WU - Vista - Error 8000FFFF - sigh...

Problem with Vista and WU. You folks must be tired of this. I know I am.

Vista Home - SP1 - up until recently updated fine. Not sure what happened.
I now have 3 recommended/important updates pending. Won't go in
because...Error 8000FFFF. I have done a little reading so let me recount
what I've done so far.

I am on the Administrator account. This is my neighbor's son's HP Turion
laptop. With 2gB RaM and large dsik. Mostly uses it to play online games,
Flight Sim and so forth. Son's account is Admin.

Looked for the 3 registry entries everyone says turn the trick. None of the
three are present not in the registry on this system therefore they are not
to be found. WU launches, downloads zero and after several minutes coughs up
Error 8000FFF.

Uninstalled KB929777. Launch WU - runs several minutes - Still nothing but
error 8000FFFF.

I try to rename Software Distribution Folder in %system root% - that works.
Try to rename Catroot2 so the database will rebuild. Access is denied.
Even though I've taken ownership, I still get access denied. Guess I could
try that in Safe Mode. I may not be doing the "take ownership" procedure
right but I'm not skilled enough with Vista (yet) to tell.

BITS, Win Event Log & WU services all auto all running.

Now, is this related to WU's refusal? In the event log -> Application log,
I have a huge number of errors stemming from Vista's Cryptographic Service
malfunctioning. Here's a snip: The Cryptographic Services service failed to
initialize the Catalog Database. The error was: 5 (0x5) : Access is denied.
Coupled with: The Cryptographic Services service failed to initialize the
Catalog Database. The ESENT error was: -528. And then: Catalog Database
(1408) Catalog Database: Error -1811 (0xfffff8ed) occurred while opening
logfile C:\Windows\system32\CatRoot2\edb.log. All three of these are regular
occurrances, many hundreds of times since about mid Feb 09. There are so
many of these, I can't count them. Is there any relationship between these
errors and WU's inability to update?

What's the consensus of the group? Related or not related? And, I'd like a
few more ideas please on how to kick start WU to get it back on track.

Keeping fingers crossed (and it's so hard to type that way...) Thanks to all.

Hoib wrote:
:: Problem with Vista and WU. You folks must be tired of this. I know
:: I am.
::
:: Vista Home - SP1 - up until recently updated fine. Not sure what
:: happened.
:: I now have 3 recommended/important updates pending. Won't go in
:: because...Error 8000FFFF. I have done a little reading so let me
:: recount what I've done so far.
::
:: I am on the Administrator account. This is my neighbor's son's HP
:: Turion laptop. With 2gB RaM and large dsik. Mostly uses it to play
:: online games, Flight Sim and so forth. Son's account is Admin.
::
:: Looked for the 3 registry entries everyone says turn the trick.
:: None of the three are present not in the registry on this system
:: therefore they are not to be found. WU launches, downloads zero and
:: after several minutes coughs up Error 8000FFF.
::
:: Uninstalled KB929777. Launch WU - runs several minutes - Still
:: nothing but error 8000FFFF.
::
:: I try to rename Software Distribution Folder in %system root% - that
:: works. Try to rename Catroot2 so the database will rebuild. Access
:: is denied.
:: Even though I've taken ownership, I still get access denied. Guess
:: I could try that in Safe Mode. I may not be doing the "take
:: ownership" procedure right but I'm not skilled enough with Vista
:: (yet) to tell.
::
:: BITS, Win Event Log & WU services all auto all running.
::
:: Now, is this related to WU's refusal? In the event log ->
:: Application log,
:: I have a huge number of errors stemming from Vista's Cryptographic
:: Service malfunctioning. Here's a snip: The Cryptographic Services
:: service failed to initialize the Catalog Database. The error was: 5
:: (0x5) : Access is denied. Coupled with: The Cryptographic Services
:: service failed to initialize the Catalog Database. The ESENT error
:: was: -528. And then: Catalog Database (1408) Catalog Database:
:: Error -1811 (0xfffff8ed) occurred while opening logfile
:: C:\Windows\system32\CatRoot2\edb.log. All three of these are
:: regular occurrances, many hundreds of times since about mid Feb 09.
:: There are so many of these, I can't count them. Is there any
:: relationship between these errors and WU's inability to update?
::
:: What's the consensus of the group? Related or not related? And,
:: I'd like a few more ideas please on how to kick start WU to get it
:: back on track.
::
:: Keeping fingers crossed (and it's so hard to type that way...)
:: Thanks to all.


This is from notes I gathered from MS support at some time -

The error can occur if one of the following factor is true:

1. The relevant Windows Update services stop working.

2. The temporary folder of Windows Update has been corrupted.

3. Windows Update Agent does not work.

At this time, let's try the following steps to troubleshoot the issue. After
completing the steps, please perform Windows Update to check the result.

Step 1: Verify the relevant Windows Update services
============================

1. Click Start, type services.msc in the Start Search box and press Enter.

2. In the right pane, please check whether the following three services have
been started:

Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
Windows Event Log
Windows Update

If not, please start them one by one.

Step 2: Rename the Windows Update SoftwareDistribution folder
=========================================

1. Click Start, type notepad in Start Search box, and press Enter.
2. Copy the following commands and then paste them into the open Notepad
window:

net stop wuauserv
net stop Cryptsvc
ren %windir%\SoftwareDistribution SD.old
ren %windir%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start Cryptsvc

3. After pasting the above commands, please close the Notepad window. Choose
Save when you are prompted to save the file. Type "register.bat" as the file
name and choose Desktop from the left panel as the location.
4. Refer to the Desktop, right click the register.bat file, and choose Run
as administrator.
5. You will see a DOS-like window processing.

Note: Please look at the cmd window and make sure it says that it was
successfully started. After that, please run Windows Update to test the
issue again.

If the error 0x8000ffff persists when searching for updates, let's reinstall
Windows Update Agent 3.0.

Step 3: Reinstall Windows Update Agent 3.0
===========================
1. Please download the file from the following link:

A new version of the Windows Update Agent is available
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946928

2. Save the file to D: drive.

Note: Please select a drive where Windows Vista was not loaded because the
file cannot be launched directly from the system root directory.

3. Click Start, click Run, type: "D:\WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe /wuforce"
(without quotations) and then press Enter to install the Windows Update
engine.

Note: There is a space between "D:\WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe" and
"/wuforce"


Otherwise you could try MS Support -
Support for Windows Update:
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/wusupport


--

TaurArian [MVP] 2005-2009 - Update Services
http://taurarian.mvps.org
======================================
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
Disclaimer: The information has been posted "as is" with no warranties
or guarantees and doesn't give any rights. Computer Maintenance:
Acronis / Diskeeper / Paragon / Raxco

Tairian -
Thanks for reply. I've have spent a lot of time on your site that addresses
this. I'm glad to have you try to help.

I want to be crystal clear so I don't mess up. Am I to go through each step
and try WU after each step, or, am I to go through each in series, then try
WU? I can do each of these steps no problem but I do want to make sure to
follow your lead precisely.

So, each step followed by a try or each step in series, then try? The first
step is done, I've ensured the three critical services are started and
auto-ed. I just tried WU - Error 8000FFFF although one update did try to
apply (AtiveX Killbits) but only got about 1/3 of the way through.

Thanks again.

Hoib

"TaurArian" wrote:

> Hoib wrote:
> :: Problem with Vista and WU. You folks must be tired of this. I know
> :: I am.
> ::
> :: Vista Home - SP1 - up until recently updated fine. Not sure what
> :: happened.
> :: I now have 3 recommended/important updates pending. Won't go in
> :: because...Error 8000FFFF. I have done a little reading so let me
> :: recount what I've done so far.
> ::
> :: I am on the Administrator account. This is my neighbor's son's HP
> :: Turion laptop. With 2gB RaM and large dsik. Mostly uses it to play
> :: online games, Flight Sim and so forth. Son's account is Admin.
> ::
> :: Looked for the 3 registry entries everyone says turn the trick.
> :: None of the three are present not in the registry on this system
> :: therefore they are not to be found. WU launches, downloads zero and
> :: after several minutes coughs up Error 8000FFF.
> ::
> :: Uninstalled KB929777. Launch WU - runs several minutes - Still
> :: nothing but error 8000FFFF.
> ::
> :: I try to rename Software Distribution Folder in %system root% - that
> :: works. Try to rename Catroot2 so the database will rebuild. Access
> :: is denied.
> :: Even though I've taken ownership, I still get access denied. Guess
> :: I could try that in Safe Mode. I may not be doing the "take
> :: ownership" procedure right but I'm not skilled enough with Vista
> :: (yet) to tell.
> ::
> :: BITS, Win Event Log & WU services all auto all running.
> ::
> :: Now, is this related to WU's refusal? In the event log ->
> :: Application log,
> :: I have a huge number of errors stemming from Vista's Cryptographic
> :: Service malfunctioning. Here's a snip: The Cryptographic Services
> :: service failed to initialize the Catalog Database. The error was: 5
> :: (0x5) : Access is denied. Coupled with: The Cryptographic Services
> :: service failed to initialize the Catalog Database. The ESENT error
> :: was: -528. And then: Catalog Database (1408) Catalog Database:
> :: Error -1811 (0xfffff8ed) occurred while opening logfile
> :: C:\Windows\system32\CatRoot2\edb.log. All three of these are
> :: regular occurrances, many hundreds of times since about mid Feb 09.
> :: There are so many of these, I can't count them. Is there any
> :: relationship between these errors and WU's inability to update?
> ::
> :: What's the consensus of the group? Related or not related? And,
> :: I'd like a few more ideas please on how to kick start WU to get it
> :: back on track.
> ::
> :: Keeping fingers crossed (and it's so hard to type that way...)
> :: Thanks to all.
>
>
> This is from notes I gathered from MS support at some time -
>
> The error can occur if one of the following factor is true:
>
> 1. The relevant Windows Update services stop working.
>
> 2. The temporary folder of Windows Update has been corrupted.
>
> 3. Windows Update Agent does not work.
>
> At this time, let's try the following steps to troubleshoot the issue. After
> completing the steps, please perform Windows Update to check the result.
>
> Step 1: Verify the relevant Windows Update services
> ============================
>
> 1. Click Start, type services.msc in the Start Search box and press Enter.
>
> 2. In the right pane, please check whether the following three services have
> been started:
>
> Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
> Windows Event Log
> Windows Update
>
> If not, please start them one by one.
>
> Step 2: Rename the Windows Update SoftwareDistribution folder
> =========================================
>
> 1. Click Start, type notepad in Start Search box, and press Enter.
> 2. Copy the following commands and then paste them into the open Notepad
> window:
>
> net stop wuauserv
> net stop Cryptsvc
> ren %windir%\SoftwareDistribution SD.old
> ren %windir%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old
> net start wuauserv
> net start Cryptsvc
>
> 3. After pasting the above commands, please close the Notepad window. Choose
> Save when you are prompted to save the file. Type "register.bat" as the file
> name and choose Desktop from the left panel as the location.
> 4. Refer to the Desktop, right click the register.bat file, and choose Run
> as administrator.
> 5. You will see a DOS-like window processing.
>
> Note: Please look at the cmd window and make sure it says that it was
> successfully started. After that, please run Windows Update to test the
> issue again.
>
> If the error 0x8000ffff persists when searching for updates, let's reinstall
> Windows Update Agent 3.0.
>
> Step 3: Reinstall Windows Update Agent 3.0
> ===========================
> 1. Please download the file from the following link:
>
> A new version of the Windows Update Agent is available
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946928
>
> 2. Save the file to D: drive.
>
> Note: Please select a drive where Windows Vista was not loaded because the
> file cannot be launched directly from the system root directory.
>
> 3. Click Start, click Run, type: "D:\WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe /wuforce"
> (without quotations) and then press Enter to install the Windows Update
> engine.
>
> Note: There is a space between "D:\WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe" and
> "/wuforce"
>
>
> Otherwise you could try MS Support -
> Support for Windows Update:
> http://support.microsoft.com/gp/wusupport
>
>
> --
>
> TaurArian [MVP] 2005-2009 - Update Services
> http://taurarian.mvps.org
> ======================================
> How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
> Disclaimer: The information has been posted "as is" with no warranties
> or guarantees and doesn't give any rights. Computer Maintenance:
> Acronis / Diskeeper / Paragon / Raxco
>
>
>
>

I would go through each step and then try WU after each one.

If all the services are already correctly started then you can move on to
the next step.

Rename the softwaredistribution folder (don't forget to reboot) otherwise
the folder won't be recreated properly in Vista. You'll lose your history
but that's not important as you can always check what's installed quite
easily in Vista.

Then try WU again, if that don't work, then onto the next step.

Good luck


Hoib wrote:
:: Tairian -
:: Thanks for reply. I've have spent a lot of time on your site that
:: addresses this. I'm glad to have you try to help.
::
:: I want to be crystal clear so I don't mess up. Am I to go through
:: each step and try WU after each step, or, am I to go through each in
:: series, then try WU? I can do each of these steps no problem but I
:: do want to make sure to follow your lead precisely.
::
:: So, each step followed by a try or each step in series, then try?
:: The first step is done, I've ensured the three critical services are
:: started and auto-ed. I just tried WU - Error 8000FFFF although one
:: update did try to apply (AtiveX Killbits) but only got about 1/3 of
:: the way through.
::
:: Thanks again.
::
:: Hoib
::
:: "TaurArian" wrote:
::
::: Hoib wrote:
::::: Problem with Vista and WU. You folks must be tired of this. I
::::: know I am.
:::::
::::: Vista Home - SP1 - up until recently updated fine. Not sure what
::::: happened.
::::: I now have 3 recommended/important updates pending. Won't go in
::::: because...Error 8000FFFF. I have done a little reading so let me
::::: recount what I've done so far.
:::::
::::: I am on the Administrator account. This is my neighbor's son's HP
::::: Turion laptop. With 2gB RaM and large dsik. Mostly uses it to
::::: play online games, Flight Sim and so forth. Son's account is
::::: Admin.
:::::
::::: Looked for the 3 registry entries everyone says turn the trick.
::::: None of the three are present not in the registry on this system
::::: therefore they are not to be found. WU launches, downloads zero
::::: and after several minutes coughs up Error 8000FFF.
:::::
::::: Uninstalled KB929777. Launch WU - runs several minutes - Still
::::: nothing but error 8000FFFF.
:::::
::::: I try to rename Software Distribution Folder in %system root% -
::::: that works. Try to rename Catroot2 so the database will rebuild.
::::: Access is denied.
::::: Even though I've taken ownership, I still get access denied.
::::: Guess I could try that in Safe Mode. I may not be doing the "take
::::: ownership" procedure right but I'm not skilled enough with Vista
::::: (yet) to tell.
:::::
::::: BITS, Win Event Log & WU services all auto all running.
:::::
::::: Now, is this related to WU's refusal? In the event log ->
::::: Application log,
::::: I have a huge number of errors stemming from Vista's Cryptographic
::::: Service malfunctioning. Here's a snip: The Cryptographic
::::: Services service failed to initialize the Catalog Database. The
::::: error was: 5 (0x5) : Access is denied. Coupled with: The
::::: Cryptographic Services service failed to initialize the Catalog
::::: Database. The ESENT error was: -528. And then: Catalog Database
::::: (1408) Catalog Database: Error -1811 (0xfffff8ed) occurred while
::::: opening logfile C:\Windows\system32\CatRoot2\edb.log. All three
::::: of these are regular occurrances, many hundreds of times since
::::: about mid Feb 09. There are so many of these, I can't count them.
::::: Is there any relationship between these errors and WU's inability
::::: to update?
:::::
::::: What's the consensus of the group? Related or not related? And,
::::: I'd like a few more ideas please on how to kick start WU to get it
::::: back on track.
:::::
::::: Keeping fingers crossed (and it's so hard to type that way...)
::::: Thanks to all.
:::
:::
::: This is from notes I gathered from MS support at some time -
:::
::: The error can occur if one of the following factor is true:
:::
::: 1. The relevant Windows Update services stop working.
:::
::: 2. The temporary folder of Windows Update has been corrupted.
:::
::: 3. Windows Update Agent does not work.
:::
::: At this time, let's try the following steps to troubleshoot the
::: issue. After completing the steps, please perform Windows Update to
::: check the result.
:::
::: Step 1: Verify the relevant Windows Update services
::: ============================
:::
::: 1. Click Start, type services.msc in the Start Search box and press
::: Enter.
:::
::: 2. In the right pane, please check whether the following three
::: services have been started:
:::
::: Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
::: Windows Event Log
::: Windows Update
:::
::: If not, please start them one by one.
:::
::: Step 2: Rename the Windows Update SoftwareDistribution folder
::: =========================================
:::
::: 1. Click Start, type notepad in Start Search box, and press Enter.
::: 2. Copy the following commands and then paste them into the open
::: Notepad window:
:::
::: net stop wuauserv
::: net stop Cryptsvc
::: ren %windir%\SoftwareDistribution SD.old
::: ren %windir%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old
::: net start wuauserv
::: net start Cryptsvc
:::
::: 3. After pasting the above commands, please close the Notepad
::: window. Choose Save when you are prompted to save the file. Type
::: "register.bat" as the file name and choose Desktop from the left
::: panel as the location.
::: 4. Refer to the Desktop, right click the register.bat file, and
::: choose Run as administrator.
::: 5. You will see a DOS-like window processing.
:::
::: Note: Please look at the cmd window and make sure it says that it
::: was successfully started. After that, please run Windows Update to
::: test the issue again.
:::
::: If the error 0x8000ffff persists when searching for updates, let's
::: reinstall Windows Update Agent 3.0.
:::
::: Step 3: Reinstall Windows Update Agent 3.0
::: ===========================
::: 1. Please download the file from the following link:
:::
::: A new version of the Windows Update Agent is available
::: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946928
:::
::: 2. Save the file to D: drive.
:::
::: Note: Please select a drive where Windows Vista was not loaded
::: because the file cannot be launched directly from the system root
::: directory.
:::
::: 3. Click Start, click Run, type: "D:\WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe
::: /wuforce" (without quotations) and then press Enter to install the
::: Windows Update engine.
:::
::: Note: There is a space between "D:\WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe" and
::: "/wuforce"
:::
:::
::: Otherwise you could try MS Support -
::: Support for Windows Update:
::: http://support.microsoft.com/gp/wusupport
:::
:::
::: --
:::
::: TaurArian [MVP] 2005-2009 - Update Services
::: http://taurarian.mvps.org
::: ======================================
::: How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
::: Disclaimer: The information has been posted "as is" with no
::: warranties
::: or guarantees and doesn't give any rights. Computer Maintenance:
::: Acronis / Diskeeper / Paragon / Raxco

OK, taking this step at a time - slowly - with purpose. Now we have an error
to look at. Step 2 - created the batch file. Launched it in a "DOS" window
so I could see it AND be able to catch any errors. Ran "Cmd Prompt" as
Administrator. First three commands are successful. The ren of catroot2
yields and "Access denied". Commands 4 & 5 complete successfully.

So I need to "take ownership" or "full control" of what - that folder, that
file? Should I execute this in Safe Mode? I don't understand why as
administrator I don't have access. but again, I'm just learning Vista. What
would you do?

Not moving any further until I hear. Wonderful of you to help out!

Hoib

"TaurArian" wrote:

> I would go through each step and then try WU after each one.
>
> If all the services are already correctly started then you can move on to
> the next step.
>
> Rename the softwaredistribution folder (don't forget to reboot) otherwise
> the folder won't be recreated properly in Vista. You'll lose your history
> but that's not important as you can always check what's installed quite
> easily in Vista.
>
> Then try WU again, if that don't work, then onto the next step.
>
> Good luck
>
>
> Hoib wrote:
> :: Tairian -
> :: Thanks for reply. I've have spent a lot of time on your site that
> :: addresses this. I'm glad to have you try to help.
> ::
> :: I want to be crystal clear so I don't mess up. Am I to go through
> :: each step and try WU after each step, or, am I to go through each in
> :: series, then try WU? I can do each of these steps no problem but I
> :: do want to make sure to follow your lead precisely.
> ::
> :: So, each step followed by a try or each step in series, then try?
> :: The first step is done, I've ensured the three critical services are
> :: started and auto-ed. I just tried WU - Error 8000FFFF although one
> :: update did try to apply (AtiveX Killbits) but only got about 1/3 of
> :: the way through.
> ::
> :: Thanks again.
> ::
> :: Hoib
> ::
> :: "TaurArian" wrote:
> ::
> ::: Hoib wrote:
> ::::: Problem with Vista and WU. You folks must be tired of this. I
> ::::: know I am.
> :::::
> ::::: Vista Home - SP1 - up until recently updated fine. Not sure what
> ::::: happened.
> ::::: I now have 3 recommended/important updates pending. Won't go in
> ::::: because...Error 8000FFFF. I have done a little reading so let me
> ::::: recount what I've done so far.
> :::::
> ::::: I am on the Administrator account. This is my neighbor's son's HP
> ::::: Turion laptop. With 2gB RaM and large dsik. Mostly uses it to
> ::::: play online games, Flight Sim and so forth. Son's account is
> ::::: Admin.
> :::::
> ::::: Looked for the 3 registry entries everyone says turn the trick.
> ::::: None of the three are present not in the registry on this system
> ::::: therefore they are not to be found. WU launches, downloads zero
> ::::: and after several minutes coughs up Error 8000FFF.
> :::::
> ::::: Uninstalled KB929777. Launch WU - runs several minutes - Still
> ::::: nothing but error 8000FFFF.
> :::::
> ::::: I try to rename Software Distribution Folder in %system root% -
> ::::: that works. Try to rename Catroot2 so the database will rebuild.
> ::::: Access is denied.
> ::::: Even though I've taken ownership, I still get access denied.
> ::::: Guess I could try that in Safe Mode. I may not be doing the "take
> ::::: ownership" procedure right but I'm not skilled enough with Vista
> ::::: (yet) to tell.
> :::::
> ::::: BITS, Win Event Log & WU services all auto all running.
> :::::
> ::::: Now, is this related to WU's refusal? In the event log ->
> ::::: Application log,
> ::::: I have a huge number of errors stemming from Vista's Cryptographic
> ::::: Service malfunctioning. Here's a snip: The Cryptographic
> ::::: Services service failed to initialize the Catalog Database. The
> ::::: error was: 5 (0x5) : Access is denied. Coupled with: The
> ::::: Cryptographic Services service failed to initialize the Catalog
> ::::: Database. The ESENT error was: -528. And then: Catalog Database
> ::::: (1408) Catalog Database: Error -1811 (0xfffff8ed) occurred while
> ::::: opening logfile C:\Windows\system32\CatRoot2\edb.log. All three
> ::::: of these are regular occurrances, many hundreds of times since
> ::::: about mid Feb 09. There are so many of these, I can't count them.
> ::::: Is there any relationship between these errors and WU's inability
> ::::: to update?
> :::::
> ::::: What's the consensus of the group? Related or not related? And,
> ::::: I'd like a few more ideas please on how to kick start WU to get it
> ::::: back on track.
> :::::
> ::::: Keeping fingers crossed (and it's so hard to type that way...)
> ::::: Thanks to all.
> :::
> :::
> ::: This is from notes I gathered from MS support at some time -
> :::
> ::: The error can occur if one of the following factor is true:
> :::
> ::: 1. The relevant Windows Update services stop working.
> :::
> ::: 2. The temporary folder of Windows Update has been corrupted.
> :::
> ::: 3. Windows Update Agent does not work.
> :::
> ::: At this time, let's try the following steps to troubleshoot the
> ::: issue. After completing the steps, please perform Windows Update to
> ::: check the result.
> :::
> ::: Step 1: Verify the relevant Windows Update services
> ::: ============================
> :::
> ::: 1. Click Start, type services.msc in the Start Search box and press
> ::: Enter.
> :::
> ::: 2. In the right pane, please check whether the following three
> ::: services have been started:
> :::
> ::: Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
> ::: Windows Event Log
> ::: Windows Update
> :::
> ::: If not, please start them one by one.
> :::
> ::: Step 2: Rename the Windows Update SoftwareDistribution folder
> ::: =========================================
> :::
> ::: 1. Click Start, type notepad in Start Search box, and press Enter.
> ::: 2. Copy the following commands and then paste them into the open
> ::: Notepad window:
> :::
> ::: net stop wuauserv
> ::: net stop Cryptsvc
> ::: ren %windir%\SoftwareDistribution SD.old
> ::: ren %windir%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old
> ::: net start wuauserv
> ::: net start Cryptsvc
> :::
> ::: 3. After pasting the above commands, please close the Notepad
> ::: window. Choose Save when you are prompted to save the file. Type
> ::: "register.bat" as the file name and choose Desktop from the left
> ::: panel as the location.
> ::: 4. Refer to the Desktop, right click the register.bat file, and
> ::: choose Run as administrator.
> ::: 5. You will see a DOS-like window processing.
> :::
> ::: Note: Please look at the cmd window and make sure it says that it
> ::: was successfully started. After that, please run Windows Update to
> ::: test the issue again.
> :::
> ::: If the error 0x8000ffff persists when searching for updates, let's
> ::: reinstall Windows Update Agent 3.0.
> :::
> ::: Step 3: Reinstall Windows Update Agent 3.0
> ::: ===========================
> ::: 1. Please download the file from the following link:
> :::
> ::: A new version of the Windows Update Agent is available
> ::: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946928
> :::
> ::: 2. Save the file to D: drive.
> :::
> ::: Note: Please select a drive where Windows Vista was not loaded
> ::: because the file cannot be launched directly from the system root
> ::: directory.
> :::
> ::: 3. Click Start, click Run, type: "D:\WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe
> ::: /wuforce" (without quotations) and then press Enter to install the
> ::: Windows Update engine.
> :::
> ::: Note: There is a space between "D:\WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe" and
> ::: "/wuforce"
> :::
> :::
> ::: Otherwise you could try MS Support -
> ::: Support for Windows Update:
> ::: http://support.microsoft.com/gp/wusupport
> :::
> :::
> ::: --
> :::
> ::: TaurArian [MVP] 2005-2009 - Update Services
> ::: http://taurarian.mvps.org
> ::: ======================================
> ::: How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
> ::: Disclaimer: The information has been posted "as is" with no
> ::: warranties
> ::: or guarantees and doesn't give any rights. Computer Maintenance:
> ::: Acronis / Diskeeper / Paragon / Raxco
>
>
>
>
>

Typo - Commands 5 & 6 not 4 & 5 completed successfully.

"Hoib" wrote:

> OK, taking this step at a time - slowly - with purpose. Now we have an error
> to look at. Step 2 - created the batch file. Launched it in a "DOS" window
> so I could see it AND be able to catch any errors. Ran "Cmd Prompt" as
> Administrator. First three commands are successful. The ren of catroot2
> yields and "Access denied". Commands 4 & 5 complete successfully.
>
> So I need to "take ownership" or "full control" of what - that folder, that
> file? Should I execute this in Safe Mode? I don't understand why as
> administrator I don't have access. but again, I'm just learning Vista. What
> would you do?
>
> Not moving any further until I hear. Wonderful of you to help out!
>
> Hoib
>
> "TaurArian" wrote:
>
> > I would go through each step and then try WU after each one.
> >
> > If all the services are already correctly started then you can move on to
> > the next step.
> >
> > Rename the softwaredistribution folder (don't forget to reboot) otherwise
> > the folder won't be recreated properly in Vista. You'll lose your history
> > but that's not important as you can always check what's installed quite
> > easily in Vista.
> >
> > Then try WU again, if that don't work, then onto the next step.
> >
> > Good luck
> >
> >
> > Hoib wrote:
> > :: Tairian -
> > :: Thanks for reply. I've have spent a lot of time on your site that
> > :: addresses this. I'm glad to have you try to help.
> > ::
> > :: I want to be crystal clear so I don't mess up. Am I to go through
> > :: each step and try WU after each step, or, am I to go through each in
> > :: series, then try WU? I can do each of these steps no problem but I
> > :: do want to make sure to follow your lead precisely.
> > ::
> > :: So, each step followed by a try or each step in series, then try?
> > :: The first step is done, I've ensured the three critical services are
> > :: started and auto-ed. I just tried WU - Error 8000FFFF although one
> > :: update did try to apply (AtiveX Killbits) but only got about 1/3 of
> > :: the way through.
> > ::
> > :: Thanks again.
> > ::
> > :: Hoib
> > ::
> > :: "TaurArian" wrote:
> > ::
> > ::: Hoib wrote:
> > ::::: Problem with Vista and WU. You folks must be tired of this. I
> > ::::: know I am.
> > :::::
> > ::::: Vista Home - SP1 - up until recently updated fine. Not sure what
> > ::::: happened.
> > ::::: I now have 3 recommended/important updates pending. Won't go in
> > ::::: because...Error 8000FFFF. I have done a little reading so let me
> > ::::: recount what I've done so far.
> > :::::
> > ::::: I am on the Administrator account. This is my neighbor's son's HP
> > ::::: Turion laptop. With 2gB RaM and large dsik. Mostly uses it to
> > ::::: play online games, Flight Sim and so forth. Son's account is
> > ::::: Admin.
> > :::::
> > ::::: Looked for the 3 registry entries everyone says turn the trick.
> > ::::: None of the three are present not in the registry on this system
> > ::::: therefore they are not to be found. WU launches, downloads zero
> > ::::: and after several minutes coughs up Error 8000FFF.
> > :::::
> > ::::: Uninstalled KB929777. Launch WU - runs several minutes - Still
> > ::::: nothing but error 8000FFFF.
> > :::::
> > ::::: I try to rename Software Distribution Folder in %system root% -
> > ::::: that works. Try to rename Catroot2 so the database will rebuild.
> > ::::: Access is denied.
> > ::::: Even though I've taken ownership, I still get access denied.
> > ::::: Guess I could try that in Safe Mode. I may not be doing the "take
> > ::::: ownership" procedure right but I'm not skilled enough with Vista
> > ::::: (yet) to tell.
> > :::::
> > ::::: BITS, Win Event Log & WU services all auto all running.
> > :::::
> > ::::: Now, is this related to WU's refusal? In the event log ->
> > ::::: Application log,
> > ::::: I have a huge number of errors stemming from Vista's Cryptographic
> > ::::: Service malfunctioning. Here's a snip: The Cryptographic
> > ::::: Services service failed to initialize the Catalog Database. The
> > ::::: error was: 5 (0x5) : Access is denied. Coupled with: The
> > ::::: Cryptographic Services service failed to initialize the Catalog
> > ::::: Database. The ESENT error was: -528. And then: Catalog Database
> > ::::: (1408) Catalog Database: Error -1811 (0xfffff8ed) occurred while
> > ::::: opening logfile C:\Windows\system32\CatRoot2\edb.log. All three
> > ::::: of these are regular occurrances, many hundreds of times since
> > ::::: about mid Feb 09. There are so many of these, I can't count them.
> > ::::: Is there any relationship between these errors and WU's inability
> > ::::: to update?
> > :::::
> > ::::: What's the consensus of the group? Related or not related? And,
> > ::::: I'd like a few more ideas please on how to kick start WU to get it
> > ::::: back on track.
> > :::::
> > ::::: Keeping fingers crossed (and it's so hard to type that way...)
> > ::::: Thanks to all.
> > :::
> > :::
> > ::: This is from notes I gathered from MS support at some time -
> > :::
> > ::: The error can occur if one of the following factor is true:
> > :::
> > ::: 1. The relevant Windows Update services stop working.
> > :::
> > ::: 2. The temporary folder of Windows Update has been corrupted.
> > :::
> > ::: 3. Windows Update Agent does not work.
> > :::
> > ::: At this time, let's try the following steps to troubleshoot the
> > ::: issue. After completing the steps, please perform Windows Update to
> > ::: check the result.
> > :::
> > ::: Step 1: Verify the relevant Windows Update services
> > ::: ============================
> > :::
> > ::: 1. Click Start, type services.msc in the Start Search box and press
> > ::: Enter.
> > :::
> > ::: 2. In the right pane, please check whether the following three
> > ::: services have been started:
> > :::
> > ::: Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
> > ::: Windows Event Log
> > ::: Windows Update
> > :::
> > ::: If not, please start them one by one.
> > :::
> > ::: Step 2: Rename the Windows Update SoftwareDistribution folder
> > ::: =========================================
> > :::
> > ::: 1. Click Start, type notepad in Start Search box, and press Enter.
> > ::: 2. Copy the following commands and then paste them into the open
> > ::: Notepad window:
> > :::
> > ::: net stop wuauserv
> > ::: net stop Cryptsvc
> > ::: ren %windir%\SoftwareDistribution SD.old
> > ::: ren %windir%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old
> > ::: net start wuauserv
> > ::: net start Cryptsvc
> > :::
> > ::: 3. After pasting the above commands, please close the Notepad
> > ::: window. Choose Save when you are prompted to save the file. Type
> > ::: "register.bat" as the file name and choose Desktop from the left
> > ::: panel as the location.
> > ::: 4. Refer to the Desktop, right click the register.bat file, and
> > ::: choose Run as administrator.
> > ::: 5. You will see a DOS-like window processing.
> > :::
> > ::: Note: Please look at the cmd window and make sure it says that it
> > ::: was successfully started. After that, please run Windows Update to
> > ::: test the issue again.
> > :::
> > ::: If the error 0x8000ffff persists when searching for updates, let's
> > ::: reinstall Windows Update Agent 3.0.
> > :::
> > ::: Step 3: Reinstall Windows Update Agent 3.0
> > ::: ===========================
> > ::: 1. Please download the file from the following link:
> > :::
> > ::: A new version of the Windows Update Agent is available
> > ::: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946928
> > :::
> > ::: 2. Save the file to D: drive.
> > :::
> > ::: Note: Please select a drive where Windows Vista was not loaded
> > ::: because the file cannot be launched directly from the system root
> > ::: directory.
> > :::
> > ::: 3. Click Start, click Run, type: "D:\WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe
> > ::: /wuforce" (without quotations) and then press Enter to install the
> > ::: Windows Update engine.
> > :::
> > ::: Note: There is a space between "D:\WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe" and
> > ::: "/wuforce"
> > :::
> > :::
> > ::: Otherwise you could try MS Support -
> > ::: Support for Windows Update:
> > ::: http://support.microsoft.com/gp/wusupport
> > :::
> > :::
> > ::: --
> > :::
> > ::: TaurArian [MVP] 2005-2009 - Update Services
> > ::: http://taurarian.mvps.org
> > ::: ======================================
> > ::: How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
> > ::: Disclaimer: The information has been posted "as is" with no
> > ::: warranties
> > ::: or guarantees and doesn't give any rights. Computer Maintenance:
> > ::: Acronis / Diskeeper / Paragon / Raxco
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >

Try manually doing the commands from the Command prompt

Click Start, in the Start Search box, type command. A list of of matches
will appear above. Right-click Command Prompt in Programs list, and then
click Run as administrator. You will likely be prompted for an administrator
confirmation, or a password. Type your password or click Continue.

Type in the following -

net stop Cryptsvc
ren %windir%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start Cryptsvc

Naturally press enter after each line.



Hoib wrote:
:: Typo - Commands 5 & 6 not 4 & 5 completed successfully.
::
:: "Hoib" wrote:
::
::: OK, taking this step at a time - slowly - with purpose. Now we
::: have an error to look at. Step 2 - created the batch file.
::: Launched it in a "DOS" window so I could see it AND be able to
::: catch any errors. Ran "Cmd Prompt" as Administrator. First three
::: commands are successful. The ren of catroot2 yields and "Access
::: denied". Commands 4 & 5 complete successfully.
:::
::: So I need to "take ownership" or "full control" of what - that
::: folder, that file? Should I execute this in Safe Mode? I don't
::: understand why as administrator I don't have access. but again,
::: I'm just learning Vista. What would you do?
:::
::: Not moving any further until I hear. Wonderful of you to help out!
:::
::: Hoib
:::
::: "TaurArian" wrote:
:::
:::: I would go through each step and then try WU after each one.
::::
:::: If all the services are already correctly started then you can
:::: move on to the next step.
::::
:::: Rename the softwaredistribution folder (don't forget to reboot)
:::: otherwise the folder won't be recreated properly in Vista. You'll
:::: lose your history but that's not important as you can always check
:::: what's installed quite easily in Vista.
::::
:::: Then try WU again, if that don't work, then onto the next step.
::::
:::: Good luck
::::
::::
:::: Hoib wrote:
:::::: Tairian -
:::::: Thanks for reply. I've have spent a lot of time on your site
:::::: that addresses this. I'm glad to have you try to help.
::::::
:::::: I want to be crystal clear so I don't mess up. Am I to go
:::::: through each step and try WU after each step, or, am I to go
:::::: through each in series, then try WU? I can do each of these
:::::: steps no problem but I do want to make sure to follow your lead
:::::: precisely.
::::::
:::::: So, each step followed by a try or each step in series, then try?
:::::: The first step is done, I've ensured the three critical services
:::::: are started and auto-ed. I just tried WU - Error 8000FFFF
:::::: although one update did try to apply (AtiveX Killbits) but only
:::::: got about 1/3 of the way through.
::::::
:::::: Thanks again.
::::::
:::::: Hoib
::::::
:::::: "TaurArian" wrote:
::::::
::::::: Hoib wrote:
::::::::: Problem with Vista and WU. You folks must be tired of this.
::::::::: I know I am.
:::::::::
::::::::: Vista Home - SP1 - up until recently updated fine. Not sure
::::::::: what happened.
::::::::: I now have 3 recommended/important updates pending. Won't go
::::::::: in because...Error 8000FFFF. I have done a little reading so
::::::::: let me recount what I've done so far.
:::::::::
::::::::: I am on the Administrator account. This is my neighbor's
::::::::: son's HP Turion laptop. With 2gB RaM and large dsik. Mostly
::::::::: uses it to play online games, Flight Sim and so forth. Son's
::::::::: account is Admin.
:::::::::
::::::::: Looked for the 3 registry entries everyone says turn the
::::::::: trick. None of the three are present not in the registry on
::::::::: this system therefore they are not to be found. WU launches,
::::::::: downloads zero and after several minutes coughs up Error
::::::::: 8000FFF.
:::::::::
::::::::: Uninstalled KB929777. Launch WU - runs several minutes -
::::::::: Still nothing but error 8000FFFF.
:::::::::
::::::::: I try to rename Software Distribution Folder in %system root%
::::::::: - that works. Try to rename Catroot2 so the database will
::::::::: rebuild. Access is denied.
::::::::: Even though I've taken ownership, I still get access denied.
::::::::: Guess I could try that in Safe Mode. I may not be doing the
::::::::: "take ownership" procedure right but I'm not skilled enough
::::::::: with Vista (yet) to tell.
:::::::::
::::::::: BITS, Win Event Log & WU services all auto all running.
:::::::::
::::::::: Now, is this related to WU's refusal? In the event log ->
::::::::: Application log,
::::::::: I have a huge number of errors stemming from Vista's
::::::::: Cryptographic Service malfunctioning. Here's a snip: The
::::::::: Cryptographic Services service failed to initialize the
::::::::: Catalog Database. The error was: 5 (0x5) : Access is denied.
::::::::: Coupled with: The Cryptographic Services service failed to
::::::::: initialize the Catalog Database. The ESENT error was: -528.
::::::::: And then: Catalog Database (1408) Catalog Database: Error
::::::::: -1811 (0xfffff8ed) occurred while opening logfile
::::::::: C:\Windows\system32\CatRoot2\edb.log. All three of these are
::::::::: regular occurrances, many hundreds of times since about mid
::::::::: Feb 09. There are so many of these, I can't count them. Is
::::::::: there any relationship between these errors and WU's
::::::::: inability to update?
:::::::::
::::::::: What's the consensus of the group? Related or not related?
::::::::: And, I'd like a few more ideas please on how to kick start WU
::::::::: to get it back on track.
:::::::::
::::::::: Keeping fingers crossed (and it's so hard to type that way...)
::::::::: Thanks to all.
:::::::
:::::::
::::::: This is from notes I gathered from MS support at some time -
:::::::
::::::: The error can occur if one of the following factor is true:
:::::::
::::::: 1. The relevant Windows Update services stop working.
:::::::
::::::: 2. The temporary folder of Windows Update has been corrupted.
:::::::
::::::: 3. Windows Update Agent does not work.
:::::::
::::::: At this time, let's try the following steps to troubleshoot the
::::::: issue. After completing the steps, please perform Windows
::::::: Update to check the result.
:::::::
::::::: Step 1: Verify the relevant Windows Update services
::::::: ============================
:::::::
::::::: 1. Click Start, type services.msc in the Start Search box and
::::::: press Enter.
:::::::
::::::: 2. In the right pane, please check whether the following three
::::::: services have been started:
:::::::
::::::: Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
::::::: Windows Event Log
::::::: Windows Update
:::::::
::::::: If not, please start them one by one.
:::::::
::::::: Step 2: Rename the Windows Update SoftwareDistribution folder
::::::: =========================================
:::::::
::::::: 1. Click Start, type notepad in Start Search box, and press
::::::: Enter.
::::::: 2. Copy the following commands and then paste them into the open
::::::: Notepad window:
:::::::
::::::: net stop wuauserv
::::::: net stop Cryptsvc
::::::: ren %windir%\SoftwareDistribution SD.old
::::::: ren %windir%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old
::::::: net start wuauserv
::::::: net start Cryptsvc
:::::::
::::::: 3. After pasting the above commands, please close the Notepad
::::::: window. Choose Save when you are prompted to save the file. Type
::::::: "register.bat" as the file name and choose Desktop from the left
::::::: panel as the location.
::::::: 4. Refer to the Desktop, right click the register.bat file, and
::::::: choose Run as administrator.
::::::: 5. You will see a DOS-like window processing.
:::::::
::::::: Note: Please look at the cmd window and make sure it says that
::::::: it was successfully started. After that, please run Windows
::::::: Update to test the issue again.
:::::::
::::::: If the error 0x8000ffff persists when searching for updates,
::::::: let's reinstall Windows Update Agent 3.0.
:::::::
::::::: Step 3: Reinstall Windows Update Agent 3.0
::::::: ===========================
::::::: 1. Please download the file from the following link:
:::::::
::::::: A new version of the Windows Update Agent is available
::::::: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946928
:::::::
::::::: 2. Save the file to D: drive.
:::::::
::::::: Note: Please select a drive where Windows Vista was not loaded
::::::: because the file cannot be launched directly from the system
::::::: root directory.
:::::::
::::::: 3. Click Start, click Run, type:
::::::: "D:\WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe /wuforce" (without quotations)
::::::: and then press Enter to install the Windows Update engine.
:::::::
::::::: Note: There is a space between
::::::: "D:\WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe" and "/wuforce"
:::::::
:::::::
::::::: Otherwise you could try MS Support -
::::::: Support for Windows Update:
::::::: http://support.microsoft.com/gp/wusupport
:::::::
:::::::
::::::: --
:::::::
::::::: TaurArian [MVP] 2005-2009 - Update Services
::::::: http://taurarian.mvps.org
::::::: ======================================
::::::: How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
::::::: Disclaimer: The information has been posted "as is" with no
::::::: warranties
::::::: or guarantees and doesn't give any rights. Computer Maintenance:
::::::: Acronis / Diskeeper / Paragon / Raxco

I just manually tried it myself on this Vista machine and I had no problems
manually renaming the catroot2 folder and rebooted.
Hope it works for you
K


"TaurArian" <> wrote in message
news:...
> Try manually doing the commands from the Command prompt
>
> Click Start, in the Start Search box, type command. A list of of matches
> will appear above. Right-click Command Prompt in Programs list, and then
> click Run as administrator. You will likely be prompted for an
> administrator confirmation, or a password. Type your password or click
> Continue.
>
> Type in the following -
>
> net stop Cryptsvc
> ren %windir%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old
> net start Cryptsvc
>
> Naturally press enter after each line.
>
>
>
> Hoib wrote:
> :: Typo - Commands 5 & 6 not 4 & 5 completed successfully.
> ::
> :: "Hoib" wrote:
> ::
> ::: OK, taking this step at a time - slowly - with purpose. Now we
> ::: have an error to look at. Step 2 - created the batch file.
> ::: Launched it in a "DOS" window so I could see it AND be able to
> ::: catch any errors. Ran "Cmd Prompt" as Administrator. First three
> ::: commands are successful. The ren of catroot2 yields and "Access
> ::: denied". Commands 4 & 5 complete successfully.
> :::
> ::: So I need to "take ownership" or "full control" of what - that
> ::: folder, that file? Should I execute this in Safe Mode? I don't
> ::: understand why as administrator I don't have access. but again,
> ::: I'm just learning Vista. What would you do?
> :::
> ::: Not moving any further until I hear. Wonderful of you to help out!
> :::
> ::: Hoib
> :::
> ::: "TaurArian" wrote:
> :::
> :::: I would go through each step and then try WU after each one.
> ::::
> :::: If all the services are already correctly started then you can
> :::: move on to the next step.
> ::::
> :::: Rename the softwaredistribution folder (don't forget to reboot)
> :::: otherwise the folder won't be recreated properly in Vista. You'll
> :::: lose your history but that's not important as you can always check
> :::: what's installed quite easily in Vista.
> ::::
> :::: Then try WU again, if that don't work, then onto the next step.
> ::::
> :::: Good luck
> ::::
> ::::
> :::: Hoib wrote:
> :::::: Tairian -
> :::::: Thanks for reply. I've have spent a lot of time on your site
> :::::: that addresses this. I'm glad to have you try to help.
> ::::::
> :::::: I want to be crystal clear so I don't mess up. Am I to go
> :::::: through each step and try WU after each step, or, am I to go
> :::::: through each in series, then try WU? I can do each of these
> :::::: steps no problem but I do want to make sure to follow your lead
> :::::: precisely.
> ::::::
> :::::: So, each step followed by a try or each step in series, then try?
> :::::: The first step is done, I've ensured the three critical services
> :::::: are started and auto-ed. I just tried WU - Error 8000FFFF
> :::::: although one update did try to apply (AtiveX Killbits) but only
> :::::: got about 1/3 of the way through.
> ::::::
> :::::: Thanks again.
> ::::::
> :::::: Hoib
> ::::::
> :::::: "TaurArian" wrote:
> ::::::
> ::::::: Hoib wrote:
> ::::::::: Problem with Vista and WU. You folks must be tired of this.
> ::::::::: I know I am.
> :::::::::
> ::::::::: Vista Home - SP1 - up until recently updated fine. Not sure
> ::::::::: what happened.
> ::::::::: I now have 3 recommended/important updates pending. Won't go
> ::::::::: in because...Error 8000FFFF. I have done a little reading so
> ::::::::: let me recount what I've done so far.
> :::::::::
> ::::::::: I am on the Administrator account. This is my neighbor's
> ::::::::: son's HP Turion laptop. With 2gB RaM and large dsik. Mostly
> ::::::::: uses it to play online games, Flight Sim and so forth. Son's
> ::::::::: account is Admin.
> :::::::::
> ::::::::: Looked for the 3 registry entries everyone says turn the
> ::::::::: trick. None of the three are present not in the registry on
> ::::::::: this system therefore they are not to be found. WU launches,
> ::::::::: downloads zero and after several minutes coughs up Error
> ::::::::: 8000FFF.
> :::::::::
> ::::::::: Uninstalled KB929777. Launch WU - runs several minutes -
> ::::::::: Still nothing but error 8000FFFF.
> :::::::::
> ::::::::: I try to rename Software Distribution Folder in %system root%
> ::::::::: - that works. Try to rename Catroot2 so the database will
> ::::::::: rebuild. Access is denied.
> ::::::::: Even though I've taken ownership, I still get access denied.
> ::::::::: Guess I could try that in Safe Mode. I may not be doing the
> ::::::::: "take ownership" procedure right but I'm not skilled enough
> ::::::::: with Vista (yet) to tell.
> :::::::::
> ::::::::: BITS, Win Event Log & WU services all auto all running.
> :::::::::
> ::::::::: Now, is this related to WU's refusal? In the event log ->
> ::::::::: Application log,
> ::::::::: I have a huge number of errors stemming from Vista's
> ::::::::: Cryptographic Service malfunctioning. Here's a snip: The
> ::::::::: Cryptographic Services service failed to initialize the
> ::::::::: Catalog Database. The error was: 5 (0x5) : Access is denied.
> ::::::::: Coupled with: The Cryptographic Services service failed to
> ::::::::: initialize the Catalog Database. The ESENT error was: -528.
> ::::::::: And then: Catalog Database (1408) Catalog Database: Error
> ::::::::: -1811 (0xfffff8ed) occurred while opening logfile
> ::::::::: C:\Windows\system32\CatRoot2\edb.log. All three of these are
> ::::::::: regular occurrances, many hundreds of times since about mid
> ::::::::: Feb 09. There are so many of these, I can't count them. Is
> ::::::::: there any relationship between these errors and WU's
> ::::::::: inability to update?
> :::::::::
> ::::::::: What's the consensus of the group? Related or not related?
> ::::::::: And, I'd like a few more ideas please on how to kick start WU
> ::::::::: to get it back on track.
> :::::::::
> ::::::::: Keeping fingers crossed (and it's so hard to type that way...)
> ::::::::: Thanks to all.
> :::::::
> :::::::
> ::::::: This is from notes I gathered from MS support at some time -
> :::::::
> ::::::: The error can occur if one of the following factor is true:
> :::::::
> ::::::: 1. The relevant Windows Update services stop working.
> :::::::
> ::::::: 2. The temporary folder of Windows Update has been corrupted.
> :::::::
> ::::::: 3. Windows Update Agent does not work.
> :::::::
> ::::::: At this time, let's try the following steps to troubleshoot the
> ::::::: issue. After completing the steps, please perform Windows
> ::::::: Update to check the result.
> :::::::
> ::::::: Step 1: Verify the relevant Windows Update services
> ::::::: ============================
> :::::::
> ::::::: 1. Click Start, type services.msc in the Start Search box and
> ::::::: press Enter.
> :::::::
> ::::::: 2. In the right pane, please check whether the following three
> ::::::: services have been started:
> :::::::
> ::::::: Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
> ::::::: Windows Event Log
> ::::::: Windows Update
> :::::::
> ::::::: If not, please start them one by one.
> :::::::
> ::::::: Step 2: Rename the Windows Update SoftwareDistribution folder
> ::::::: =========================================
> :::::::
> ::::::: 1. Click Start, type notepad in Start Search box, and press
> ::::::: Enter.
> ::::::: 2. Copy the following commands and then paste them into the open
> ::::::: Notepad window:
> :::::::
> ::::::: net stop wuauserv
> ::::::: net stop Cryptsvc
> ::::::: ren %windir%\SoftwareDistribution SD.old
> ::::::: ren %windir%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old
> ::::::: net start wuauserv
> ::::::: net start Cryptsvc
> :::::::
> ::::::: 3. After pasting the above commands, please close the Notepad
> ::::::: window. Choose Save when you are prompted to save the file. Type
> ::::::: "register.bat" as the file name and choose Desktop from the left
> ::::::: panel as the location.
> ::::::: 4. Refer to the Desktop, right click the register.bat file, and
> ::::::: choose Run as administrator.
> ::::::: 5. You will see a DOS-like window processing.
> :::::::
> ::::::: Note: Please look at the cmd window and make sure it says that
> ::::::: it was successfully started. After that, please run Windows
> ::::::: Update to test the issue again.
> :::::::
> ::::::: If the error 0x8000ffff persists when searching for updates,
> ::::::: let's reinstall Windows Update Agent 3.0.
> :::::::
> ::::::: Step 3: Reinstall Windows Update Agent 3.0
> ::::::: ===========================
> ::::::: 1. Please download the file from the following link:
> :::::::
> ::::::: A new version of the Windows Update Agent is available
> ::::::: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946928
> :::::::
> ::::::: 2. Save the file to D: drive.
> :::::::
> ::::::: Note: Please select a drive where Windows Vista was not loaded
> ::::::: because the file cannot be launched directly from the system
> ::::::: root directory.
> :::::::
> ::::::: 3. Click Start, click Run, type:
> ::::::: "D:\WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe /wuforce" (without quotations)
> ::::::: and then press Enter to install the Windows Update engine.
> :::::::
> ::::::: Note: There is a space between
> ::::::: "D:\WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe" and "/wuforce"
> :::::::
> :::::::
> ::::::: Otherwise you could try MS Support -
> ::::::: Support for Windows Update:
> ::::::: http://support.microsoft.com/gp/wusupport
> :::::::
> :::::::
> ::::::: --
> :::::::
> ::::::: TaurArian [MVP] 2005-2009 - Update Services
> ::::::: http://taurarian.mvps.org
> ::::::: ======================================
> ::::::: How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
> ::::::: Disclaimer: The information has been posted "as is" with no
> ::::::: warranties
> ::::::: or guarantees and doesn't give any rights. Computer Maintenance:
> ::::::: Acronis / Diskeeper / Paragon / Raxco
>
>
>
>

OK, I've returned with some good news!

I now have the 4 updates updated and installed. I went to SafeMode and
ran the bat. This method did successfully rename catroot2. After the 4
updates applied the update to SP1 was revealed. I installed that with no
problem. After that one got on, and a reboot, I was presented with an update
to address KB960544. Clicked on that one. I'm now sitting here with update
to KB960544 which will not go on. Generates error 80073712 which is another
cryptic rendering for Vista.

Boy, this updating is messed up (looking at all the other problems floating
through the forum here. It's a complicated system.)

Anyway, can we work our way through this one?

Hoib




"TaurArian" wrote:

> Try manually doing the commands from the Command prompt
>
> Click Start, in the Start Search box, type command. A list of of matches
> will appear above. Right-click Command Prompt in Programs list, and then
> click Run as administrator. You will likely be prompted for an administrator
> confirmation, or a password. Type your password or click Continue.
>
> Type in the following -
>
> net stop Cryptsvc
> ren %windir%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old
> net start Cryptsvc
>
> Naturally press enter after each line.
>
>
>
> Hoib wrote:
> :: Typo - Commands 5 & 6 not 4 & 5 completed successfully.
> ::
> :: "Hoib" wrote:
> ::
> ::: OK, taking this step at a time - slowly - with purpose. Now we
> ::: have an error to look at. Step 2 - created the batch file.
> ::: Launched it in a "DOS" window so I could see it AND be able to
> ::: catch any errors. Ran "Cmd Prompt" as Administrator. First three
> ::: commands are successful. The ren of catroot2 yields and "Access
> ::: denied". Commands 4 & 5 complete successfully.
> :::
> ::: So I need to "take ownership" or "full control" of what - that
> ::: folder, that file? Should I execute this in Safe Mode? I don't
> ::: understand why as administrator I don't have access. but again,
> ::: I'm just learning Vista. What would you do?
> :::
> ::: Not moving any further until I hear. Wonderful of you to help out!
> :::
> ::: Hoib
> :::
> ::: "TaurArian" wrote:
> :::
> :::: I would go through each step and then try WU after each one.
> ::::
> :::: If all the services are already correctly started then you can
> :::: move on to the next step.
> ::::
> :::: Rename the softwaredistribution folder (don't forget to reboot)
> :::: otherwise the folder won't be recreated properly in Vista. You'll
> :::: lose your history but that's not important as you can always check
> :::: what's installed quite easily in Vista.
> ::::
> :::: Then try WU again, if that don't work, then onto the next step.
> ::::
> :::: Good luck
> ::::
> ::::
> :::: Hoib wrote:
> :::::: Tairian -
> :::::: Thanks for reply. I've have spent a lot of time on your site
> :::::: that addresses this. I'm glad to have you try to help.
> ::::::
> :::::: I want to be crystal clear so I don't mess up. Am I to go
> :::::: through each step and try WU after each step, or, am I to go
> :::::: through each in series, then try WU? I can do each of these
> :::::: steps no problem but I do want to make sure to follow your lead
> :::::: precisely.
> ::::::
> :::::: So, each step followed by a try or each step in series, then try?
> :::::: The first step is done, I've ensured the three critical services
> :::::: are started and auto-ed. I just tried WU - Error 8000FFFF
> :::::: although one update did try to apply (AtiveX Killbits) but only
> :::::: got about 1/3 of the way through.
> ::::::
> :::::: Thanks again.
> ::::::
> :::::: Hoib
> ::::::
> :::::: "TaurArian" wrote:
> ::::::
> ::::::: Hoib wrote:
> ::::::::: Problem with Vista and WU. You folks must be tired of this.
> ::::::::: I know I am.
> :::::::::
> ::::::::: Vista Home - SP1 - up until recently updated fine. Not sure
> ::::::::: what happened.
> ::::::::: I now have 3 recommended/important updates pending. Won't go
> ::::::::: in because...Error 8000FFFF. I have done a little reading so
> ::::::::: let me recount what I've done so far.
> :::::::::
> ::::::::: I am on the Administrator account. This is my neighbor's
> ::::::::: son's HP Turion laptop. With 2gB RaM and large dsik. Mostly
> ::::::::: uses it to play online games, Flight Sim and so forth. Son's
> ::::::::: account is Admin.
> :::::::::
> ::::::::: Looked for the 3 registry entries everyone says turn the
> ::::::::: trick. None of the three are present not in the registry on
> ::::::::: this system therefore they are not to be found. WU launches,
> ::::::::: downloads zero and after several minutes coughs up Error
> ::::::::: 8000FFF.
> :::::::::
> ::::::::: Uninstalled KB929777. Launch WU - runs several minutes -
> ::::::::: Still nothing but error 8000FFFF.
> :::::::::
> ::::::::: I try to rename Software Distribution Folder in %system root%
> ::::::::: - that works. Try to rename Catroot2 so the database will
> ::::::::: rebuild. Access is denied.
> ::::::::: Even though I've taken ownership, I still get access denied.
> ::::::::: Guess I could try that in Safe Mode. I may not be doing the
> ::::::::: "take ownership" procedure right but I'm not skilled enough
> ::::::::: with Vista (yet) to tell.
> :::::::::
> ::::::::: BITS, Win Event Log & WU services all auto all running.
> :::::::::
> ::::::::: Now, is this related to WU's refusal? In the event log ->
> ::::::::: Application log,
> ::::::::: I have a huge number of errors stemming from Vista's
> ::::::::: Cryptographic Service malfunctioning. Here's a snip: The
> ::::::::: Cryptographic Services service failed to initialize the
> ::::::::: Catalog Database. The error was: 5 (0x5) : Access is denied.
> ::::::::: Coupled with: The Cryptographic Services service failed to
> ::::::::: initialize the Catalog Database. The ESENT error was: -528.
> ::::::::: And then: Catalog Database (1408) Catalog Database: Error
> ::::::::: -1811 (0xfffff8ed) occurred while opening logfile
> ::::::::: C:\Windows\system32\CatRoot2\edb.log. All three of these are
> ::::::::: regular occurrances, many hundreds of times since about mid
> ::::::::: Feb 09. There are so many of these, I can't count them. Is
> ::::::::: there any relationship between these errors and WU's
> ::::::::: inability to update?
> :::::::::
> ::::::::: What's the consensus of the group? Related or not related?
> ::::::::: And, I'd like a few more ideas please on how to kick start WU
> ::::::::: to get it back on track.
> :::::::::
> ::::::::: Keeping fingers crossed (and it's so hard to type that way...)
> ::::::::: Thanks to all.
> :::::::
> :::::::
> ::::::: This is from notes I gathered from MS support at some time -
> :::::::
> ::::::: The error can occur if one of the following factor is true:
> :::::::
> ::::::: 1. The relevant Windows Update services stop working.
> :::::::
> ::::::: 2. The temporary folder of Windows Update has been corrupted.
> :::::::
> ::::::: 3. Windows Update Agent does not work.
> :::::::
> ::::::: At this time, let's try the following steps to troubleshoot the
> ::::::: issue. After completing the steps, please perform Windows
> ::::::: Update to check the result.
> :::::::
> ::::::: Step 1: Verify the relevant Windows Update services
> ::::::: ============================
> :::::::
> ::::::: 1. Click Start, type services.msc in the Start Search box and
> ::::::: press Enter.
> :::::::
> ::::::: 2. In the right pane, please check whether the following three
> ::::::: services have been started:
> :::::::
> ::::::: Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
> ::::::: Windows Event Log
> ::::::: Windows Update
> :::::::
> ::::::: If not, please start them one by one.
> :::::::
> ::::::: Step 2: Rename the Windows Update SoftwareDistribution folder
> ::::::: =========================================
> :::::::
> ::::::: 1. Click Start, type notepad in Start Search box, and press
> ::::::: Enter.
> ::::::: 2. Copy the following commands and then paste them into the open
> ::::::: Notepad window:
> :::::::
> ::::::: net stop wuauserv
> ::::::: net stop Cryptsvc
> ::::::: ren %windir%\SoftwareDistribution SD.old
> ::::::: ren %windir%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old
> ::::::: net start wuauserv
> ::::::: net start Cryptsvc
> :::::::
> ::::::: 3. After pasting the above commands, please close the Notepad
> ::::::: window. Choose Save when you are prompted to save the file. Type
> ::::::: "register.bat" as the file name and choose Desktop from the left
> ::::::: panel as the location.
> ::::::: 4. Refer to the Desktop, right click the register.bat file, and
> ::::::: choose Run as administrator.
> ::::::: 5. You will see a DOS-like window processing.
> :::::::
> ::::::: Note: Please look at the cmd window and make sure it says that
> ::::::: it was successfully started. After that, please run Windows
> ::::::: Update to test the issue again.
> :::::::
> ::::::: If the error 0x8000ffff persists when searching for updates,
> ::::::: let's reinstall Windows Update Agent 3.0.
> :::::::
> ::::::: Step 3: Reinstall Windows Update Agent 3.0
> ::::::: ===========================
> ::::::: 1. Please download the file from the following link:
> :::::::
> ::::::: A new version of the Windows Update Agent is available
> ::::::: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946928
> :::::::
> ::::::: 2. Save the file to D: drive.
> :::::::
> ::::::: Note: Please select a drive where Windows Vista was not loaded
> ::::::: because the file cannot be launched directly from the system
> ::::::: root directory.
> :::::::
> ::::::: 3. Click Start, click Run, type:
> ::::::: "D:\WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe /wuforce" (without quotations)
> ::::::: and then press Enter to install the Windows Update engine.
> :::::::
> ::::::: Note: There is a space between
> ::::::: "D:\WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe" and "/wuforce"
> :::::::
> :::::::
> ::::::: Otherwise you could try MS Support -
> ::::::: Support for Windows Update:
> ::::::: http://support.microsoft.com/gp/wusupport
> :::::::
> :::::::
> ::::::: --
> :::::::
> ::::::: TaurArian [MVP] 2005-2009 - Update Services
> ::::::: http://taurarian.mvps.org
> ::::::: ======================================
> ::::::: How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
> ::::::: Disclaimer: The information has been posted "as is" with no
> ::::::: warranties
> ::::::: or guarantees and doesn't give any rights. Computer Maintenance:
> ::::::: Acronis / Diskeeper / Paragon / Raxco
>
>
>
>
>

You could try reinstalling the WU Agent and then see if the update
nstalls -
Step 3: Reinstall Windows Update Agent 3.0
:::::::::: ===========================
:::::::::: 1. Please download the file from the following link:
::::::::::
:::::::::: A new version of the Windows Update Agent is available
:::::::::: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946928
::::::::::
:::::::::: 2. Save the file to D: drive.
::::::::::
:::::::::: Note: Please select a drive where Windows Vista was not
:::::::::: loaded because the file cannot be launched directly from the
:::::::::: system root directory.
::::::::::
:::::::::: 3. Click Start, click Run, type:
:::::::::: "D:\WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe /wuforce" (without
:::::::::: quotations) and then press Enter to install the Windows
:::::::::: Update engine.
::::::::::
:::::::::: Note: There is a space between
:::::::::: "D:\WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe" and "/wuforce"


If that don't work - You may have to do a repair install unfortunately -
note if you've installed SP1 already, you'll have to uninstall it in order
to do the repair install (upgrade) otherwise you'll get another error.

Error message when you try to install updates from the Windows Update or
Microsoft Update Web site: "0x80073712"
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/957310

80073712 - ERROR_SXS_COMPONENT_STORE_CORRUPT.


Hoib wrote:
:: OK, I've returned with some good news!
::
:: I now have the 4 updates updated and installed. I went to
:: SafeMode and ran the bat. This method did successfully rename
:: catroot2. After the 4 updates applied the update to SP1 was
:: revealed. I installed that with no problem. After that one got on,
:: and a reboot, I was presented with an update to address KB960544.
:: Clicked on that one. I'm now sitting here with update to KB960544
:: which will not go on. Generates error 80073712 which is another
:: cryptic rendering for Vista.
::
:: Boy, this updating is messed up (looking at all the other problems
:: floating through the forum here. It's a complicated system.)
::
:: Anyway, can we work our way through this one?
::
:: Hoib
::
::
::
::
:: "TaurArian" wrote:
::
::: Try manually doing the commands from the Command prompt
:::
::: Click Start, in the Start Search box, type command. A list of of
::: matches will appear above. Right-click Command Prompt in Programs
::: list, and then click Run as administrator. You will likely be
::: prompted for an administrator confirmation, or a password. Type
::: your password or click Continue.
:::
::: Type in the following -
:::
::: net stop Cryptsvc
::: ren %windir%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old
::: net start Cryptsvc
:::
::: Naturally press enter after each line.
:::
:::
:::
::: Hoib wrote:
::::: Typo - Commands 5 & 6 not 4 & 5 completed successfully.
:::::
::::: "Hoib" wrote:
:::::
:::::: OK, taking this step at a time - slowly - with purpose. Now we
:::::: have an error to look at. Step 2 - created the batch file.
:::::: Launched it in a "DOS" window so I could see it AND be able to
:::::: catch any errors. Ran "Cmd Prompt" as Administrator. First
:::::: three commands are successful. The ren of catroot2 yields and
:::::: "Access denied". Commands 4 & 5 complete successfully.
::::::
:::::: So I need to "take ownership" or "full control" of what - that
:::::: folder, that file? Should I execute this in Safe Mode? I don't
:::::: understand why as administrator I don't have access. but again,
:::::: I'm just learning Vista. What would you do?
::::::
:::::: Not moving any further until I hear. Wonderful of you to help
:::::: out!
::::::
:::::: Hoib
::::::
:::::: "TaurArian" wrote:
::::::
::::::: I would go through each step and then try WU after each one.
:::::::
::::::: If all the services are already correctly started then you can
::::::: move on to the next step.
:::::::
::::::: Rename the softwaredistribution folder (don't forget to reboot)
::::::: otherwise the folder won't be recreated properly in Vista.
::::::: You'll lose your history but that's not important as you can
::::::: always check what's installed quite easily in Vista.
:::::::
::::::: Then try WU again, if that don't work, then onto the next step.
:::::::
::::::: Good luck
:::::::
:::::::
::::::: Hoib wrote:
::::::::: Tairian -
::::::::: Thanks for reply. I've have spent a lot of time on your site
::::::::: that addresses this. I'm glad to have you try to help.
:::::::::
::::::::: I want to be crystal clear so I don't mess up. Am I to go
::::::::: through each step and try WU after each step, or, am I to go
::::::::: through each in series, then try WU? I can do each of these
::::::::: steps no problem but I do want to make sure to follow your
::::::::: lead precisely.
:::::::::
::::::::: So, each step followed by a try or each step in series, then
::::::::: try? The first step is done, I've ensured the three critical
::::::::: services are started and auto-ed. I just tried WU - Error
::::::::: 8000FFFF although one update did try to apply (AtiveX
::::::::: Killbits) but only got about 1/3 of the way through.
:::::::::
::::::::: Thanks again.
:::::::::
::::::::: Hoib
:::::::::
::::::::: "TaurArian" wrote:
:::::::::
:::::::::: Hoib wrote:
:::::::::::: Problem with Vista and WU. You folks must be tired of
:::::::::::: this. I know I am.
::::::::::::
:::::::::::: Vista Home - SP1 - up until recently updated fine. Not
:::::::::::: sure what happened.
:::::::::::: I now have 3 recommended/important updates pending. Won't
:::::::::::: go in because...Error 8000FFFF. I have done a little
:::::::::::: reading so let me recount what I've done so far.
::::::::::::
:::::::::::: I am on the Administrator account. This is my neighbor's
:::::::::::: son's HP Turion laptop. With 2gB RaM and large dsik.
:::::::::::: Mostly uses it to play online games, Flight Sim and so
:::::::::::: forth. Son's account is Admin.
::::::::::::
:::::::::::: Looked for the 3 registry entries everyone says turn the
:::::::::::: trick. None of the three are present not in the registry on
:::::::::::: this system therefore they are not to be found. WU
:::::::::::: launches, downloads zero and after several minutes coughs
:::::::::::: up Error 8000FFF.
::::::::::::
:::::::::::: Uninstalled KB929777. Launch WU - runs several minutes -
:::::::::::: Still nothing but error 8000FFFF.
::::::::::::
:::::::::::: I try to rename Software Distribution Folder in %system
:::::::::::: root% - that works. Try to rename Catroot2 so the database
:::::::::::: will rebuild. Access is denied.
:::::::::::: Even though I've taken ownership, I still get access
:::::::::::: denied. Guess I could try that in Safe Mode. I may not be
:::::::::::: doing the "take ownership" procedure right but I'm not
:::::::::::: skilled enough with Vista (yet) to tell.
::::::::::::
:::::::::::: BITS, Win Event Log & WU services all auto all running.
::::::::::::
:::::::::::: Now, is this related to WU's refusal? In the event log ->
:::::::::::: Application log,
:::::::::::: I have a huge number of errors stemming from Vista's
:::::::::::: Cryptographic Service malfunctioning. Here's a snip: The
:::::::::::: Cryptographic Services service failed to initialize the
:::::::::::: Catalog Database. The error was: 5 (0x5) : Access is
:::::::::::: denied. Coupled with: The Cryptographic Services service
:::::::::::: failed to initialize the Catalog Database. The ESENT error
:::::::::::: was: -528. And then: Catalog Database (1408) Catalog
:::::::::::: Database: Error -1811 (0xfffff8ed) occurred while opening
:::::::::::: logfile C:\Windows\system32\CatRoot2\edb.log. All three
:::::::::::: of these are regular occurrances, many hundreds of times
:::::::::::: since about mid Feb 09. There are so many of these, I
:::::::::::: can't count them. Is there any relationship between these
:::::::::::: errors and WU's inability to update?
::::::::::::
:::::::::::: What's the consensus of the group? Related or not related?
:::::::::::: And, I'd like a few more ideas please on how to kick start
:::::::::::: WU to get it back on track.
::::::::::::
:::::::::::: Keeping fingers crossed (and it's so hard to type that
:::::::::::: way...) Thanks to all.
::::::::::
::::::::::
:::::::::: This is from notes I gathered from MS support at some time -
::::::::::
:::::::::: The error can occur if one of the following factor is true:
::::::::::
:::::::::: 1. The relevant Windows Update services stop working.
::::::::::
:::::::::: 2. The temporary folder of Windows Update has been
:::::::::: corrupted.
::::::::::
:::::::::: 3. Windows Update Agent does not work.
::::::::::
:::::::::: At this time, let's try the following steps to troubleshoot
:::::::::: the issue. After completing the steps, please perform Windows
:::::::::: Update to check the result.
::::::::::
:::::::::: Step 1: Verify the relevant Windows Update services
:::::::::: ============================
::::::::::
:::::::::: 1. Click Start, type services.msc in the Start Search box and
:::::::::: press Enter.
::::::::::
:::::::::: 2. In the right pane, please check whether the following
:::::::::: three services have been started:
::::::::::
:::::::::: Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
:::::::::: Windows Event Log
:::::::::: Windows Update
::::::::::
:::::::::: If not, please start them one by one.
::::::::::
:::::::::: Step 2: Rename the Windows Update SoftwareDistribution folder
:::::::::: =========================================
::::::::::
:::::::::: 1. Click Start, type notepad in Start Search box, and press
:::::::::: Enter.
:::::::::: 2. Copy the following commands and then paste them into the
:::::::::: open Notepad window:
::::::::::
:::::::::: net stop wuauserv
:::::::::: net stop Cryptsvc
:::::::::: ren %windir%\SoftwareDistribution SD.old
:::::::::: ren %windir%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old
:::::::::: net start wuauserv
:::::::::: net start Cryptsvc
::::::::::
:::::::::: 3. After pasting the above commands, please close the Notepad
:::::::::: window. Choose Save when you are prompted to save the file.
:::::::::: Type "register.bat" as the file name and choose Desktop from
:::::::::: the left panel as the location.
:::::::::: 4. Refer to the Desktop, right click the register.bat file,
:::::::::: and choose Run as administrator.
:::::::::: 5. You will see a DOS-like window processing.
::::::::::
:::::::::: Note: Please look at the cmd window and make sure it says
:::::::::: that it was successfully started. After that, please run
:::::::::: Windows Update to test the issue again.
::::::::::
:::::::::: If the error 0x8000ffff persists when searching for updates,
:::::::::: let's reinstall Windows Update Agent 3.0.
::::::::::
:::::::::: Step 3: Reinstall Windows Update Agent 3.0
:::::::::: ===========================
:::::::::: 1. Please download the file from the following link:
::::::::::
:::::::::: A new version of the Windows Update Agent is available
:::::::::: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946928
::::::::::
:::::::::: 2. Save the file to D: drive.
::::::::::
:::::::::: Note: Please select a drive where Windows Vista was not
:::::::::: loaded because the file cannot be launched directly from the
:::::::::: system root directory.
::::::::::
:::::::::: 3. Click Start, click Run, type:
:::::::::: "D:\WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe /wuforce" (without
:::::::::: quotations) and then press Enter to install the Windows
:::::::::: Update engine.
::::::::::
:::::::::: Note: There is a space between
:::::::::: "D:\WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe" and "/wuforce"
::::::::::
::::::::::
:::::::::: Otherwise you could try MS Support -
:::::::::: Support for Windows Update:
:::::::::: http://support.microsoft.com/gp/wusupport
::::::::::
::::::::::