Windows Update fails: error code 80073712

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 said:

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

Okay, done.

JMH said:

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.

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.