error 0x80072EFE -cannot update windows

Hard drive has been reformatted and after clean install of XP Pro with SP3, I
consistently get error 0x80072EFE when trying to update windows using Windows
Update, or Microsoft update. Have been all over internet and followed advice
using MS KB 836941 - no luck.
Any help is much appreciated - thank you
Dennis

What necessitated the clean install, Dennis?

If you connect via a router, does the behavior persist when connecting
directly via the modem?

Is the computer on a local network with other computers? If so, are any
other computers having the same problem?

Have you inserted a previously-used USB key into this machine since the
clean install?

What anti-virus application is installed and can get update both
automatically and manually?

What third-party firewall (if any) is installed?
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002


Dennis Parrish wrote:
> Hard drive has been reformatted and after clean install of XP Pro with
> SP3,
> I consistently get error 0x80072EFE when trying to update windows using
> Windows Update, or Microsoft update. Have been all over internet and
> followed advice using MS KB 836941 - no luck.
> Any help is much appreciated - thank you
> Dennis

Dennis Parrish wrote:

> Hard drive has been reformatted and after clean install of XP Pro with SP3, I
> consistently get error 0x80072EFE when trying to update windows using Windows
> Update, or Microsoft update. Have been all over internet and followed advice
> using MS KB 836941 - no luck.
> Any help is much appreciated - thank you
> Dennis


How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353

After the system is Clean booted, using Internet Explorer, go here:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058

*Right* click the link under the Fixit icon named ' Fix this problem '
Save ResetWindows.msi to the Desktop.
Once the download completes close IE.
Now run ResetWindows.msi. If you are prompted as to which mode to run it
in, choose the Aggressive mode.
The system *must* be connected to the net as the tool will download and
install required updating software components.
When it's finished you should be prompted to restart.
Do so and see if the system can update now.

*Remember* to undo the steps that were done to clean boot the system
afterwards no matter what the outcome of running ResetWindows.msi.

MowGreen
===============
*-343-* FDNY
Never Forgotten
===============

[I'm so gonna steal this!]

MowGreen wrote:
<snip>
> How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353
>
> After the system is Clean booted, using Internet Explorer, go here:
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058
>
> *Right* click the link under the Fixit icon named ' Fix this problem '
> Save ResetWindows.msi to the Desktop.
> Once the download completes close IE.
> Now run ResetWindows.msi. If you are prompted as to which mode to run it
> in, choose the Aggressive mode.
> The system *must* be connected to the net as the tool will download and
> install required updating software components.
> When it's finished you should be prompted to restart.
> Do so and see if the system can update now.
>
> *Remember* to undo the steps that were done to clean boot the system
> afterwards no matter what the outcome of running ResetWindows.msi.
>
> MowGreen
> ===============
> *-343-* FDNY
> Never Forgotten
> ===============

Be my guest. You think I ever remember what I wrote ?
Then I'll steal it back from you <g>


PA Bear [MS MVP] wrote:

> [I'm so gonna steal this!]
>
> MowGreen wrote:
> <snip>
>
>> How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353
>>
>> After the system is Clean booted, using Internet Explorer, go here:
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058
>>
>> *Right* click the link under the Fixit icon named ' Fix this problem '
>> Save ResetWindows.msi to the Desktop.
>> Once the download completes close IE.
>> Now run ResetWindows.msi. If you are prompted as to which mode to run it
>> in, choose the Aggressive mode.
>> The system *must* be connected to the net as the tool will download and
>> install required updating software components.
>> When it's finished you should be prompted to restart.
>> Do so and see if the system can update now.
>>
>> *Remember* to undo the steps that were done to clean boot the system
>> afterwards no matter what the outcome of running ResetWindows.msi.
>>
>> MowGreen
>> ===============
>> *-343-* FDNY
>> Never Forgotten
>> ===============

WinXP version:

<QP>
See...

How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353

1. After restarting in a "clean boot" state, open Internet Explorer (only)
to this page: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058

2. RIGHT-click the "Fix this problem" link and Save the download to your
desktop. Do NOT Run it!

3. Double-click on the file you saved in #2 above (ResetWindows.msi) to run
the fix. If prompted, choose the Aggressive mode.

NB: The computer MUST be connected to the internet as the utility will
automatically download & install required components. Don't TOUCH your
keyboard until the run completes, then restart (into normal mode) at the
prompt.

4. Test.

NB: Remember to undo the steps you took to "clean boot" your computer,
whether the fix worked or not!
</QP>

MowGreen wrote:
> Be my guest. You think I ever remember what I wrote ?
> Then I'll steal it back from you <g>
>
>
> PA Bear [MS MVP] wrote:
>
>> [I'm so gonna steal this!]
>>
>> MowGreen wrote:
>> <snip>
>>
>>> How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state
>>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353
>>>
>>> After the system is Clean booted, using Internet Explorer, go here:
>>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058
>>>
>>> *Right* click the link under the Fixit icon named ' Fix this problem '
>>> Save ResetWindows.msi to the Desktop.
>>> Once the download completes close IE.
>>> Now run ResetWindows.msi. If you are prompted as to which mode to run it
>>> in, choose the Aggressive mode.
>>> The system *must* be connected to the net as the tool will download and
>>> install required updating software components.
>>> When it's finished you should be prompted to restart.
>>> Do so and see if the system can update now.
>>>
>>> *Remember* to undo the steps that were done to clean boot the system
>>> afterwards no matter what the outcome of running ResetWindows.msi.
>>>
>>> MowGreen
>>> ===============
>>> *-343-* FDNY
>>> Never Forgotten
>>> ===============

HI PA Bear and MowGreen
I will be back at that site tomorrow and let you know how I make out - I saw
all of your replies and I will try MowGreens and let you both know late
tomorrow - thank you!!! :-)
To answer your questions PA Bear:
The clean install was necessitated by the system booting only to the Windows
Logo, regardless of the mode.
It is at a school, so I'm sure it goes through a router, but I won't be able
to connect it directly to their internet source.
It is connected with other PCs - only this one is having the issue to my
knowledge.
Yes, I inserted a USB, but I know it is virus and malware free (if that is
why you were asking)
The AV program they use is McAfee Virus Scan - I had disabled it - no luck.
No 3rd party firewall is installed.

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> What necessitated the clean install, Dennis?
>
> If you connect via a router, does the behavior persist when connecting
> directly via the modem?
>
> Is the computer on a local network with other computers? If so, are any
> other computers having the same problem?
>
> Have you inserted a previously-used USB key into this machine since the
> clean install?
>
> What anti-virus application is installed and can get update both
> automatically and manually?
>
> What third-party firewall (if any) is installed?
> --
> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002
>
>
> Dennis Parrish wrote:
> > Hard drive has been reformatted and after clean install of XP Pro with
> > SP3,
> > I consistently get error 0x80072EFE when trying to update windows using
> > Windows Update, or Microsoft update. Have been all over internet and
> > followed advice using MS KB 836941 - no luck.
> > Any help is much appreciated - thank you
> > Dennis
>
>

> It is connected with other PCs - only this one is having the issue to my
> knowledge.

I suspect that may not be true, Dennis.

> Yes, I inserted a USB, but I know it is virus and malware free

How have you determined this (unless it's a brand-new/never-been-used or
freshly formatted & empty USB key)?
--
~PA Bear


Dennis Parrish wrote:
> HI PA Bear and MowGreen
> I will be back at that site tomorrow and let you know how I make out - I
> saw
> all of your replies and I will try MowGreens and let you both know late
> tomorrow - thank you!!! :-)
> To answer your questions PA Bear:
> The clean install was necessitated by the system booting only to the
> Windows
> Logo, regardless of the mode.
> It is at a school, so I'm sure it goes through a router, but I won't be
> able
> to connect it directly to their internet source.
> It is connected with other PCs - only this one is having the issue to my
> knowledge.
> Yes, I inserted a USB, but I know it is virus and malware free (if that is
> why you were asking)
> The AV program they use is McAfee Virus Scan - I had disabled it - no
> luck.
> No 3rd party firewall is installed.
>
> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
>
>> What necessitated the clean install, Dennis?
>>
>> If you connect via a router, does the behavior persist when connecting
>> directly via the modem?
>>
>> Is the computer on a local network with other computers? If so, are any
>> other computers having the same problem?
>>
>> Have you inserted a previously-used USB key into this machine since the
>> clean install?
>>
>> What anti-virus application is installed and can get update both
>> automatically and manually?
>>
>> What third-party firewall (if any) is installed?
>> --
>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002
>>
>>
>> Dennis Parrish wrote:
>>> Hard drive has been reformatted and after clean install of XP Pro with
>>> SP3,
>>> I consistently get error 0x80072EFE when trying to update windows using
>>> Windows Update, or Microsoft update. Have been all over internet and
>>> followed advice using MS KB 836941 - no luck.
>>> Any help is much appreciated - thank you
>>> Dennis

PA Bear and Mowgreen
Thank you once again for your time - as it turned out it was the school's
8e6 filter that was causing the issue !
That reset windows update tip is great though, and I know I'll use it in the
future.
Dennis Parrish

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> WinXP version:
>
> <QP>
> See...
>
> How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353
>
> 1. After restarting in a "clean boot" state, open Internet Explorer (only)
> to this page: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058
>
> 2. RIGHT-click the "Fix this problem" link and Save the download to your
> desktop. Do NOT Run it!
>
> 3. Double-click on the file you saved in #2 above (ResetWindows.msi) to run
> the fix. If prompted, choose the Aggressive mode.
>
> NB: The computer MUST be connected to the internet as the utility will
> automatically download & install required components. Don't TOUCH your
> keyboard until the run completes, then restart (into normal mode) at the
> prompt.
>
> 4. Test.
>
> NB: Remember to undo the steps you took to "clean boot" your computer,
> whether the fix worked or not!
> </QP>
>
> MowGreen wrote:
> > Be my guest. You think I ever remember what I wrote ?
> > Then I'll steal it back from you <g>
> >
> >
> > PA Bear [MS MVP] wrote:
> >
> >> [I'm so gonna steal this!]
> >>
> >> MowGreen wrote:
> >> <snip>
> >>
> >>> How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state
> >>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353
> >>>
> >>> After the system is Clean booted, using Internet Explorer, go here:
> >>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058
> >>>
> >>> *Right* click the link under the Fixit icon named ' Fix this problem '
> >>> Save ResetWindows.msi to the Desktop.
> >>> Once the download completes close IE.
> >>> Now run ResetWindows.msi. If you are prompted as to which mode to run it
> >>> in, choose the Aggressive mode.
> >>> The system *must* be connected to the net as the tool will download and
> >>> install required updating software components.
> >>> When it's finished you should be prompted to restart.
> >>> Do so and see if the system can update now.
> >>>
> >>> *Remember* to undo the steps that were done to clean boot the system
> >>> afterwards no matter what the outcome of running ResetWindows.msi.
> >>>
> >>> MowGreen
> >>> ===============
> >>> *-343-* FDNY
> >>> Never Forgotten
> >>> ===============
>
>