Windows Update Error Code 80073712

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.

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 :)

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

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.

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

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?

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

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.


SFCFix.txt

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

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.