Can't install a windows update (important)...

[gatorr4life]

(kb2724197) error code- 80073712


I read online it had something to do with rootkits (no clue what that even is) It won't install, no matter what I do! It always FAILS and I get the same error code. I've tried a lot of things. Installed malware bytes/ anti malware and hi jack this. I ran the worthless windows defender. googled a bunch of solutions, all to no avail. I'm currently using Avast anti virus, if that helps. In all my effort, I probably made things worse. lol Also, I tried downloading directly from microsoft's website, but it didn't work. What am I missing?

This is what I got from hijack this:

Windows Vista Service Pack 2 x64 NTFS
Internet Explorer 9.0.8112.16421
Debbie :: DEBBIE-PC [administrator]

10/18/2012 10:50:38 PM
mbam-log-2012-10-18 (22-50-38).txt

Scan type: Quick scan
Scan options enabled: Memory | Startup | Registry | File System | Heuristics/Extra | Heuristics/Shuriken | PUP | PUM
Scan options disabled: P2P
Objects scanned: 221697
Time elapsed: 7 minute(s), 27 second(s)

Memory Processes Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Memory Modules Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Values Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data Items Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Folders Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Files Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

(end)


This isn't my PC, it's actually the mother in laws. help, please...:cry:

[umcpgator]

I don't think it's malware, but one of your files might be corrupt.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/957310

Hopefully the article helps.

[gatorr4life]

Well, she dropped said laptop a year ago, but a technician fixed it. (semi) he was one of our friends. I think you may be on to something. Every now and then, on startup, it will give her that black screen. (checking for disk errors, I believe). Thx for the help, I'll look further into it tomorrow evening. I've already put it away. (was giving me a headache)

[Juggernautz]

Has MS stopped supporting Win Vista?

[SteelGator]

No, Vista is still being supported.

A couple things I would try before re-trying to run the update.

1.
Check disk space. How much space is free on the C: drive? If less than 1GB or so, then you need to delete some unnecessary files (docs, pics, movies, music, etc.). You'd be surprised how often this is overlooked.
2.
Run a disk check (http://windows.microsoft.com/is-IS/windows-vista/Check-your-hard-disk-for-errors). This will check the disk for errors in the files system and for
3.
Run the System File Checker (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929833) This will scan all your Windows system files to see if any are corrupt. It will replace the files with good copies.

[gatorr4life]

The C drive is practically empty 404GB free. The D (recovery) says 2.02GB free of 13.1

I tried the other option, but it says "windows can't check the disk while it's in use". It asked me if I wanted to schedule it on my next restart, so I did. The computer booted up normally though. Gonna try one more time.

[gatorr4life]

can't figure this out! still stuck....

[LakeGator]

These things are very frustrating and sometimes more trouble to fix than they’re worth.

If you have the update copied to your local drive you might try installing it after restarting in Safe Mode.

I suspect you’ve already tried this but I thought I would throw it out.

Hang in there!

[umcpgator]

I really think you need to either download the System Update Readiness Tool

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/What-is-the-System-Update-Readiness-Tool

or run the System File Checker.

Those were 2 of the 4 options being offered by Microsoft for your error.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/957310

[gatorr4life]

Well I tried to down load the system readiness tool. It failed.

"Installer encountered an error" 0x800700d

(system update readiness tool for windows Vista for x64 based systems (kb947821 2012)


Going to try that second link now....

Method 3: Run the System File Checker (SFC.exe) tool with the sfc /scannow command

[gatorr4life]

Ran the scan and this is what it said:

Windows resource protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some them. details are included in the CBS.Log windir/Logs/CBS/CBS.log. For example

[gatorr4life]

These things are very frustrating and sometimes more trouble to fix than they’re worth.

If you have the update copied to your local drive you might try installing it after restarting in Safe Mode.

I suspect you’ve already tried this but I thought I would throw it out.

Hang in there!

How do you copy the update to "your local drive"? I know about safe mode.

Man, computers can really make you feel stupid some times.:smoke:

[Potzer01]

Any time a laptop is dropped there is likely physical damage to the drive itself. Problems will not show up until you get to where the damage happened physically. I'd opt for a full low level reformat and reinstall. If there is a drive problem it will show up in the format.

Got the disk from the manufacturer or windows disk/key? Got your windows disk?
It's the nuke it from orbit approach. It'll also solve any software problems out viruses if they exist.

[Potzer01]

Or ignore the update if the problems aren't so bad.

[umcpgator]

You might have to have an in-place upgrade which you will need your copy of Vista. It is the fourth method from Microsoft support.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/957310

[Juggernautz]

Good info.

[LakeGator]

How do you copy the update to "your local drive"?

Man, computers can really make you feel stupid some times.:smoke:
Go to http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=34830 and click on the Download button and save the file to a disk location which you will recall. Then restart into Safe Mode and double click on the saved file.

This is probably just a shot into the Windoze darkness but it MIGHT work.

It is unfortunate that the bleeping computers are not designed to be as easy to use as one would like. Obviously, the Macintosh is less hostile but none of them are as easy as they SHOULD be - yet.