Windows Update Failing with 80004002

[BB9]

I am unable to get window update to work. All of sudden I am receiving the message "Windows cannot search for updates" and I get an error message Error Code 80004002. I have downloaded the Microsoft Fixit 50202.msi and that did not solve the problem. I have also tried to re-install the latest version of the Windows Update Agent as the Administrator for my machine windowsupdateagent30-64.exe and it fails with the message "Windows Update Agent Installer Encountered Unrecoverable Error". I down loaded it again in case I had a bad download, and received the same message. I tried it in safe mode, and received the same message. I re-registered all of BITS files and the Windows Update files as stated in one of the knowledgebase articles (I.E this is one example "regsvr32.exe atl.dll" ) there are a total of 36 of these and they must be done at the command prompt. Not all are found in Vista 64. I rebooted after all this was done and windows update still did not work. I have run out of options and I am looking for assistance to try something else that might work.

Bob

​

 

[richc46]

Welcome
Not knowing exactly what you tried may I suggest.
Follow the advice in this article
Fix Vista Winodws Update Error Code 80004002 » My Digital Life

If that does not work try to do a system restore from a few days before the problem.
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/76905-system-restore-how.html
If that does not work, try my first suggestion again. You may have made changes that would cause my first suggetion not to work.

If it still does not work try an SFC command
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/66978-system-files-sfc-command.html
If that does not work
Try these suggestions.
How do I reset Windows Update components?
Description of the System Update Readiness Tool for Windows Vista, for Windows Server 2008, for Windows 7, and for Windows Server 2008 R2
Cannot Update Windows using Windows Update

As the very last resort post the cbs log from the SFC scan
Upload the CBS Log

 

[BB9]

Richard, I appreciate your posting all of the information. I have done all the information you have provided with the exception of a restore from my original CD's. I have not tried a system restore yet, because I need to pin point the day it actually started occuring. I was unable to run the sfc /scannow at the command prompt, although I was logged in as the administrator it said I was not. I attempted to run the windows update agent again, and it failed with "Windows Update Agent Installer Encountered Unrecoverable Error". I downloaded Service Pack 1 as one of the suggestions, but it will not let you install Service Pack one, once it has already been installed. I went to the control panel under programs to try and un-install it, but it does not show up under programs and features. I also went to Windows Update, and under Update History and view, it only shows one entry:

"Hotfix for Windows (KB947821) Installation date: ‎2/‎13/‎2011 10:20 AM Installation status: Successful
Update type: Important Fix for KB947821 More information: Description of the System Update Readiness Tool for Windows Vista, for Windows Server 2008, for Windows 7, and for Windows Server 2008 R2 Help and Support:
Microsoft Support

So I would suspect after running all of these programs and fixes that I ran, it zeroed out all the fixes that were previously installed on to the system including Service Pack # 1 and Service Pack # 2, unless I am looking in the wrong place to remove them. One if the items I ran, stated to re-install Service Pack 1 after running a specifc job, obviously I can't fo that. I guess I could try re-installing Internet Explorer 8 on top of itself, to see if that corrects the problem also.

 

[richc46]

How to uninstall Windows Vista service packs as a troubleshooting step
Read this carefull, especially run as adminstrator. That is what you did wrong with the SFC
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/181765-elevated-command-prompt.html

 

[BB9]

Thank Rick, for the info on how to get to the elevated command prompt. I was able to run the sfc /scannow, and I did receive an error at the end stating "Windows Resource Protection Found Corrupt Files, but was unable to fix some of them. Details are included in the CBS Log Windir\log]\cbs\cbs.log". I cannot read that file with notepad, because I guess it is too large, or perhaps it is unreadable in a notepad/text format.

How to uninstall Windows Vista service packs as a troubleshooting step

I did not see any service packs listed using method number 1 "type Appwiz.cpl in the Start Search", so I guess I will have to use method 2B System Restore in Windows Vista, since I am not at home, and I don't have my VISTA CDs with me here today. I do have registery booster installed and run that on a regular basis along with spyware, and adware software. Hopefully, one of these methods will eventually get me back up and running with widowns updates again. Thanks again for all if the assistance, I really appreciate it.

 

[ilikefree]

You don't need your disc for system restore. Read Richc46's link to it.

 

[BB9]

As I mentioned to Rich, I don't know how far back I need to go on a system restore to correct my problem. I don't remember exactly what date I started having my problem,so it would be a shot in dark for me to pick a system restore date and if it didn't work, then I would have to keep picking one until I found the right one that was good. That is always a possiblilty to correct my problem, but if I can avoid that by repairing it another way then, I would like to do that. If not, then that may be my only alternative. I was hoping for a quick fix, but that does not look like the case. You are right though, that may be the quickest way out this, Thanks for reminding me of that option and that I don't need my CD's for the system restore. I guess the only real problem I would have, is that I receive about 50 - 100 e-mails a day, and I would just have to go in and delete all of those from now, until the time I restored the system back to that date.

 

[richc46]

If errors are found with the SFC run it three times. It may not fix the errors, but it does fix only a few at a time. That is why 3 tries are necessary.

CBS Logs

System Restore will not affect personal documents such as email.

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/88236-repair-install-vista.html?filter[11]=Performance Maintenance

I suggest that you quit using Registry booster or anything else of that nature. Not only will it not help it may a have caused your problem. Such software is not needed and my hurt.

 

[BB9]

Thanks Rick, I ran the sfc /scannow three consecutive times, and received the same error at the end each time, stating "Windows Resource Protection Found Corrupt Files, but was unable to fix some of them. Details are included in the CBS Log Windir\log]\cbs\cbs.log". I am running Windows Vista Home Premium Version 6.0 (build 6002" Service pack 2), so it looks as if I will have to create a Vista SP2 slipstream installation disc. I only have an OEM Recovery Vista installation DVD that came preinstalled with my HP computer and a recovery D:\ partition that does the same thing as the OEM Recovery Vista installation DVD. I don't feel real comfortable doing this since it says you must have the following requirements, but hey nothing ventured, nothing gained. That's what backups are for, isn't it? All of the drivers, are the only things that really bothers me:

• A Windows Vista installation DVD
• A copy of SP1 standalone installer from Microsoft (If you have an SP1 disc Sp1 stand alone is not required!)
• A copy of SP2 standalone installer from Microsoft
• A Windows Automated Installation Kit (WAIK) installer from Microsoft
• A registered copy of UltraISO

I have no way of knowing, if the original installation of Vista on this HP Notebook had SP1, or just Vista Home Premium 64, without any Service packs installed. I think I purchased it in June of 2008. Thanks again for all of you continued assistance. I really appreciate it.

Bob

 

[richc46]

Go to my computer icon on desktop
Right Click on it
Properties
It should tell you what SP

 

[BB9]

I am on SP2 right now, I just don't know what the original OEM CD was. SP1 or ?

 

[richc46]

It should say on the DVD. If it just says Vista. I think thats what you have.

Each SP is considered separate and distinct.

I would make a quick call to your computer Manufacturer to find out for sure.