[SOLVED] [Genuine] Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit (Retail) Fails to Install KB4489878 with Unknown Error

[Mentok]

Hello. I am runnings Windows 7 x64 Ultimate (Genuine) and I've come to a problem I cannot solve. When attempting to install the latest Monthly update (KB4489878), it returns with "Windows Encountered an Unknown Error". Same thing happens when I download the update and attempt to manually install it.

SFC Scan comes up with an error only for notepad.exe, which seems correct because I've replaced the original notepad.exe's with forwarders for notepad++, but what do I know. That's why I'm on here, for an experts opinion/help. If I shouldn't be doing this, please help me revert them.

SFCFixIt shows the three notepad errors, and then 841 SUR total detected corruption count. I'm assuming that's the reason I cannot update.

Below, please find my SFCFix.txt output and my CBS folder, attached to my Google Drive, due to size constraints.

I've tried to remove the previous update (the one that introduces SHA2 to Windows Update) and re-installed that. That worked fine, but the newer update still won't update. I ran SFCFixIt with my original DVD inserted, but it didn't fix anything. I've run the Readiness Tool, but that also didn't seem to fix anything, but it did leave a nice log of a million missing resource files.

CBS Folder: CBS.zip

-Russ

 

[PeterJ]

Hello and welcome,

Follow the instructions below please.

Step 1:
WARNING! The following fix is specific to the user's system in this thread only. No one else should follow these instructions, as it could damage your system.

• Download the attachment SFCFix.zip and save it on your desktop.
• Save any work you have open, and close all programs.
• Drag the SFCFix.zip file over the SFCFix.exe executable and release it.
  
  
• SFCFix will launch, let it complete.
• Once done, a file will appear on your desktop, called SFCFix.txt.
• Open the file, then copy and paste its content in your next reply.

Step 2:
Follow the instructions below to run a scan with the System Update Readiness Tool (SURT) and provide a log.

1. Download SURT for your system. (Windows 7 SP1 x64)
2. Once downloaded, execute the installer, and go through the installation (this process can take around 15-20 minutes).
3. On completion, a log will be created in C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\CheckSUR.log.
4. Attach this log in your next reply.

Alternatively, if these instructions are unclear for you, you can follow the tutorial below.

System Update Readiness Tool (SURT)

 

[Mentok]

Hello and welcome,

Follow the instructions below please.

Step 1:
WARNING! The following fix is specific to the user's system in this thread only. No one else should follow these instructions, as it could damage your system.

• Download the attachment SFCFix.zip and save it on your desktop.
• Save any work you have open, and close all programs.
• Drag the SFCFix.zip file over the SFCFix.exe executable and release it.
  
  
• SFCFix will launch, let it complete.
• Once done, a file will appear on your desktop, called SFCFix.txt.
• Open the file, then copy and paste its content in your next reply.

Step 2:
Follow the instructions below to run a scan with the System Update Readiness Tool (SURT) and provide a log.

1. Download SURT for your system. (Windows 7 SP1 x64)
2. Once downloaded, execute the installer, and go through the installation (this process can take around 15-20 minutes).
3. On completion, a log will be created in C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\CheckSUR.log.
4. Attach this log in your next reply.

Alternatively, if these instructions are unclear for you, you can follow the tutorial below.

System Update Readiness Tool (SURT)

Hi. Thanks for taking the time to help me out. Below is the output from SFCFix.txt. I have attached CheckSUR.log after running the SURT. It definitely took its time.

SFCFix version 3.0.1.0 by niemiro.
Start time: 2019-03-27 23:31:23.728
Microsoft Windows 7 Service Pack 1 - amd64
Using .zip script file at C:\Users\Russ\Desktop\SFCFix.zip [0]




PowerCopy::
Successfully took permissions for file or folder C:\Windows\winsxs\wow64_microsoft-windows-notepad_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.18917_none_d7982eeabafd61f1\notepad.exe
Successfully took permissions for file or folder C:\Windows\winsxs\amd64_microsoft-windows-notepad_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.18917_none_cd438498869c9ff6\notepad.exe
Successfully took permissions for file or folder C:\Windows\winsxs\amd64_microsoft-windows-notepadwin_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.18917_none_a0f2c3fc11a9f24c\notepad.exe

Successfully copied file C:\Users\Russ\AppData\Local\niemiro\Archive\wow64_microsoft-windows-notepad_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.18917_none_d7982eeabafd61f1\notepad.exe to C:\Windows\winsxs\wow64_microsoft-windows-notepad_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.18917_none_d7982eeabafd61f1\notepad.exe.
Successfully copied file C:\Users\Russ\AppData\Local\niemiro\Archive\amd64_microsoft-windows-notepad_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.18917_none_cd438498869c9ff6\notepad.exe to C:\Windows\winsxs\amd64_microsoft-windows-notepad_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.18917_none_cd438498869c9ff6\notepad.exe.
Successfully copied file C:\Users\Russ\AppData\Local\niemiro\Archive\amd64_microsoft-windows-notepadwin_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.18917_none_a0f2c3fc11a9f24c\notepad.exe to C:\Windows\winsxs\amd64_microsoft-windows-notepadwin_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.18917_none_a0f2c3fc11a9f24c\notepad.exe.

Successfully restored ownership for C:\Windows\winsxs\wow64_microsoft-windows-notepad_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.18917_none_d7982eeabafd61f1\notepad.exe
Successfully restored permissions on C:\Windows\winsxs\wow64_microsoft-windows-notepad_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.18917_none_d7982eeabafd61f1\notepad.exe
Successfully restored ownership for C:\Windows\winsxs\amd64_microsoft-windows-notepad_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.18917_none_cd438498869c9ff6\notepad.exe
Successfully restored permissions on C:\Windows\winsxs\amd64_microsoft-windows-notepad_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.18917_none_cd438498869c9ff6\notepad.exe
Successfully restored ownership for C:\Windows\winsxs\amd64_microsoft-windows-notepadwin_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.18917_none_a0f2c3fc11a9f24c\notepad.exe
Successfully restored permissions on C:\Windows\winsxs\amd64_microsoft-windows-notepadwin_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7601.18917_none_a0f2c3fc11a9f24c\notepad.exe
PowerCopy:: directive completed successfully.




Successfully processed all directives.
SFCFix version 3.0.1.0 by niemiro has completed.
Currently storing 3 datablocks.
Finish time: 2019-03-27 23:31:23.900
Script hash: QDTC/4DJhRuP74L1Ki/rv9YxcDvtUQbXO3hwOw7KFJU=
----------------------EOF-----------------------

 

[PeterJ]

Follow the instructions below please.

WARNING! The following fix is specific to the user's system in this thread only. No one else should follow these instructions, as it could damage your system.

• Download the attachment SFCFix.zip and save it on your desktop.
• Save any work you have open, and close all programs.
• Drag the SFCFix.zip file over the SFCFix.exe executable and release it.
  
  
• SFCFix will launch, let it complete.
• Once done, a file will appear on your desktop, called SFCFix.txt.
• Attach the file to your next reply.

 

[Mentok]

Follow the instructions below please.

WARNING! The following fix is specific to the user's system in this thread only. No one else should follow these instructions, as it could damage your system.

• Download the attachment SFCFix.zip and save it on your desktop.
• Save any work you have open, and close all programs.
• Drag the SFCFix.zip file over the SFCFix.exe executable and release it.
  
  
• SFCFix will launch, let it complete.
• Once done, a file will appear on your desktop, called SFCFix.txt.
• Attach the file to your next reply.

Sorry for the delay. I got a bit sick. Thanks again for your continued support and assistance ^_^

 

[PeterJ]

Sorry for the delay. I got a bit sick.

No problem at all. Get well soon.

Step 1:
WARNING! The following fix is specific to the user's system in this thread only. No one else should follow these instructions, as it could damage your system.

• Download the attachment SFCFix.zip and save it on your desktop.
• Save any work you have open, and close all programs.
• Drag the SFCFix.zip file over the SFCFix.exe executable and release it.
  
  
• SFCFix will launch, let it complete.
• Once done, a file will appear on your desktop, called SFCFix.txt.
• Open the file, then copy and paste its content in your next reply.

Step 2:
Start the System Update Readiness Tool (SURT) again.
On completion, attach the logfile C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\CheckSUR.log in your next reply.

 

[Mentok]

No problem at all. Get well soon.

Step 1:
WARNING! The following fix is specific to the user's system in this thread only. No one else should follow these instructions, as it could damage your system.

• Download the attachment SFCFix.zip and save it on your desktop.
• Save any work you have open, and close all programs.
• Drag the SFCFix.zip file over the SFCFix.exe executable and release it.
  
  
• SFCFix will launch, let it complete.
• Once done, a file will appear on your desktop, called SFCFix.txt.
• Open the file, then copy and paste its content in your next reply.

Step 2:
Start the System Update Readiness Tool (SURT) again.
On completion, attach the logfile C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\CheckSUR.log in your next reply.

SFCFix version 3.0.1.0 by niemiro.
Start time: 2019-03-31 05:53:35.489
Microsoft Windows 7 Service Pack 1 - amd64
Using .zip script file at C:\Users\Russ\Desktop\SFCFix.zip [0]




PowerCopy::
Successfully took permissions for file or folder C:\Windows\winsxs\wow64_microsoft-windows-notepad_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7600.16385_none_d5642974be118415
Successfully took permissions for file or folder C:\Windows\winsxs\amd64_microsoft-windows-notepad_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7600.16385_none_cb0f7f2289b0c21a
Successfully took permissions for file or folder C:\Windows\winsxs\amd64_microsoft-windows-notepadwin_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7600.16385_none_9ebebe8614be1470

Successfully copied file C:\Users\Russ\AppData\Local\niemiro\Archive\wow64_microsoft-windows-notepad_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7600.16385_none_d5642974be118415\notepad.exe to C:\Windows\winsxs\wow64_microsoft-windows-notepad_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7600.16385_none_d5642974be118415\notepad.exe.
Successfully copied file C:\Users\Russ\AppData\Local\niemiro\Archive\amd64_microsoft-windows-notepad_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7600.16385_none_cb0f7f2289b0c21a\notepad.exe to C:\Windows\winsxs\amd64_microsoft-windows-notepad_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7600.16385_none_cb0f7f2289b0c21a\notepad.exe.
Successfully copied file C:\Users\Russ\AppData\Local\niemiro\Archive\amd64_microsoft-windows-notepadwin_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7600.16385_none_9ebebe8614be1470\notepad.exe to C:\Windows\winsxs\amd64_microsoft-windows-notepadwin_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7600.16385_none_9ebebe8614be1470\notepad.exe.

Successfully restored ownership for C:\Windows\winsxs\wow64_microsoft-windows-notepad_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7600.16385_none_d5642974be118415
Successfully restored permissions on C:\Windows\winsxs\wow64_microsoft-windows-notepad_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7600.16385_none_d5642974be118415
Successfully restored ownership for C:\Windows\winsxs\amd64_microsoft-windows-notepad_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7600.16385_none_cb0f7f2289b0c21a
Successfully restored permissions on C:\Windows\winsxs\amd64_microsoft-windows-notepad_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7600.16385_none_cb0f7f2289b0c21a
Successfully restored ownership for C:\Windows\winsxs\amd64_microsoft-windows-notepadwin_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7600.16385_none_9ebebe8614be1470
Successfully restored permissions on C:\Windows\winsxs\amd64_microsoft-windows-notepadwin_31bf3856ad364e35_6.1.7600.16385_none_9ebebe8614be1470
PowerCopy:: directive completed successfully.




Successfully processed all directives.
SFCFix version 3.0.1.0 by niemiro has completed.
Currently storing 7 datablocks.
Finish time: 2019-03-31 05:53:35.723
Script hash: SdLkiPZlZQPtltDwbN6NuSUbyf/8C3crCHWCJao6Pxc=
----------------------EOF-----------------------

I'm following your instructions to the letter. So if I need to restart Windows at any time, please let me know. Thanks again!

 

[PeterJ]

Please do not quote my message. It is not needed.

Step 1:
WARNING! The following fix is specific to the user's system in this thread only. No one else should follow these instructions, as it could damage your system.

• Download the attachment SFCFix.zip and save it on your desktop.
• Save any work you have open, and close all programs.
• Drag the SFCFix.zip file over the SFCFix.exe executable and release it.
  
  
• SFCFix will launch, let it complete.
• Once done, a file will appear on your desktop, called SFCFix.txt.
• Open the file, then copy and paste its content in your next reply.

Step 2:
Start the System Update Readiness Tool (SURT) again.
On completion, attach the logfile C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\CheckSUR.log in your next reply.

 

[Mentok]

SFCFix.txt has more than 2000 words so I had to attach it. Everything processed successfully. CheckSUR.log shows no errors anymore!!!! But I will not jump any gun and await your guidance. Sorry for always quoting.

 

[PeterJ]

Well done. Check Windows Update again and report the result.

 

[Mentok]

Windows Update failed to install KB4489878 with error code 80073701. It was successful in updating Definitions for Windows Defender. I restarted and tried again, same result. Same result if I run the installer (for KB4489878) I downloaded (from Microsoft) as well.

I've noticed two things that seem odd to me, but not might seem odd to you: (1) when downloading the update through Windows Update, for this particular update, while it says Downloading, it never went above 0% 0.00MB (maybe my update is cached? Or it just isn't showing correctly for some reason?), and then (2) in the update history, it lists two separate updates for KB4489878. There's 2019-03 Security Monthly Quality Rollup for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB4489878), and there's Security Update for Windows (KB4489878). Both failed. This update first appeared in my history on March 15, and has failed every time since then, regardless if it was written down as 2019-03 or the plain Security Update.

 

[PeterJ]

Please zip all files in the folder C:\Windows\Logs\CBS and attach it to your next reply.
Note: if the file is too big to upload to your next post please upload via a service such as Filedropper or One Drive or SendSpace and provide the download link.

 

[Mentok]

I looked at my logs and found the error for when I tried to manually install the update. "Windows update "Security Update for Windows (KB4489878)" could not be installed because of error 2147956481 "The referenced assembly could not be found." (Command line: ""C:\Windows\system32\wusa.exe" "C:\Users\Russ\Downloads\windows6.1-kb4489878-x64_ad02ba6500855333621fecf1b95cc15a8950f2e8.msu" ")".

Here is the link for my CBS folder (it was too large to attach): CBS (1).zip

 

[PeterJ]

Remove Update Manually

1. Click on the Start button and in the search box, type Command Prompt.
2. When you see Command Prompt on the list, right-click on it and select Run as administrator.
3. When command prompt opens, copy and paste the following command into it, then press enter.
   wusa /uninstall /KB:4480970
   
4. Let me know if it says it was successful or if there are any errors.

 

[Mentok]

Error dialog popup "The update KB4480970 is not installed on this computer."

 

[PeterJ]

FRST Registry Search

1. Click your Start button and choose Control Panel.
2. In the upper right corner ensure the View by: is set to Category.
3. Select the Programs group.
4. Click the Turn Windows features on or off link. This will bring up the Server Manager dialog.
   Note: This loads your components hive which is what we want. Please keep this dialog open while you perform the remaining steps. You can minimize it if you wish but keep it open.
   
5. Right-click on the file FRST64.exe and choose Run as administrator.
6. Copy and paste KB4480970 into the Search box and click the Search Registry button.
7. When the scan is complete, a message will display that 'SearchReg.txt' is saved in the same folder FRST was started from. Notepad will open this file also. Close Notepad and attach the file 'SearchReg.txt' to your next reply.
8. You may close any remaining open windows now.

 

[Mentok]

I'm assuming FRST is Farbar Recovery Scan Tool (yes I grabbed the 64-bit version).

 

[PeterJ]

Step 1:
Warning: This script was written specifically for this user, for use on that particular machine. Do not run this script on another machine.

1. Download the attachment fixlist.txt and save it to your desktop.
2. Right-click on FRST64.exe and select "Run as administrator".
3. Press the Fix button.
4. The tool will now process fixlist.txt.
5. If for some reason the tool needs a restart, please make sure you let the system restart normally. After that let the tool complete its run.
6. When finished, a log called Fixlog.txt will appear in the same directory the tool is run from.
7. Post the logfile Fixlog.txt as attachment in your next reply.

Step 2:
Check Windows Update again and report the result.
If it fails, run sfc /scannow again and attach the zipped cbs.log to your next reply.

 

[Mentok]

Success! Windows Update successfully installed the latest update! (that previously always failed).

 

[PeterJ]

Great. Can we mark this thread as solved ?