Error Code: 0x80070663 - no longer able to install updates

I am not longer able to install Windows or Office 2003 updates. When I try, I
get this Error Code: 0x80070663. I have searched about the Microsoft
Knowledge Base with no solution in site.

Any help on this would be appreciated.

Bye.

Howdy David,

Error Code: 0x80070663 means "the patch package open failed". eg, somewhere in the process, the update file could not be opened, OR, was not found on your system.
Suggest you make sure the update file is still on your system.

For future guidance, please make a list of all update items involved (update KB# & title), plus the version of Windows you are running on.
And whether this is from Automatic Updates, Windows Updates, Microsoft Updates, or Office Update portal.

Posting a copy of your update log may help to isolate the area of failure.
Bring up Windows Explorer / Tools / Folder Options/ select VIEW Tab and look at all of settings listed.

"CHECK" (turn on) Display the contents of system folders.

Under column, Hidden files and folders----choose ( *select* ) Show hidden files and folders.
Next, un-check Hide extensions for known file types.
Next un-check Hide protected operating system files.

Find update log named WindowsUpdate.log in C:\Windows (or C:\WINNT)
Use Notepad or Wordpad and take a look at (usually C:\WINNT or \Windows )
%windir%\WindowsUpdate.log

{If cannot open the log because it is in use, you can try some things: (1) Open file in read-only mode in Word (2) restart system in Safe mode & read there (3) if on Win XP, temporarily stop the Automatic Update service by using "services.msc" }

Scan down to the bottom. Review contents.
You need to look for entries marked "Error" such as 0x......... (where ....... are numbers)

See KB 902093 How to read the Windowsupdate.log file
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/902093

The contents in the Windows Update log should give clues to identity of update item, what happened & area of failure.

ALSO, if you know the specific MS Update/Windows Update item number, you can see if it has a corresponding log file.
Find KBnnnnnn.log in same folder {where nnnnnn is the update item number}

Small tips: Before invoking Windows Update, empty your temporary internet cache and close your browser. Temporarily close & disable the antivirus before going to W U (re-enable after update completed). Close exit any 3rd-party popup blockers. Review your startup utility programs. Be aware that "some" security suites may interfere with update process. Therefore "you" need to check each startup utility to see if it has a "white list / or exception list".

= =
If you have Windows XP, these are suggested steps to clean up after a failed Windows Update attempt.

Housekeeping and cleanup steps:
Bring up Windows Explorer / Tools / Folder Options/ select VIEW Tab and look at all of settings listed.

"CHECK" (turn on) Display the contents of system folders.

Under column, Hidden files and folders----choose ( *select* ) Show hidden files and folders.
Next, un-check Hide extensions for known file types.
Next un-check Hide protected operating system files.

Use Windows Explorer. Go to C:\Windows\System32

If you have a sub-folder called * Catroot2 * (not Catroot) rename the
folder to CR2OLD. Or delete everything in that folder. Just make sure you do the right one.

(to clean up downloaded files for Automatic updates / Windows Update)
From main Windows Start menu, select RUN, type in
CMD <Enter-key>

type in
net stop wuauserv <Enter-key>

Go to Windows Explorer.
Look on your system drive (usually C ) and look at the Windows folder name. Like Windows or WINNT.
Modify following as appropriate.
If your Windows folder is C:\Windows. Look at this folder
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download

If you find files in there, delete them. That folder is where files are stored from W U downloads.

Go back to Command prompt window.
type in
net start wuauserv <Enter-key>

EXIT <Enter-key>

--
Maurice N
MS-MVP Windows (Shell / User), Aumha.net VSOP , DTS-L
-----

"David Sommers" <> wrote in message news:24022ACF-8F22-482B-B378-...
>I am not longer able to install Windows or Office 2003 updates. When I try, I
> get this Error Code: 0x80070663. I have searched about the Microsoft
> Knowledge Base with no solution in site.
>
> Any help on this would be appreciated.
>
> Bye.

I had the same problem today with Office 2003 SP(2). Check for updates told
me I needed to install it. It is listed in my add and remove programs list.
But Microsoft Updates is telling me it failed to install with the same error
code. I think it must have to do with the installer package but I can't
remember how to rectify that. Bill Sanderson, Where are you?

"Maurice N ~ MVP" wrote:

> Howdy David,
>
> Error Code: 0x80070663 means "the patch package open failed". eg, somewhere in the process, the update file could not be opened, OR, was not found on your system.
> Suggest you make sure the update file is still on your system.
>
> For future guidance, please make a list of all update items involved (update KB# & title), plus the version of Windows you are running on.
> And whether this is from Automatic Updates, Windows Updates, Microsoft Updates, or Office Update portal.
>
> Posting a copy of your update log may help to isolate the area of failure.
> Bring up Windows Explorer / Tools / Folder Options/ select VIEW Tab and look at all of settings listed.
>
> "CHECK" (turn on) Display the contents of system folders.
>
> Under column, Hidden files and folders----choose ( *select* ) Show hidden files and folders.
> Next, un-check Hide extensions for known file types.
> Next un-check Hide protected operating system files.
>
> Find update log named WindowsUpdate.log in C:\Windows (or C:\WINNT)
> Use Notepad or Wordpad and take a look at (usually C:\WINNT or \Windows )
> %windir%\WindowsUpdate.log
>
> {If cannot open the log because it is in use, you can try some things: (1) Open file in read-only mode in Word (2) restart system in Safe mode & read there (3) if on Win XP, temporarily stop the Automatic Update service by using "services.msc" }
>
> Scan down to the bottom. Review contents.
> You need to look for entries marked "Error" such as 0x......... (where ....... are numbers)
>
> See KB 902093 How to read the Windowsupdate.log file
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/902093
>
> The contents in the Windows Update log should give clues to identity of update item, what happened & area of failure.
>
> ALSO, if you know the specific MS Update/Windows Update item number, you can see if it has a corresponding log file.
> Find KBnnnnnn.log in same folder {where nnnnnn is the update item number}
>
> Small tips: Before invoking Windows Update, empty your temporary internet cache and close your browser. Temporarily close & disable the antivirus before going to W U (re-enable after update completed). Close exit any 3rd-party popup blockers. Review your startup utility programs. Be aware that "some" security suites may interfere with update process. Therefore "you" need to check each startup utility to see if it has a "white list / or exception list".
>
> = =
> If you have Windows XP, these are suggested steps to clean up after a failed Windows Update attempt.
>
> Housekeeping and cleanup steps:
> Bring up Windows Explorer / Tools / Folder Options/ select VIEW Tab and look at all of settings listed.
>
> "CHECK" (turn on) Display the contents of system folders.
>
> Under column, Hidden files and folders----choose ( *select* ) Show hidden files and folders.
> Next, un-check Hide extensions for known file types.
> Next un-check Hide protected operating system files.
>
> Use Windows Explorer. Go to C:\Windows\System32
>
> If you have a sub-folder called * Catroot2 * (not Catroot) rename the
> folder to CR2OLD. Or delete everything in that folder. Just make sure you do the right one.
>
> (to clean up downloaded files for Automatic updates / Windows Update)
> From main Windows Start menu, select RUN, type in
> CMD <Enter-key>
>
> type in
> net stop wuauserv <Enter-key>
>
> Go to Windows Explorer.
> Look on your system drive (usually C ) and look at the Windows folder name. Like Windows or WINNT.
> Modify following as appropriate.
> If your Windows folder is C:\Windows. Look at this folder
> C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
>
> If you find files in there, delete them. That folder is where files are stored from W U downloads.
>
> Go back to Command prompt window.
> type in
> net start wuauserv <Enter-key>
>
> EXIT <Enter-key>
>
> --
> Maurice N
> MS-MVP Windows (Shell / User), Aumha.net VSOP , DTS-L
> -----
>
> "David Sommers" <> wrote in message news:24022ACF-8F22-482B-B378-...
> >I am not longer able to install Windows or Office 2003 updates. When I try, I
> > get this Error Code: 0x80070663. I have searched about the Microsoft
> > Knowledge Base with no solution in site.
> >
> > Any help on this would be appreciated.
> >
> > Bye.
>

Hello Aries,

Bill is likely out somewhere for Mother's day. <eg>

Aries, go slow & careful. See if any of the following helps.

Hello,

1. Click on Start, Run and type "REGEDIT" (w/o the quotes). The Registry Editor will open.

*WARNING*

Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems
resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

2. Navigate to the following key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\WindowsUpdate

3. On the upper menu, click on Edit, and select Permissions from the drop-down list.
4. Give Administrator (And / Or System) Full Control and Read permissions by checking the allow boxes. NOTE: In certain instances these boxes are grayed out. Insure that all accounts have appropriate permissions.
5. Click Apply, then OK.
6. Close the Registry Editor.


Next, from main Windows Start menu, select RUN, type in
CMD <Enter-key>

type in
net stop wuauserv <Enter-key>

Go to Windows Explorer.
Look on your system drive (usually C ) and look at the Windows folder name. Like Windows or WINNT.
Modify following as appropriate.
If your Windows folder is C:\Windows. Look at this folder
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download

If you find files in there, delete them. That folder is where files are stored from W U downloads.

Go back to Command prompt window.
type in
net start wuauserv <Enter-key>

EXIT <Enter-key>


Get the latest Windows Installer from Download Center, and apply it yourself. Make you verify & select the right language selection for your system.
Next link is for English
Windows Installer 3.1 Redistributable (v2) - English {for Win200 SP3-SP4, Windows XP, and Win server 2003}

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

(scroll down the screen & insure *your* language selection matches what your system uses.)


--
Maurice N
MS-MVP Windows (Shell / User), Aumha.net VSOP , DTS-L
-----

"Aries" <> wrote in message news:4AB188F3-95CD-4917-A1BF-...
>I had the same problem today with Office 2003 SP(2). Check for updates told
> me I needed to install it. It is listed in my add and remove programs list.
> But Microsoft Updates is telling me it failed to install with the same error
> code. I think it must have to do with the installer package but I can't
> remember how to rectify that. Bill Sanderson, Where are you?
>
> "Maurice N ~ MVP" wrote:
>
>> Howdy David,
>>
>> Error Code: 0x80070663 means "the patch package open failed". eg, somewhere in the process, the update file could not be opened, OR, was not found on your system.
>> Suggest you make sure the update file is still on your system.
>>
>> For future guidance, please make a list of all update items involved (update KB# & title), plus the version of Windows you are running on.
>> And whether this is from Automatic Updates, Windows Updates, Microsoft Updates, or Office Update portal.
>>
>> Posting a copy of your update log may help to isolate the area of failure.
>> Bring up Windows Explorer / Tools / Folder Options/ select VIEW Tab and look at all of settings listed.
>>
>> "CHECK" (turn on) Display the contents of system folders.
>>
>> Under column, Hidden files and folders----choose ( *select* ) Show hidden files and folders.
>> Next, un-check Hide extensions for known file types.
>> Next un-check Hide protected operating system files.
>>
>> Find update log named WindowsUpdate.log in C:\Windows (or C:\WINNT)
>> Use Notepad or Wordpad and take a look at (usually C:\WINNT or \Windows )
>> %windir%\WindowsUpdate.log
>>
>> {If cannot open the log because it is in use, you can try some things: (1) Open file in read-only mode in Word (2) restart system in Safe mode & read there (3) if on Win XP, temporarily stop the Automatic Update service by using "services.msc" }
>>
>> Scan down to the bottom. Review contents.
>> You need to look for entries marked "Error" such as 0x......... (where ....... are numbers)
>>
>> See KB 902093 How to read the Windowsupdate.log file
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/902093
>>
>> The contents in the Windows Update log should give clues to identity of update item, what happened & area of failure.
>>
>> ALSO, if you know the specific MS Update/Windows Update item number, you can see if it has a corresponding log file.
>> Find KBnnnnnn.log in same folder {where nnnnnn is the update item number}
>>
>> Small tips: Before invoking Windows Update, empty your temporary internet cache and close your browser. Temporarily close & disable the antivirus before going to W U (re-enable after update completed). Close exit any 3rd-party popup blockers. Review your startup utility programs. Be aware that "some" security suites may interfere with update process. Therefore "you" need to check each startup utility to see if it has a "white list / or exception list".
>>
>> = =
>> If you have Windows XP, these are suggested steps to clean up after a failed Windows Update attempt.
>>
>> Housekeeping and cleanup steps:
>> Bring up Windows Explorer / Tools / Folder Options/ select VIEW Tab and look at all of settings listed.
>>
>> "CHECK" (turn on) Display the contents of system folders.
>>
>> Under column, Hidden files and folders----choose ( *select* ) Show hidden files and folders.
>> Next, un-check Hide extensions for known file types.
>> Next un-check Hide protected operating system files.
>>
>> Use Windows Explorer. Go to C:\Windows\System32
>>
>> If you have a sub-folder called * Catroot2 * (not Catroot) rename the
>> folder to CR2OLD. Or delete everything in that folder. Just make sure you do the right one.
>>
>> (to clean up downloaded files for Automatic updates / Windows Update)
>> From main Windows Start menu, select RUN, type in
>> CMD <Enter-key>
>>
>> type in
>> net stop wuauserv <Enter-key>
>>
>> Go to Windows Explorer.
>> Look on your system drive (usually C ) and look at the Windows folder name. Like Windows or WINNT.
>> Modify following as appropriate.
>> If your Windows folder is C:\Windows. Look at this folder
>> C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
>>
>> If you find files in there, delete them. That folder is where files are stored from W U downloads.
>>
>> Go back to Command prompt window.
>> type in
>> net start wuauserv <Enter-key>
>>
>> EXIT <Enter-key>
>>
>> --
>> Maurice N
>> MS-MVP Windows (Shell / User), Aumha.net VSOP , DTS-L
>> -----
>>
>> "David Sommers" <> wrote in message news:24022ACF-8F22-482B-B378-...
>> >I am not longer able to install Windows or Office 2003 updates. When I try, I
>> > get this Error Code: 0x80070663. I have searched about the Microsoft
>> > Knowledge Base with no solution in site.
>> >
>> > Any help on this would be appreciated.
>> >
>> > Bye.
>>

I ended up going to the Office 2003 SP(2) website and downloading th file
directly. That worked beautifully and I got a message that it updated
successfully.

"Maurice N ~ MVP" wrote:

> Hello Aries,
>
> Bill is likely out somewhere for Mother's day. <eg>
>
> Aries, go slow & careful. See if any of the following helps.
>
> Hello,
>
> 1. Click on Start, Run and type "REGEDIT" (w/o the quotes). The Registry Editor will open.
>
> *WARNING*
>
> Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems
> resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.
>
> 2. Navigate to the following key:
>
> HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\WindowsUpdate
>
> 3. On the upper menu, click on Edit, and select Permissions from the drop-down list.
> 4. Give Administrator (And / Or System) Full Control and Read permissions by checking the allow boxes. NOTE: In certain instances these boxes are grayed out. Insure that all accounts have appropriate permissions.
> 5. Click Apply, then OK.
> 6. Close the Registry Editor.
>
>
> Next, from main Windows Start menu, select RUN, type in
> CMD <Enter-key>
>
> type in
> net stop wuauserv <Enter-key>
>
> Go to Windows Explorer.
> Look on your system drive (usually C ) and look at the Windows folder name. Like Windows or WINNT.
> Modify following as appropriate.
> If your Windows folder is C:\Windows. Look at this folder
> C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
>
> If you find files in there, delete them. That folder is where files are stored from W U downloads.
>
> Go back to Command prompt window.
> type in
> net start wuauserv <Enter-key>
>
> EXIT <Enter-key>
>
>
> Get the latest Windows Installer from Download Center, and apply it yourself. Make you verify & select the right language selection for your system.
> Next link is for English
> Windows Installer 3.1 Redistributable (v2) - English {for Win200 SP3-SP4, Windows XP, and Win server 2003}
>
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
>
> (scroll down the screen & insure *your* language selection matches what your system uses.)
>
>
> --
> Maurice N
> MS-MVP Windows (Shell / User), Aumha.net VSOP , DTS-L
> -----
>
> "Aries" <> wrote in message news:4AB188F3-95CD-4917-A1BF-...
> >I had the same problem today with Office 2003 SP(2). Check for updates told
> > me I needed to install it. It is listed in my add and remove programs list.
> > But Microsoft Updates is telling me it failed to install with the same error
> > code. I think it must have to do with the installer package but I can't
> > remember how to rectify that. Bill Sanderson, Where are you?
> >
> > "Maurice N ~ MVP" wrote:
> >
> >> Howdy David,
> >>
> >> Error Code: 0x80070663 means "the patch package open failed". eg, somewhere in the process, the update file could not be opened, OR, was not found on your system.
> >> Suggest you make sure the update file is still on your system.
> >>
> >> For future guidance, please make a list of all update items involved (update KB# & title), plus the version of Windows you are running on.
> >> And whether this is from Automatic Updates, Windows Updates, Microsoft Updates, or Office Update portal.
> >>
> >> Posting a copy of your update log may help to isolate the area of failure.
> >> Bring up Windows Explorer / Tools / Folder Options/ select VIEW Tab and look at all of settings listed.
> >>
> >> "CHECK" (turn on) Display the contents of system folders.
> >>
> >> Under column, Hidden files and folders----choose ( *select* ) Show hidden files and folders.
> >> Next, un-check Hide extensions for known file types.
> >> Next un-check Hide protected operating system files.
> >>
> >> Find update log named WindowsUpdate.log in C:\Windows (or C:\WINNT)
> >> Use Notepad or Wordpad and take a look at (usually C:\WINNT or \Windows )
> >> %windir%\WindowsUpdate.log
> >>
> >> {If cannot open the log because it is in use, you can try some things: (1) Open file in read-only mode in Word (2) restart system in Safe mode & read there (3) if on Win XP, temporarily stop the Automatic Update service by using "services.msc" }
> >>
> >> Scan down to the bottom. Review contents.
> >> You need to look for entries marked "Error" such as 0x......... (where ....... are numbers)
> >>
> >> See KB 902093 How to read the Windowsupdate.log file
> >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/902093
> >>
> >> The contents in the Windows Update log should give clues to identity of update item, what happened & area of failure.
> >>
> >> ALSO, if you know the specific MS Update/Windows Update item number, you can see if it has a corresponding log file.
> >> Find KBnnnnnn.log in same folder {where nnnnnn is the update item number}
> >>
> >> Small tips: Before invoking Windows Update, empty your temporary internet cache and close your browser. Temporarily close & disable the antivirus before going to W U (re-enable after update completed). Close exit any 3rd-party popup blockers. Review your startup utility programs. Be aware that "some" security suites may interfere with update process. Therefore "you" need to check each startup utility to see if it has a "white list / or exception list".
> >>
> >> = =
> >> If you have Windows XP, these are suggested steps to clean up after a failed Windows Update attempt.
> >>
> >> Housekeeping and cleanup steps:
> >> Bring up Windows Explorer / Tools / Folder Options/ select VIEW Tab and look at all of settings listed.
> >>
> >> "CHECK" (turn on) Display the contents of system folders.
> >>
> >> Under column, Hidden files and folders----choose ( *select* ) Show hidden files and folders.
> >> Next, un-check Hide extensions for known file types.
> >> Next un-check Hide protected operating system files.
> >>
> >> Use Windows Explorer. Go to C:\Windows\System32
> >>
> >> If you have a sub-folder called * Catroot2 * (not Catroot) rename the
> >> folder to CR2OLD. Or delete everything in that folder. Just make sure you do the right one.
> >>
> >> (to clean up downloaded files for Automatic updates / Windows Update)
> >> From main Windows Start menu, select RUN, type in
> >> CMD <Enter-key>
> >>
> >> type in
> >> net stop wuauserv <Enter-key>
> >>
> >> Go to Windows Explorer.
> >> Look on your system drive (usually C ) and look at the Windows folder name. Like Windows or WINNT.
> >> Modify following as appropriate.
> >> If your Windows folder is C:\Windows. Look at this folder
> >> C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
> >>
> >> If you find files in there, delete them. That folder is where files are stored from W U downloads.
> >>
> >> Go back to Command prompt window.
> >> type in
> >> net start wuauserv <Enter-key>
> >>
> >> EXIT <Enter-key>
> >>
> >> --
> >> Maurice N
> >> MS-MVP Windows (Shell / User), Aumha.net VSOP , DTS-L
> >> -----
> >>
> >> "David Sommers" <> wrote in message news:24022ACF-8F22-482B-B378-...
> >> >I am not longer able to install Windows or Office 2003 updates. When I try, I
> >> > get this Error Code: 0x80070663. I have searched about the Microsoft
> >> > Knowledge Base with no solution in site.
> >> >
> >> > Any help on this would be appreciated.
> >> >
> >> > Bye.
> >>
>

I may have fixed it - finally. What seemed to work was to completely
uninstall Office 2003, including Visio and Frontpage, then run the Installer
Cleanup Tool I found in the Microsoft Knowledge Base, then reinstall
completely. Now, all updates installed just fine.

I will save your suggestions for the next time.

Bye.

"Maurice N ~ MVP" wrote:

> Howdy David,
>
> Error Code: 0x80070663 means "the patch package open failed". eg, somewhere in the process, the update file could not be opened, OR, was not found on your system.
> Suggest you make sure the update file is still on your system.
>
> For future guidance, please make a list of all update items involved (update KB# & title), plus the version of Windows you are running on.
> And whether this is from Automatic Updates, Windows Updates, Microsoft Updates, or Office Update portal.
>
> Posting a copy of your update log may help to isolate the area of failure.
> Bring up Windows Explorer / Tools / Folder Options/ select VIEW Tab and look at all of settings listed.
>
> "CHECK" (turn on) Display the contents of system folders.
>
> Under column, Hidden files and folders----choose ( *select* ) Show hidden files and folders.
> Next, un-check Hide extensions for known file types.
> Next un-check Hide protected operating system files.
>
> Find update log named WindowsUpdate.log in C:\Windows (or C:\WINNT)
> Use Notepad or Wordpad and take a look at (usually C:\WINNT or \Windows )
> %windir%\WindowsUpdate.log
>
> {If cannot open the log because it is in use, you can try some things: (1) Open file in read-only mode in Word (2) restart system in Safe mode & read there (3) if on Win XP, temporarily stop the Automatic Update service by using "services.msc" }
>
> Scan down to the bottom. Review contents.
> You need to look for entries marked "Error" such as 0x......... (where ....... are numbers)
>
> See KB 902093 How to read the Windowsupdate.log file
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/902093
>
> The contents in the Windows Update log should give clues to identity of update item, what happened & area of failure.
>
> ALSO, if you know the specific MS Update/Windows Update item number, you can see if it has a corresponding log file.
> Find KBnnnnnn.log in same folder {where nnnnnn is the update item number}
>
> Small tips: Before invoking Windows Update, empty your temporary internet cache and close your browser. Temporarily close & disable the antivirus before going to W U (re-enable after update completed). Close exit any 3rd-party popup blockers. Review your startup utility programs. Be aware that "some" security suites may interfere with update process. Therefore "you" need to check each startup utility to see if it has a "white list / or exception list".
>
> = =
> If you have Windows XP, these are suggested steps to clean up after a failed Windows Update attempt.
>
> Housekeeping and cleanup steps:
> Bring up Windows Explorer / Tools / Folder Options/ select VIEW Tab and look at all of settings listed.
>
> "CHECK" (turn on) Display the contents of system folders.
>
> Under column, Hidden files and folders----choose ( *select* ) Show hidden files and folders.
> Next, un-check Hide extensions for known file types.
> Next un-check Hide protected operating system files.
>
> Use Windows Explorer. Go to C:\Windows\System32
>
> If you have a sub-folder called * Catroot2 * (not Catroot) rename the
> folder to CR2OLD. Or delete everything in that folder. Just make sure you do the right one.
>
> (to clean up downloaded files for Automatic updates / Windows Update)
> From main Windows Start menu, select RUN, type in
> CMD <Enter-key>
>
> type in
> net stop wuauserv <Enter-key>
>
> Go to Windows Explorer.
> Look on your system drive (usually C ) and look at the Windows folder name. Like Windows or WINNT.
> Modify following as appropriate.
> If your Windows folder is C:\Windows. Look at this folder
> C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
>
> If you find files in there, delete them. That folder is where files are stored from W U downloads.
>
> Go back to Command prompt window.
> type in
> net start wuauserv <Enter-key>
>
> EXIT <Enter-key>
>
> --
> Maurice N
> MS-MVP Windows (Shell / User), Aumha.net VSOP , DTS-L
> -----
>
> "David Sommers" <> wrote in message news:24022ACF-8F22-482B-B378-...
> >I am not longer able to install Windows or Office 2003 updates. When I try, I
> > get this Error Code: 0x80070663. I have searched about the Microsoft
> > Knowledge Base with no solution in site.
> >
> > Any help on this would be appreciated.
> >
> > Bye.
>

OK. Thanks for posting back.
--
Maurice N
MS-MVP Windows (Shell / User), Aumha.net VSOP , DTS-L
-----

"David Sommers" <> wrote in message news:C6620473-547C-448D-A3CE-...
>I may have fixed it - finally. What seemed to work was to completely
> uninstall Office 2003, including Visio and Frontpage, then run the Installer
> Cleanup Tool I found in the Microsoft Knowledge Base, then reinstall
> completely. Now, all updates installed just fine.
>
> I will save your suggestions for the next time.
>
> Bye.
>
> "Maurice N ~ MVP" wrote:
>
>> Howdy David,
>>
>> Error Code: 0x80070663 means "the patch package open failed". eg, somewhere in the process, the update file could not be opened, OR, was not found on your system.
>> Suggest you make sure the update file is still on your system.
>>
>> For future guidance, please make a list of all update items involved (update KB# & title), plus the version of Windows you are running on.
>> And whether this is from Automatic Updates, Windows Updates, Microsoft Updates, or Office Update portal.
>>
>> Posting a copy of your update log may help to isolate the area of failure.
>> Bring up Windows Explorer / Tools / Folder Options/ select VIEW Tab and look at all of settings listed.
>>
>> "CHECK" (turn on) Display the contents of system folders.
>>
>> Under column, Hidden files and folders----choose ( *select* ) Show hidden files and folders.
>> Next, un-check Hide extensions for known file types.
>> Next un-check Hide protected operating system files.
>>
>> Find update log named WindowsUpdate.log in C:\Windows (or C:\WINNT)
>> Use Notepad or Wordpad and take a look at (usually C:\WINNT or \Windows )
>> %windir%\WindowsUpdate.log
>>
>> {If cannot open the log because it is in use, you can try some things: (1) Open file in read-only mode in Word (2) restart system in Safe mode & read there (3) if on Win XP, temporarily stop the Automatic Update service by using "services.msc" }
>>
>> Scan down to the bottom. Review contents.
>> You need to look for entries marked "Error" such as 0x......... (where ....... are numbers)
>>
>> See KB 902093 How to read the Windowsupdate.log file
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/902093
>>
>> The contents in the Windows Update log should give clues to identity of update item, what happened & area of failure.
>>
>> ALSO, if you know the specific MS Update/Windows Update item number, you can see if it has a corresponding log file.
>> Find KBnnnnnn.log in same folder {where nnnnnn is the update item number}
>>
>> Small tips: Before invoking Windows Update, empty your temporary internet cache and close your browser. Temporarily close & disable the antivirus before going to W U (re-enable after update completed). Close exit any 3rd-party popup blockers. Review your startup utility programs. Be aware that "some" security suites may interfere with update process. Therefore "you" need to check each startup utility to see if it has a "white list / or exception list".
>>
>> = =
>> If you have Windows XP, these are suggested steps to clean up after a failed Windows Update attempt.
>>
>> Housekeeping and cleanup steps:
>> Bring up Windows Explorer / Tools / Folder Options/ select VIEW Tab and look at all of settings listed.
>>
>> "CHECK" (turn on) Display the contents of system folders.
>>
>> Under column, Hidden files and folders----choose ( *select* ) Show hidden files and folders.
>> Next, un-check Hide extensions for known file types.
>> Next un-check Hide protected operating system files.
>>
>> Use Windows Explorer. Go to C:\Windows\System32
>>
>> If you have a sub-folder called * Catroot2 * (not Catroot) rename the
>> folder to CR2OLD. Or delete everything in that folder. Just make sure you do the right one.
>>
>> (to clean up downloaded files for Automatic updates / Windows Update)
>> From main Windows Start menu, select RUN, type in
>> CMD <Enter-key>
>>
>> type in
>> net stop wuauserv <Enter-key>
>>
>> Go to Windows Explorer.
>> Look on your system drive (usually C ) and look at the Windows folder name. Like Windows or WINNT.
>> Modify following as appropriate.
>> If your Windows folder is C:\Windows. Look at this folder
>> C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
>>
>> If you find files in there, delete them. That folder is where files are stored from W U downloads.
>>
>> Go back to Command prompt window.
>> type in
>> net start wuauserv <Enter-key>
>>
>> EXIT <Enter-key>
>>
>> --
>> Maurice N
>> MS-MVP Windows (Shell / User), Aumha.net VSOP , DTS-L
>> -----

WTG
--
Maurice N
MS-MVP Windows (Shell / User), Aumha.net VSOP , DTS-L
-----

"Aries" <> wrote in message news:31735C0F-E221-4CB1-A633-...
>I ended up going to the Office 2003 SP(2) website and downloading th file
> directly. That worked beautifully and I got a message that it updated
> successfully.