Windows 7 Update error code 80070663 - Manual install error: "The detection failed, this can be due to a corrupted installation database."

Question

I get Windows 7 Update error code 80070663 when trying to install updates.  I have tried manual download but get error message: "The detection failed, this can be due to a corrupted installation database."  I have tried the MS "Fix-It" button and that failed.  There are 5 KB updates that keep failing to install after multiple attempts, both manually and at scheduled updates.  Please help!  Thanks.

Answer 1

HiBrianJ517,

Have you tried this “Fix it” tool ‘How do I reset Windows Update components’ from Microsoft?

As you have mentioned you have tried to install the updates manually, I would suggest you to perform clean boot before you proceed with the installation of updates. Clean boot will start Windows 7 by using a minimal set of drivers and startup programs and helps eliminate software conflicts.

The following link has steps showing how to perform clean boot:http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

1. Perform clean boot (Check the link for performing clean boot).
2. Enable half of the services.
3. Determine whether the problem returns.
4. Enable half of the startup items.
5. Determine whether the problem returns.
6. Repeat the above steps until you find out which service or program is causing the issue

Note: Please ensure that the computer is set to start as usual by following the step 7 from the article: How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows Vista or in Windows7:http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135.

Hope the information helps. Please post back and let us know.

Regards

Debleena S

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

Answer 2

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/929135 is available here, Ken.

Also of interest => https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/security/ms15-093.aspx

Answer 3

There doesn't appear to be a http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135. Nothing comes up.

Thanks,   Ken

Answer 4

What are the KB numbers of the 5 updates which fail to install?

What anti-virus application or security suite is installed and is your subscription current?  What anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)?  What third-party firewall (if any)?

Has a(another) Norton or McAfee application ever been installed on the computer (e.g., a free-trial version that came preinstalled when you bought it)?

---

~Robear Dyer (PA Bear) ~ MS MVP (IE, Mail, Security, Windows & Update Services) since 2002 ~ Disclaimer: MS MVPs neither represent nor work for Microsoft