Windows Vista Error 0x800F0826 on SP1 Install

I've been trying to apply SP1 to my Vaio laptop. I've applied KB937287 and KB947506, which are listed as prerequisites. Windows Update doesn't offer SP1 and Sony advised me to apply it manually. Downloaded and set it running - failed part way through (after, ISTR, the second reboot); the automatic roll-back seems to have worked and it's back working fine. It reported error 0x800F0826 which I've tried to follow through on the MS website; nothing seems amiss from reading through it - and the conclusion from there is that something is blocking the install (but no more help as to what it might be).

It's a Vaio SZ5 running Vista Business - any ideas out there?

 

But how do I do that?

If I go through the update history in Windows Update, there are no outstanding failed updates listed - each "Failed" is followed by a "Successful ". In fact, all the failures ones, bar one are for either Windows Defender (which succeed shortly after) or for Office 2007 (where there was a problem resolved by putting a CD in the CD drive - long story but an official MS fix); the only Hotfix fail was for KB937287 which was followed by a success the same day (back on 13th February 2008 - part of a patch Tuesday batch).

That particular Hotfix is also available direct from Sony - I've tried re-running it and it appears to go OK (installation window closes without any error message), though it doesn't add another entry in the WU list. The only anomaly I've noticed is that it's entry in the Programs and Features tool is that it doesn't have an uninstall option - it's listed but the uninstall button doesn't show for it.

There's a second Sony specific Hotfix (KB947506) needed for SP1 that has installed. KB937287 is listed as a precursor so I'm guessing 947506 would have to be removed to allow 937287 to be removed. An option but I hesitate to do so just yet as a patch installed 5 months ago could have other dependencies and could do more damage than it's worth. Besides, WU should be telling me if an update has failed!

Unless I've a fairly safe way forward, I'm beginning to accept that I'll need to pass on SP1.

 

Will try that. The site says that email support is only available for USA and Canada but I've registered from the UK and it accepted an email submission (basically merged my postings here). Will report back if I get any luck.

Many thanks.

 

Or you could always download the standalone package, save, rightclick and run as admin. Seems to have solved quite a few problems for alot of people that had a similar experience. Disadvantage is that it takes up some more space, but still worth a try if all else fails.

 

Yep - have the SP1 download sitting on my HD in the hope I'll be able to apply it. The first failure seems to have backed itself out cleanly but I'm not risking a second until I get some advice on (or track down) what's likely to have caused the failure. My laptop is vital to my business. All the data files are backed up and I could rebuild it but I don't have a clear day I could devote to it .

Sony's help desk have gone remarkably quiet since I reported the fail; no response yet from MS but it's been the weekend so I'll give them time.

If there's no solution I'll carry on without SP1; the laptop is quite stable and the only improvement I was looking forward to was a reduction in the file copy times.

Ironically, I actually like Vista (apart from the slow file copy routine, where it sometime seems quicker to download via broadband than copy from an attached USB HD). I like the interface improvements and I've had no problems with the increased security features. Only one program couldn't be brought over from my old XP laptop (WS_FTP where I'd bought a Vista upgraded version from Ipswitch but, when it failed to install, Ipswitch wanted $30 or so for a support contract); I've since switched to a free FTP app (not quite as versatile but it does the jobs I need fine).

 

KB938979 installed last year so no benefit there. There doesn't sem to be any real need to rush for SP1 so I'll just wait and see if Sony or MS come back with any advice.

Thanks for your help.

 

Hi Steve

When ever you try the SP1 again do an explicit Restore point immediately before ruuning the SP1 executable.

Also as a redundent: Get install and run Erunt and run it also before the install

http://www.larshederer.homepage.t-online.de/erunt/

Sometimes the Temp files can cause an issue so cleanup

CCleaner get SLIM at bottom of screen run Temp and Registry untill they come up clean
http://www.ccleaner.com/download/builds

ATF-Cleaner http://www.majorgeeks.com/ATF_Cleaner_d4949.html

Virus scanners and Malware protection programs can interfere also so!

Use Startup Control http://mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml
to uncheck all possible Startups (recheck later to put back).

Go to control panel Users and turn off UAC untill you are finished with this.

So here are the steps for your next attempt:

After doing all the above Reboot.

Turn off the Firewall.

Rt click any apps in the System Tray bottom rt and turn off or exit them.
Then run Taskmgr to kill any obvious tasks that the above and Startupctl did not get.

When finished sucessful or not. Recheck all startups in StartupCtl turn UAC and Firewall back on and reboot.

Mike

 

I had similar issues with it not being offered on my home PC (Dell Inspiron). There was an article on MS site where it was saying what pre-reqs there were of which one applied to mine. Still no joy so contacted MS (I'm UK as well). After 3 emails they closed the call as 'unresolved' without even asking me so I wouldn't hold much hope out there!

Had a customer feedback survey later about the incident so I'll let you imagine how complimentary I was.

 

I did a cleanup with jv16 before the last try, so the temps and registry should have been OK. I didn't suspend the start-up apps so that may be one option; my firewall is the Vista native so that shouldn't be causing any issue; my AV is NOD32 - didn't stop all its services so that may be an option.

Thanks for the suggestions - it may come to that but I'm going to see if Sony or MS can make progress. If not, I'll decide whether SP1 is worth the hassle and risk.

 

I would not assume the Firewall or UAC not to be an issue especially since it is so easy to turn them on/off!

JV16 cleans registry very well but not Temps!

Waiting on M$ and Sony................................................................................................

Mike

 

Have you disabled anti virus ?

 

No - I hadn't disabled NOD32. I'll do so if I try a re-run - but I'll wait to see what MS or Sony come up with first.

Thanks.

 

Well, Sony replied and suggetsed I contact Microsoft.

Microsoft asked me to send them my cbs.log file - I sent that Monday (as a 14MB attachment) and now received a reply that says:

"I'm writing to follow up on my attempts to contact you via e-mail since last two days. Unfortunately, I have been unsuccessful in contacting you and request you to inform us about the status of your Microsoft issue.
If you wish to proceed with our phone support option, please call us using the contact information mentioned below.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for choosing Microsoft. "

Not sure how they've tried to contact me - but it looks like it's being filed in the too difficult.

Decided to give up on SP1 - too much hassle.

 

Steve, don't give up because SP1 is needed for Vista. Try disabling your anti virus & all other anti spyware tools etc.

 

I second that!

Mike

 

OK - decided to have one more try. Ran a registry clean-up with jv16, emptied the temp folder and disabled, then shut down, NOD32. Crossed my fingers and fired up the SP1 download - accepted the conditions and then went downstairs for a cup of tea and catch up with some TV with the missus.

Back upstairs an hour or so later and greeted with the log-on screen - logged on and received SP1 successful message. NOD32 had restarted itself but I had to enable the modules. Looking good, so thanks for the advice and encouragement.

Ironically, another glitch I had at the weekend, iTunes not shutting down after updating to v7.7 was also fixed by tweaking NOD32. NOD32 has run without fault for almost a year and, all at once, two issues within a week. However, both easily resolved and no reason to rethink my choice of virus scanner.

Thanks again