Solved Windows Update Error Code 80073712

[xombifier]

Hello,

I honestly don't know how long Windows Update has been like this on my system, I only noticed just the other day when trying to install Visual Studio Community 2015.

The error code for the update is: 80073712



The behavior of Windows Update is the same every time I open it after leaving it alone for a while:

1. I open Windows Update. It tells me there are some updates I should install (10 important, 2 optional).

2. I click Install updates. It takes about 30 seconds, then I see "The updates were successfully installed" with a green check and everything. Cool.

3. I close it then re-open Windows Update. Now says "Check for updates for your computer" with a red X. Not as cool.

4. I click Check for updates. About 10-20 seconds later it says "Windows could not search for new updates" and shows the error code 80073712.

5. I close the window and can repeat from step 1 indefinitely.



- I downloaded and installed the System Update Readiness Tool already.

- Running sfc /scannow in elevated command prompt simply shows Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation. Nothing in the CBS log. Zip file of CBS folder (C:\Windows\logs\CBS) attached below.

View attachment 392574

-It may help to know I have Service Pack 1 of Windows 7.



Help would be much appreciated. I would like to install several programs that seem to require a more updated version of Windows. Let me know if you need anything else from me, thanks

 

[torchwood]

Hi Xombifier,
Have you used a clean up utility, or registry cleaner.
Can you also
Check Windows update i would like to to know when you last successfully updated.?
and if you have a restore point prior to that date.


Roy

 

[xombifier]

Sorry, I'm not sure what you mean by that. It says last check for updates was on 7/4/2013. Do you want my update history? Here's a screenshot (let me know if you need to see the whole list - there's a lot apparently).



Also, I just ran CCleaner's Registry cleaner. No visible effect on Windows Update.

 

[Roderunner]

Hi xombifier,
Just found this, it might help. View attachment W7 Update Solution.docx

 

[torchwood]

Hi Xombifier,
Your machine looks upto date, update wise last successfull install was 9/10.

not sure why SFC failed.

The latest version of windows is SP1,
The only other part of W7 that may not be upto date is NetframeWork,
Open programs/features >> select Turn features on/off (top left) a new window will open
check which version of Net your using, current is 4.6.2.

If its upto date then your comment regarding program require a later version of W7 is very strange.

Do You have a restore point prior to this error, 8/10 if so please use it.

There is a massive amount of corruption reported in the CBS log, which is why SURT and Sfc scannow both failed, this may also stop system restore from running, any external back-up?

Roy

 

[xombifier]

Hi Torchwood,

When I go to turn programs/features on or off, the list is blank. Any idea what is going on with that?

The earliest restore point that System Restore is showing occurred on October 8, 2016 9:28:16 PM. The 'type' says Critical Update. I attempted to run Windows Update a lot so I guess that's why it doesn't have earlier restores; it deleted the old ones to make room is my guess. So I probably should not bother trying to restore my system to that? The error was probably already there by then.

I do not have any external backups. I'm assuming you mean of the system itself, not just any old files.

I forgot about this before, but it may help to know I switched my C:\ drive from the HDD I originally had to a newer SSD this summer, and used software to clone the disk. I am not sure if the errors were present before I made this change, I don't remember, but is it possible or even likely that may have been the cause?



And Roderunner, that document says it is from September 2, and then something about October 10th and a new patch on October 8? This is a little confusing. Is this document up to date enough to still be good to use, or does that not even matter in my case?

 

[torchwood]

Hi Xombifier,
Thats good/bad news.
The blank window is another sympton.

Your HDD was unlikely to have been corrupted but the transfer might, you would have seen this sooner, so i suspect not.
BUT if its quite easy, slam the HDD back in and image the ssd again.
most likely the quickest route. remember to copy any new ssd personal data to a usb.

As SURT failed you could run this alternative
http://www.sysnative.com/niemiro/apps/SFCFix.exe

It should NOT take longer than 30 mins, if it does stop it via task manager, its obviously encountering the same problem. If it does run it might point to a corrupt Update thats causing the problem.

Roy

 

[xombifier]

Hello Roy,

Apologies for the lack of replies the last few days - I have not had much free time to sit down and run the SFCFix program.


I just ran it today, and it took about 20 seconds to complete (probably not a good sign?)

Here is the log file it generated.


View attachment SFCFix.txt

 

[torchwood]

Hi Xombifier,
your assumption is correct,
since it isn't possible to manually repair a COMPONENTS Hive, it's possible through a Repair Install and/or a clean installation of Windows.
Do you have a set of W7 discs you can use to perform a repair?
Repair Install

Roy

 

[xombifier]

Hi Roy,

No, unfortunately I do not have a Windows 7 install disc; my computer came with it already installed so I did not receive a copy.

 

[torchwood]

Hi Xombifier,
We'd better get you a set then,
W7 SP1 64bit XXXXX
need to know System Language default, cant tell your location from whats available.

Roy

 

[xombifier]

Hi Roy,
So what should I do to get the information you want?

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Start with the basics
Fill in your system spec's page with the link above my signature

You can get installation media easy enough with this
Microsoft Windows and Office ISO Download Tool
If you have issues just post which language and exact version you need plus 32 or 64 bit and we can post a direct download for it for you

Then just follow this to update it
windows update

 

[xombifier]

So is it safe to install this? I'm assuming just open it and run setup.exe

Will this erase my personal data, or do I not have to worry about backing everything up beforehand?

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
It should give you download links for windows and office if selected so yes download and run setup.exe it's perfectly safe although I have never used it personally others have without issue.

 

[xombifier]

I mean the ISO image. Is it safe to install it, or should I back up my disc before doing it?

 

[torchwood]

Hi Xombifier,
Glad your getting there.
YES back up your personal data to a >>external device<< , USB/CD.
Then run the iso, its a clean install

Roy

 

[xombifier]

Ok, I will do that sometime within the week and let you know how it goes

 

[xombifier]

It's been a couple months but I've finally found the time to back up all my stuff and perform the clean install with the iso image. Now it's like brand new, no update errors, no compatibility issues, everything is running great.

This is pretty late, but thank you to everyone who helped out! It is appreciated.

-xombifier