Windows update error 0x80070BC9 with windows 7

Question

Hi,
I have only one Windows 7 machine which has started to show 80070BC9 in Windowsupdate.log file when trying to install Windows updates KB2478662. I believe this refers to a "pending update" which needs to be completed before other updates can follow (normally
after a reboot).
I restarted the computer many times, tried to install this update manually, tried .Net cleanup tool, strated the computer in selective startup mode (without load startup items) and reset Windows update components. unfortunately I still
have the same problem.
I get the following in Windowsupdate.log file:
2012-02-07 15:42:17:069  328 e9c Setup WARNING: CBS EvaluateApplicability returned error, error = 0x80070BC9
2012-02-07 15:42:17:069  328 e9c Setup FATAL: Applicability evaluation for setup package "WUClient-SelfUpdate-ActiveX~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~7.4.7600.226" failed, error = 0x80070BC9
2012-02-07 15:42:17:069  328 e9c Setup FATAL: SelfUpdate check failed, err = 0x80070BC9
2012-02-07 15:42:17:069  328 e9c Agent   * WARNING: Skipping scan, self-update check returned 0x80070BC9
2012-02-07 15:42:17:069  328 e9c Agent   * WARNING: Exit code = 0x80070BC9
2012-02-07 15:42:17:069  328 e9c Agent *********
2012-02-07 15:42:17:069  328 e9c Agent **  END  **  Agent: Finding updates [CallerId = AutomaticUpdates]
2012-02-07 15:42:17:069  328 e9c Agent *************
2012-02-07 15:42:17:069  328 e9c Agent WARNING: WU client failed Searching for update with error 0x80070bc9
2012-02-07 15:42:17:069  328 430 AU AU setting pending client directive to 'Reboot Pending'
2012-02-07 15:42:17:069  328 430 AU Changing existing AU client directive from 'Install Approval' to 'Reboot Pending', session id = 0x1
2012-02-07 15:42:17:069  328 3b4 AU >>##  RESUMED  ## AU: Search for updates [CallId = {87044891-5208-4538-8A04-FC019AE09325}]
2012-02-07 15:42:17:069  328 3b4 AU   # WARNING: Search callback failed, result = 0x80070BC9
2012-02-07 15:42:17:069  328 3b4 AU   # WARNING: Failed to find updates with error code 80070BC9
It's very important for me to fiind a solution without reinstalling Windows 7.
Your help would be very much appreciated.
Thanks a lot,
William

Answer 1

Hi,
I understand that the issue persists after registering the Windows Update files and removing incorrect Registry values that may exist. And before that
you have tried manually installation, disable antivirus, checksur but the update still cannot be installed.
Based on my experience, the update fail issue may occur when there are problems with winsxs folder, disk or Software Distribution folder. Please try the steps below and check the
result.
===========================================
1.
 Rename Pending.xml
1). Open an elevated command prompt
2). At the command prompt type the following command:
takeown /f C:\Windows\winsxs\pending.xml
3). Rename c:\windows\winsxs\pending.xml using the following command:
Ren c:\windows\winsxs\pending.xml pending.old
2. Run Check disk (chkdsk) on the OS partition
1). Open an elevated command prompt
2). At the command prompt type the following command:
Chkdsk volume: /f /r
3. Rename the Software Distribution folder
To rename the Windows Update temporary SoftwareDistribution directory follow these steps:
1). Start an administrative command prompt.
2). Run the following commands hitting enter after each line:
Net stop wuauserv
cd %systemroot%
Ren SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
Net start wuauserv
3). Try to install updates again
Important The following issues occur when you do this:
• Updates that are currently downloaded but that have not yet been installed have to be downloaded again by using Windows Update or Microsoft Update.
• When you delete the Software Distribution folder, your download history is removed.
• If you currently receive updates from Microsoft Update and from Windows Update, you will have to re-select this option from the Windows Update Web site.
Note: If the issue is resolved and you can successfully download and install updates, you can safely delete the SoftwareDistribution.old directory to recover disk space.
Best regards,
Ruby Cheng
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