Question

Windows Updates not Installing - Error 0x80070003

Asked by: dmurph88

I am unable to download Windows Updates for my machine.  
After clicking Install, the following message pops up:
-----------------------------------------------
Some updates were not installed
The following updates were not installed:
Update for Windows XP (KB898461)
-----------------------------------------------
After clicking "close" I get the "failed updates" message.  Looking at "Update History" it looks like the failures always relate to Error Code 0x80070003.  I see that the "Windows Genuine Advantage Tool" update was successful.  Therefore, some updates are getting through.  In researching the issue, I came across this link: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/910336  However, the "SDTemp file/folder" does not exist in "%windir%\softwaredistribution" for me to rename as directed.  


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Asked On
2008-02-27 at 09:31:24ID23197693
Topics

Windows XP Operating System

,

Windows Network Security

,

Operating Systems Network Security

Participating Experts
2
Points
500
Comments
9

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Answers

 

by: unassassinablePosted on 2008-02-27 at 09:46:11ID: 20996333

you need to reinstall the updater agent:
Re-installing Windows Update Agent (WUA)

Whilst troubleshooting Automatic Update Client, sometimes you might want to re-install Windows Update Agent (WUA). But, if Windows Update AutoUpdate Engine is already updated to version 5.8.0.2469 then, you will see the following message;

"Install is not needed since windows update agent is already installed."

To force the install, download WindowsUpdateAgent20-x86.exe and run the following command;

"WindowsUpdateAgent20-x86.exe /wuforce"

    * To install WindowsUpdateAgent20-x86.exe silently run the following command; "WindowsUpdateAgent20-x86.exe /wuforce /quiet"
    * To install WindowsUpdateAgent20-x86.exe silently without restart, run the following command; "WindowsUpdateAgent20-x86.exe /wuforce /quiet /norestart"

 

by: dmurph88Posted on 2008-02-27 at 10:19:58ID: 20996743

I clicked on the link, and ran the executable.  Do I need to follow the "force install" instructions above?

I ran Windows Updates again after reinstalling the updater agent.  I get the same message so perhaps I did something wrong.

 

by: johnb6767Posted on 2008-02-27 at 11:07:12ID: 20997232

This has the ability to fix a multitude of Windows Update probs....

Dial-a-fix - TechWiki
http://wiki.djlizard.net/Dial-a-fix

Windows Update Repair Tool 0.41 Beta
http://fileforum.betanews.com/detail/Windows_Update_Repair_Tool/1123680932/1

Havent had a chance to test this out yet, but seems to fairly well reviewed...

Several solutions on this page, with batch files to create to reset, or totally reinstall Windows Updates....

Windows update fail to install no error code.
http://www.experts-exchange.com/OS/Microsoft_Operating_Systems/Windows/XP/Q_22667251.html

Also, in case you have done a repair install lately....

Automatic Updates stops working after a repair install of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555615

Updates are not installed successfully from Windows Update, from Microsoft Update, or by using Automatic Updates after you repair a Windows XP installation
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144

 

by: johnb6767Posted on 2008-02-27 at 11:09:43ID: 20997250

0x80070003      -2147024893       COR_E_DIRECTORYNOTFOUND
The specified path couldn't be found - ALLUSERSPROFILE Microsoft network dir doesnt exist

Thats the actual error explanation.....

Did you actually rename the %windir%\softwaredistribution" folder? Might need to stop the Update service first....

 

by: unassassinablePosted on 2008-02-27 at 11:21:05ID: 20997339

If you dont force install the winupdate agent it may error.  I forced it on a clients pc when I first came across  it and it solved her problem

 

by: dmurph88Posted on 2008-02-27 at 12:06:17ID: 20997806

Where do I "force" the install command?  From a command prompt?

 

by: unassassinablePosted on 2008-02-27 at 15:05:02ID: 20999468

yes

 

by: unassassinablePosted on 2008-02-27 at 15:06:23ID: 20999480

if you save it to the c drive, you will want to (in the command prompt) change directory to the c drive by typing:

cd c:\

then run that command

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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