[SOLVED] Windows update and security updates fail since 20H2 update

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jlock2006

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Hello all,

suddenly noticed in January on the pc of my son that some Windows updates do fail. Looks like last successful cumulative update has been 20H2 on April 2021. Quality updates to that seem ok but security updates (like KB5009543) and cumulative updates (now trying 21H1) fail with error 800703f1. Time to time had change to study this and last effort some month ago was with usb iso command fix which I never got executed. Now little running out of hopes with old IT knowledge and being more user nowadays. Still not willing to give up to bring the pc to local shop for possible total "reconstruction".
Looks like that component hive is where this gets stuck. Attached files.
Would really appreciate some easy solution vs. total clean installs etc.
Thank you so much!
jlock2006
 

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Hi I'm Gary R,

I'm a Security Analyst, and a Windows Update Trainee, and I'd like to help you with your problems.

As a trainee, any instructions I give you must first be checked by a qualified update expert, before I post them. This will by necessity introduce some delay to any of my replies, so please be patient.

 
Hi Gary R,

so great you took this topic so quick!
Here attached the log created by ComponentsScanner after the scan and (Y) for trying to repair components.

So grateful you progress with this. Its awesome you have the knowledge and willingness to help!

Waiting patient for you possible help.

with best regards,
Harri
 

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Hi again Gary R,
After reading the log being somehow ‘positive with repairing’, I went to try if windows would now start updates. And yes, it really did! Miraculous! It jumped now directly to 21H2 and last I even updated that not must preliminary preview update, not knowing what it means. Anyhow system without launching any bigger applications seemed to work like usual, just no updates available anymore! I hope this didn’t make your job more difficult, should there be some hive / components corruption to be repaired? Also I wonder what multiple hidden / system folders there are in system root, looking like when I tried updatings on March, but these possibly secondary, as my thinking what else should be checked / deleted due this? Also those bunch of since last autumn pending security updates I possibly don’t have to worry if the system really got major update? Anyhow this feels already some victory after months small studying and tinkering! But I would be so glad to get your comments and recommendations now.
With best regards
Harri
 
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As I'm a trainee, I'm going to have to consult the expert who approves my posts before I reply, and as it's past 11pm here, it will probably be some time tomorrow before I get back to you.
 
Hi! Just take your time what needed. Even updating seemed to go flawless now, I am interested what still to do, how this could have happened, how to avoid such, what backup’s should be done or regular SFC / DISM runs etc.
Thank you already so much!
BR Harri
 
Please send me a list of your installed updates

  • Click on Search and type ... Command
    • Select Command Prompt
    • Select Run as Administrator
  • Allow any UAC prompt
  • Now copy/paste the following command to the command prompt ....
  • wmic qfe list > "%userprofile%\desktop\updatelist.txt"
  • Hit Enter
  • Close the Command Prompt Window
  • A file named updatelist.txt should be on your desktop.
  • Please post it, or attach it to your next reply.
 
I need to check what Windows version and build number your machine is, so please do the following ...

  • Press your Windows Key + R to open a run window.
  • In the Open: box type winver and hit return.
  • An About Windows window will open.
  • Note down what Version and OS Build you have installed.
  • Please post them in your next reply.
 
Hi Gary R,
current Win 10 Home version according to winver is 21H2 19044.1682

Not sure if it makes any difference here info relating to the Windows Feature Experience Pack 120.2212.4170.0. Strange the Windows "info" gives date when this Windows version is installed as 10th of April 2021.

Hoping this helps. Possibly later you can give advice or link to forum pages about checking system integrity, driver updating, cleaning unnecessary windows update leftover and such good practices to prevent system malfunctions and fluent updating. At least root directory has hidden / sys folders with gigs of data, possibly relating to past updates. Anyhow now I am not doing anything extra before your instructions primarily relating to updates and others.

Thank you again.
Best regards,
Harri
 
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Thanks Harri,

I'll get back to you with answers to your questions ASAP.
 
OK, looks like your machine is now up to date.

First thing I'd say in answer to your question ...

... cleaning unnecessary windows update leftover
Click to expand...

... is don't.

The system for updating Windows is complex and generally self-regulating, and removing "leftovers" will almost inevitably lead to problems, since Windows will automatically remove anything that isn't wanted, so if it's there then it's wanted, even if the reason why is not clear to you.

For example, the size of your WinSxS folder is not actually what it is reported to you by Windows, it's actually smaller, since a great many of the files counted are only really present once, and any copies are actually hard-links, but Windows counts them as if they're all actual files.

As for drivers .... generally speaking, if they're not causing you problems, then leave them alone. Windows will automatically implement any critical driver updates.

If you consider just how often Windows is updated, and how many machines get updated, then the number of people who experience problems is remarkably small. I know it doesn't seem that way, if you're one of the people who's had a problem, but really your chances of experiencing another is fairly remote.

In all honesty, taking any kind of "preventative" actions with updates, is more likely to cause you future problems than to help you avoid them.

The only System "maintenance" I usually recommend, is for people to clean out their temporary files at fairly regular intervals.

Other than that ..... if it ain't bust, don't fix it.
 
Hi Gary R,
This is great to hear! Thank you of all the ”relaxing” information and so much of solving this. I am pretty sure that this would have been costing good buch of money on local shops eagerly changing first hardware and then totally reinstalling Windows etc. I am so glad this time we get things rockin’ this easy. Unbelievalbe community you have with knowledge, tools and enthusiasm! Thank you all so much! Will recommend you to all friends suffering with this type of things. Going forward to donating Sysnative, you definitely deserve it.
Thank you, all the good to you,
BR Harri
 
You're welcome, glad we were able to get things working for you again. Thanks for the donation, it is much appreciated.

As we appear to have resolved things now, I'll close this topic.
 
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