Cannot install updates

When you ran the readiness tool checksur, what did it say?

Having Problems Installing Windows Updates? Use Update Readiness Tool by Britec - YouTube

unfortunately i dont think the troubleshooters are available now.


The other thing is to try a repair install using media that already includes sp1.
X17-59463.iso
or
en_windows_7_ultimate_with_sp1_x86_dvd_u_677460.iso

they are identical

Extract the installation iso that already includes sp1 to a spare partition/usb stck

adjust the sources\cversion.ini
[HostBuild]
MinClient=7601.0
MinServer=7601.0

to
[HostBuild]
MinClient=7600.0
MinServer=7600.0

run

sources\setup.exe

I have done this succesfully, so it should work unless there is serious problem on your current system that prevents it.

check your pm

Restore your vista from the windows.old folder . Make sure vista is running ok - I suggest doing chkdsk and sfc scan.

FYI It is possible to get vista updates using the most recent version of dism++, which many people are not aware of.

Then do the upgrade install using the win7 sp1 media you now have. I presume you have a valid license you can use.

Upgrade and repair install are the same thing. It is called repair when you use the media to upgrade to itself (e.g. running win7 "upgrade" install on an os that is already win7 ), thereby replacing any broken system files with the originals from the installation media.

Restore from windows.old:

Replace the namespace folders on the root of the os partition with the namespace folders from the windows.old folder.

In English:

boot into some kind of pe ( it can also be done from linux boot media )

Check the windows.old has the complete namespace folders, which are these guys:



( Only x64 os has the program files (x86) folder )

1. Delete the namespace folders currently on the root of the partition

2. MOVE the above namespace folders from windows.old to the root.

(The paranoid could create a folder called anything and move the current namespace folders into that, instead of deleting them.)

It is lot easier to use boot media that has some kind of explorer - otherwise it means faffing with commands.

You can borrow this boot media 17514x86.iso

I havent got it in front of me right now. Cant remember if windows.old is a hidden folder because I always have hidden and protected folders showing - but I dont think it is.

If you havent got windows.old you are sol unless you made an image before your first botched upgrade with the wrong ( i.e sp0 ) media.

If there arent any 3rd party programs/ settings etc on the original vista you need to keep, you could just install fresh with the win7 media inc sp1 you now have. Presumably you have a license key for it. It should also be a lot quicker and easier than the whole upgrade then update malarkey.

made a backup of Vista with Macrium but no idea if that will work in this situation.

If there are a lot of progarms and settings in vista that you need - Restore that backup image from boot media and then do chkdsk and sfc. If all is well, do the upgrade with the media inc sp1 you now have.