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If you receive errors when using Windows Update (see the errors in the table below), the System Update Readiness Tool will check for inconsistencies and fix them so you can continue to update your computer through Windows Update. The System Update Readiness Tool is used for:
- Windows Vista-based computers
- Windows Server 2008-based computers
- Windows Server 2008 R2-based computers
- Windows 7-based computers
This update should download automatically; however, if you are still receiving errors, you should download and run the System Update Readiness Tool manually. Learn, in this guide, more about the tool, where to get it, and how to run it.
Please note: Just to reiterate the above, you should only manually download and install this update if you are experiencing unresolved errors (listed below) with Windows Update.
What Does the System Update Readiness Tool Do?
The System Update Readiness Tool verifies the integrity and, if needed, replaces incorrect data with the corrected version of the following resources:
- Files that are located under the following directories:
- %SYSTEMROOT%\Servicing\Packages
- %SYSTEMROOT%\WinSxS\Manifests
- Registry data that is located under the following registry subkeys:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Components
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Schema
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Component Based Servicing
What Problems Does the Tool Fix?
The System Update Readiness Tool fixes the following errors with Windows Update:
| Code | Error | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0x80070002 | ERROR_FILE_NOT_FOUND | The system cannot find the file specified. |
| 0x8007000D | ERROR_INVALID_DATA | The data is invalid. |
| 0x800F081F | CBS_E_SOURCE_MISSING | The source for the package or file not found. |
| 0x80073712 | ERROR_SXS_COMPONENT_STORE_CORRUPT | The component store is in an inconsistent state. |
| 0x800736CC | ERROR_SXS_FILE_HASH_MISMATCH | A component’s file does not match the verification information present in the component manifest. |
| 0x800705B9 | ERROR_XML_PARSE_ERROR | Unable to parse the requested XML data. |
| 0x80070246 | ERROR_ILLEGAL_CHARACTER | An invalid character was encountered. |
| 0x8007370D | ERROR_SXS_IDENTITY_PARSE_ERROR | An identity string is malformed. |
| 0x8007370B | ERROR_SXS_INVALID_IDENTITY_ATTRIBUTE_NAME | The name of an attribute in an identity is not within the valid range. |
| 0x8007370A | ERROR_SXS_INVALID_IDENTITY_ATTRIBUTE_VALUE | The value of an attribute in an identity is not within the valid range. |
| 0x80070057 | ERROR_INVALID_PARAMETER | The parameter is incorrect. |
| 0x800B0100 | TRUST_E_NOSIGNATURE | No signature was present in the subject. |
| 0x80092003 | CRYPT_E_FILE_ERROR | An error occurred while Windows Update reads or writes to a file. |
| 0x800B0101 | CERT_E_EXPIRED | A required certificate is not within its validity period when verifying against the current system clock or the time stamp in the signed file. |
| 0x8007371B | ERROR_SXS_TRANSACTION_CLOSURE_INCOMPLETE | One or more required members of the transaction are not present. |
| 0x80070490 | ERROR_NOT_FOUND | Windows could not search for new updates. |
Where Can I Download the System Update Readiness Tool?
Download the tool here (Internet Explorer recommended)
Scroll down the article and pick your operating system (don’t know what operating system you use? How Do I Know Which Operating System I am Using?)
Next you’ll need to validate Windows. Click Continue.
Using Internet Explorer, click the toolbar that says This website wants to install the following add-on:… and click Install This Add-on for All Users on This Computer…
Click Install.
Now click Download.
Save the file to your desktop by clicking Save:
How Do I Run the System Update Readiness Tool?
To run the System Update Readiness tool, double click on the file you downloaded, wait while it initializes and click Yes to begin installation:
The tool may take some time to install:
After some time, the installation will complete:
Verify Windows Update is Now Working
To verify Windows Update is now working, click the Start button, type windows update and click Windows Update.
Check for updates by clicking Check for updates:
Windows Update will now check for an install updates and you should be error free:
If you are still having problems, head over to Windows Forums for help.
About Rich
Rich is the owner and creator of Windows Guides; he spends his time breaking things on his PC so he can write how-to guides to fix them.
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Is there a tool like this for Windows XP machines?
Not that I’m aware of. All Windows Update issues should be fixed with XP SP3.
hi Rich, I saw your post and I thought my troubles are over… but no… My error is not in the list, it is 80072EE2 and none of the solutions suggested by Microsoft helped.
The solution I’m using for the past (almost a) year now is to check manually every now and then. that sucks :)
Alon
That does suck. Are you using Vista?
Hi Angel and Rich, I’m truely sorry for the late reply – I always thought that once posting a comment, the subscription is automatic. It did cross my mind that I never got any reply email to any of my posting here and there but I never went to check it… Only now I saw (by accident…) your replies and while at, saw that I need to click the “Subscribe by email”…. from now on…
So,
Angel,
I think that is better to response to your comment on your article. I will post there in a sec.
Rich,
No, I’m using Win7 Ultimate x64. Is like that from day one. The laptop belongs to a domain but I have full rights (one of teh privilages of being the company’s CTO I guess).
Thanks and sorry again,
Alon
… I just saw that there is a checkmark for subscription when posting. I’m 100% sure I always checked it. Maybe is not working?
Have you tried to delete the SoftwareDistribution folder inside Windows:More info here:http://www.mintywhite.com/windows-7/7maintenance/windows-update-troubleshooting/I know you put a comment there but you never ask me that question.
This tells me how to install the tool but once it is installed, how do I run it
ogni volta che attivo windows update per gli aggiornamenti mi compare la scritta INSTALLAZIONE MODULI WINDOWS HA SMESSO DI FUNZIONARE ho provato di tutto ma non riesco ad installare nessun aggiornamento aiutatemi grazie