Windows Update 0x80070246 and STATUS_ILLEGAL_CHARACTER

[Nibiii]

Hello,
I'm trying to help my friend. He can't install updates KB4541355 and KB4541358. He's getting 0x80070246 error and in CBS I can see error:

2020-03-25 13:16:04, Info CBS Failed to load component store [HRESULT = 0x80070246 - ERROR_ILLEGAL_CHARACTER]
2020-03-25 13:16:04, Info CBS Failed to get CSI store. [HRESULT = 0x80070246 - ERROR_ILLEGAL_CHARACTER]
2020-03-25 13:16:04, Info CBS Failed to get CSI store. [HRESULT = 0x80070246 - ERROR_ILLEGAL_CHARACTER]
2020-03-25 13:16:04, Info CBS Delay pend will be used if required
2020-03-25 13:16:06, Info CSI 00000005@2020/3/25:12:16:06.131 PopulateComponentFamiliesKey - Begin
2020-03-25 13:16:07, Error CSI 00000006@2020/3/25:12:16:07.360 (F) onecore\base\lstring\lblob.cpp(2138): Error STATUS_ILLEGAL_CHARACTER originated in function RtlTranscodeLBlobs expression: __rv.UcsCharacter != (0xffffffff)

I tried using Windows Update Reset script and it didn't help. Computer passed memtest without any problems. If it helps, motherboard was changed some time ago. It's Dell laptop. CBS log attached.

 

[zcomputerwiz]

Hello there!

Please manually upload the components hive by following these instructions:

Upload Components Hive

1. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\config
2. Right-click on the current COMPONENTS file and select copy
   Note: If you get an error that the file is in use, reboot your computer and then try again.
3. Right-click on your Desktop and select paste
4. Right-click on the COMPONENTS file on your Desktop and select Send To -> Compressed (zipped) Folder
5. Upload the zip from your Desktop to a file sharing service such as DropBox, OneDrive, SendSpace, etc. and include the link with your reply.

 

[Nibiii]

Hi!
Thank You for your response.
Here is Components.zip : COMPONENTS.zip

 

[Sysnative Windows Update]

Hi!

As zcomputerwiz is currently busy, I will jump in and assist you.

Has the RAM in your machine been tested or replaced recently? If not, please test it: Test RAM with PassMark MemTest86

 

[Nibiii]

Hi,
The memory was tested and no problem was found. Only motherboard had been replaced

 

[Sysnative Windows Update]

Hi!

Okay. Please do the following:

Step#1 - Capture Process Monitor Trace
1. Download and run Process Monitor. Leave this running while you perform the next steps.
2. Try updating the system just like you have in the past.
3. Stop Process Monitor as soon as it fails. You can simply do this by clicking the magnifying glass on the toolbar as shown below.

4. Select the File menu...Save... and save the file to your desktop. This is likely the default location. The name (unless changed) will be LogFile.PML. This is fine.
5. Zip up and provide the link to the LogFile.PML file as well as your CBS.log Examples of services to upload to are Dropbox or OneDrive or SendSpace.