1. You are viewing our forum as a guest. For full access please Register. WindowsBBS.com is completely free, paid for by advertisers and donations.

Windows Vista Problems with Vista Updates not installing

Discussion in 'Legacy Windows' started by Cx5x31xl, 2009/12/06.

  1. 2009/12/06
    Cx5x31xl

    Cx5x31xl Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2009/12/06
    Messages:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0
    Please first understand that my computer background is very limited beyond standard MS Office programs. My problems started when I downloaded an Excel file from email message earlier today. It took a long time to download and now, every time I open MS Word, Excel or PowerPoint 2007, I get a window that tells me to wait while the necessary files are being prepared, then Windows Installer runs briefly, then the program starts. After looking for solutions all day, I have repeatedly tried to download patches from various Microsoft pages. They all failed to install. I finally read one of your threads that indicated I should ensure all Windows Updates have been installed. When I went to the Windows Update Center, I learned that my computer has not successfully installed an update since 2/2/2008! The recurring error message is 0x80073712.

    Any suggestions?
     
    Cx5x31xl,
    #1
  2. 2009/12/06
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

    Joined:
    2006/09/10
    Messages:
    7,919
    Likes Received:
    511
    Hi Cx5x31xl, Welcome to Windowsbbs! :)

    For all the updates that have been failing try downloading each one manually from the Microsoft website and then install it. Also make sure that you shut down all background programs that are running in the system tray in the taskbar to avoid other problems with installing updates. If those options don't work then follow these steps.

    1. Click Start and type cmd in the Start Search box, right-click cmd.exe (shown at the top of the Start menu) and click Run as administrator. This will open the command prompt.
    2. In the command prompt window type Net stop wuauserv and press Enter. This will stop the Automatic Update Service.
    3. Type rd /S %Windir%\SoftwareDistribution. This will delete the %Windir%\SoftwareDistribution folder. Type Y to confirm.
    4. Type Net start wuauserv (hit Enter) to start the Automatic Update Service. Close the command prompt.
    5. Reboot the computer.
    6. When the computer starts back up, open Windows Update and force a Windows Update detection and see if you can get the updates to install correctly.

    If you still can't install Windows Updates then read this, The Windows Features dialog box is empty in Windows 7 or Windows Vista, or you receive an error message that includes the following code when you try to use Windows Update 0x80073712.

    BTW do you have Windows Vista Service Pack 2 installed?

    Also please enter your System Details. It helps us in answering your questions.
     
    Last edited: 2009/12/06
    Evan Omo,
    #2


  3. to hide this advert.

  4. 2009/12/07
    Arie

    Arie Administrator Administrator Staff

    Joined:
    2001/12/27
    Messages:
    15,174
    Likes Received:
    412
    Arie,
    #3
  5. 2009/12/26
    PatriciaPedraza

    PatriciaPedraza Inactive

    Joined:
    2009/07/14
    Messages:
    17
    Likes Received:
    0
    Dear Cx5x31xl, I had the same problem, and found the solution, step by step in the following link
    http://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to/fix-windows-update-error-code-8e5e03fa/
    If not, google the error message and see if someone already posted a solution wheteher in this forum or in a different one.
    I hope this helps you. It was easy and quick for me.
    Patricia Pedraza
     
    PatriciaPedraza,
    #4

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...