktop, then zip them up and attach them to your reply (it they are too big, upload them to SkyDrive or other favoured fileshare site, and post a link)

 

[Gixxernaut]

I've exported them as text files. The application log sure packed down nicely. Original is 12 megs and zipped down to 500K. TIA for taking a look.

 

[x BlueRobot]

From some of your Event Logs, I've noticed it mentions your NTFS file system is corrupt and unusable.

Maybe a clean install and reformat will be needed to solve the problem?

Anyone agree?

Error 9/12/2012 3:24:24 AM Ntfs 55 (2) The file system structure on the disk is corrupt and unusable. Please run the chkdsk utility on the volume GTeraDisc.
Error 9/12/2012 3:24:24 AM Ntfs 55 (2) The file system structure on the disk is corrupt and unusable. Please run the chkdsk utility on the volume GTeraDisc.
Warning 9/12/2012 3:24:24 AM Ntfs 130 None The file system structure on volume E: has now been repaired.
Error 9/12/2012 3:24:24 AM Ntfs 55 (2) The file system structure on the disk is corrupt and unusable. Please run the chkdsk utility on the volume GTeraDisc.
Warning 9/12/2012 3:24:24 AM Ntfs 130 None The file system structure on volume E: has now been repaired.

 

[Gixxernaut]

GTeraDisk (the one with the errors) is a secondary 1 TB disk on my system. I have unplugged it to eliminate it from being a factor. Removing it from my system doesn't change any of the behavior though.

EDIT: For that reason I don't think that errors on that drive should mandate a complete reinstall on the primary system drive.

 

[x BlueRobot]

Something went wrong with your Automatic Updates connection though:

Warning 9/11/2012 11:40:50 PM Microsoft-Windows-WindowsUpdateClient 16 Automatic Updates Unable to Connect: Windows is unable to connect to the automatic updates service and therefore cannot download and install updates according to the set schedule. Windows will continue to try to establish a connection.

I've also noticed a few errors associated with the Registry.

 

[x BlueRobot]

I have a suggestion for the Windows Update services, is your firewall and anti-virus program allowing you to connect to the Windows Update site?