[SOLVED] Win10 21H1 fails to update with 0x80073701

[WallyKY]

When I realized that 21H1 support was ending, and I found that was the version my computer was running, I noticed Windows Update had been trying to update to 22H2, but kept failing with error 0x80073701. I've tried numerous diagnostic steps, but have failed each time. I'm well-versed in repairing Windows, and have succeeded every time...until now. I'm reaching out for help on this.

I'm willing to repeat any steps I've already done, but here is what I've done so far:

SFC comes back clean
SFCFix finds no corruption
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth finds nothing wrong
ComponentsScanner finds no problems

I ran Reset_Reregister_Windows_Update_Components.bat that was reference somewhere on Microsoft's support forums, but this did not resolve anything.

I also ran Belarc Advisor, and the only obvious issue was this:
These security updates apply to this computer but are not currently installed (using Advisor definitions version 2022.12.15.1), according to the 12/13/2022 Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary and bulletins from other vendors. Note: Security benchmarks require that Critical and Important severity security updates must be installed.
Hotfix Id Severity Description
Q5021233 Critical Microsoft security update (KB5021233)
I tried manually installing this package, but it also fails (I believe with the same error, but can't be sure right now)

I've attached my WindowsUpdate and CBS log files, as I know these will be asked for

Thanks so much for any guidance you can give me. I realize it is Christmas-time, so I'll be extra patient.
Wally

 

[WallyKY]

Here is some updated info. I found that updates are failing with the same error while trying to install the 12-2022 Cumulative Update (KB5021233) for 21H1. It appears to try every hour to install, but fails.

This might be a more manageable issue to address than the 21H1 -> 22H2 update issue. This is a Win10 Pro install, in case it matters.

I have attached a log file.
Thank you!
Wally

 

[Maxstar]

Hi and welcome to Sysnative,

It seems there is a problem with an .NET Framework update (KB5015730) from August this year.

Follow these instructions to install an update with DISM.

• Open the Start menu of Windows and type CMD.
• When you see Command Prompt on the list, select the option Run as administrator.
• Copy and paste the following command into it, and press enter. (Leave the CMD window open!)

MD C:\WUTemp

• Now, download the following update (KB5015730) to: C:\WUTemp - Or copy this file from the download directory to C:\WUTemp. (Important!)
  Downloadlink: KB5015730

• Copy and paste the following commands one at a time into the command prompt and press enter after each.

CD C:\WUTemp
EXPAND.exe windows10.0-kb5015730-x64-ndp48_a361afc3e42df2d8a4168a4dbd1d5a850e64b9b1 -f:* C:\WUTemp
DISM.exe /Online /Add-Package /PackagePath:C:\WUtemp\Windows10.0-KB5015730-x64-NDP48.cab

• Let me know if it says it was successful or if there are any errors. Or take a screenshot of the command prompt window and paste it into your next reply.

 

[WallyKY]

Following these excellent instructions, the commands executed without error.
I did not try Windows Update afterward...awaiting thumbs up from you before proceeding.

Thanks for the quick response.
Wally

 

[Maxstar]

You're welcome and Merry Christmas....

Please attempt to update, if it fails attach a new copy of the CBS logs...

 

[WallyKY]

Unfortunately, Windows Update failed with the same error while attempting to install KB5021233.
New CBS logs are attached.
Thank you again.
Wally

 

[Maxstar]

Hi,

Follow these instructions to remove an update.

• Open the Start menu of Windows and type the command CMD
• When you see Command Prompt on the list, right-click on it and select Run as administrator.
• When command prompt opens, copy and paste the following command into it, then press enter.

wusa /uninstall /KB:5015730

• Let me know if it says it was successful or you get the message: The update KB5015730 is not installed on this computer.

 

[WallyKY]

It said that update was not installed on my computer.
Thank you and Merry Christmas!

 

[Maxstar]

Hi,

Thanks and Merry Christmas to you too...

Download the

Farbar Recovery Scan Tool and save it to your Desktop:

Download the 64 bit version: - Farbar Recovery Scan Tool Link

• Open the startmenu and type the command cmd.
• After you find the Command Prompt, right click on it and select Run as Administrator.
• Copy and paste the following into the Command Prompt and press enter.

reg load HKLM\COMPONENTS C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\COMPONENTS

Right-click on the file FRST64.exe and choose Run as administrator.

• Copy and paste the following (code) into the Search box and click the Search Registry button.

KB5015730

• When the scan is complete, a message will display that SearchReg.txt is saved in the same folder FRST was started from.
• Post the logfile SearchReg.txt as attachment in your next reply.

 

[WallyKY]

Thanks for hanging in there with me!
Here's the results from Farbar.
I must leave the house for a few hours, so there is no rush to get back with me.

 

[Maxstar]

Start the

Farbar Recovery Scan Tool again.

Warning: This script was written specifically for this system. Do not run this script on another system.

• Download the attachment fixlist.txt and save it to your desktop.
• Right-click on FRST.exe and select "Run as administrator".
• Press the Fix button.
• If for some reason the tool needs a restart, please make sure you let the system restart normally.
• When finished, a log called Fixlog.txt will appear in the same directory the tool is run from.
• Post the logfile Fixlog.txt as attachment in your next reply.

Afterwards, reboot the system and attempt to update. If it fails attach a new copy of the CBS log.

 

[WallyKY]

Best.Christmas.Present.Ever! THANKS Maxstar!
Your last fix solved the security update problem, and Windows Update offered the 22H2 update, which also worked perfectly!
This experience has been 1000% beyond my expectations. I will be making a donation shortly.
Happy New Year!
Wally

 

[Maxstar]

Hoi,

You're welcome and thanks for the donation. Glad to hear everything is working fine know...
I'll mark this thread as solved!

Happy New Year to you too!