Solved Windows Update fails: error code 80073712

[GenericUser]

My machine hasn't been able to update for a few weeks. Windows Update opens, but attempting to download "Security Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB2585542)" fails with error code 80073712. There was a second update of the same sort that was also not working before; I eventually managed to get that update to complete by running Fixit in aggressive mode. Nothing I've done has helped with the remaining failure, though.

Let me know what other information I should provide. Thanks in advance.

 

[JMH]

> It would greatly assist us if you would provide your System Specs please...
See snip below.


View attachment 196992


> Peruse the link below...

You receive error code "0x80073712" or the "Windows Features" dialog box is empty when you try to install updates or components in Windows 7 or in Windows Vista

 

[GenericUser]

> It would greatly assist us if you would provide your System Specs please...

Okay, done.

You receive error code "0x80073712" or the "Windows Features" dialog box is empty when you try to install updates or components in Windows 7 or in Windows Vista

I already tried sfc /scannow a few times. Unfortunately, it didn't have any effect. The System Update Readiness Tool applies the hotfix, but it doesn't fix the problem. I've attached the log for that.

 

[GenericUser]

I actually ended up just doing an in-place upgrade from the Windows 7 disk, which fixed the problem and kept everything intact. The only reason this hadn't been working before was that I was unknowingly using an install disk with an old version of Windows 7.