Windows Update Error Code 80070246

Question

It says "Windows can't check for updates" and this is the error code I get everytime.  Any help?  Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi MikeTide,

This problem occurs if the GlobalInstallOrder.xml file is corrupted. The GlobalInstallOrder.xml file is in the following location:

%Windir%\Winsxs\x86_microsoft-windows-servicingstack_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_none_07289f4cca5f6990\GlobalInstallOrder.xml

To resolve this problem, replace the corrupted GlobalInstallOrder.xml file on the system with the same file from the Windows Vista installation media. To do this, follow these steps:

1.    Obtain the WIM filter driver from the Windows Automated Installation Kit (Windows AIK). To download and install the Windows AIK, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=c7d4bc6d-15f3-4284-9123-679830d629f2&DisplayLang=en

2.    Click Start, point to **All Programs,**click Microsoft Windows AIK, right-click Windows PE Tools Command Prompt, and then click Run as administrator.

If you are prompted for an administrator password, type the password. If you are prompted to continue, click Continue.

3.    At the command prompt, type the following command, and then press ENTER.

MD c:\Mount

This command creates a folder that is named Mount.

4.    Put the Windows Vista installation media in the CD or DVD drive.

5.    At the command prompt, type the following command, and then press ENTER:

Imagex /mount DVDDriveLetter\sources\install.wim 1 \mount

6.    At the command prompt, type the following command, and then press ENTER:

CD\mount\Windows\winsxs\x86_microsoft-windows-servicingstack_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_none_07289f4cca5f6990

This command moves to the source folder

7.    At the command prompt, type the following command, and then press ENTER:

xcopy GlobalInstallOrder.xml %windir%\winsxs\x86_microsoft-windows-servicingstack_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_none_07289f4cca5f6990

This command copies the GlobalInstallOrder.xml file to the destination folder.

-

Answer 2

Hi TerryRodgers,

Thanks for the responses.

Since SFC SCANNOW could not fix files, it may be that you could put the Windows Installation DVD into the DVD drive and run SFC SCANNOW again.  It might fix some files.  If it doesn't, then an IN-Place Upgrade would be the next step.

One note before moving on to an In-Place Upgrade, were you able to run a Virus Scan and malware removal software on this system?  There might be some issues with virus or malware software.  Please run your selected software and let us know if it finds any issues as well.

Here is a post from our MVP Vincenzo Di Russo that may be of assistance to you as you try to get rid of any Virus or Malware that may have become loaded on your system.

http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/vistasecurity/thread/ba80504b-61f1-4d71-960f-b561798b7b42

Also, if none of the above finds any issues, try the In-Place Upgrade -

You may reinstall your copy of Vista while keeping your files, settings, and programs by performing a repair installation or an in-place upgrade with the following steps: (Note:  This does not always resolve all issues, especially if the corruption was caused by a 3rd party program or service, you might need to do a clean installation if this is unsuccessful.)

<><><><><><><><><><><><> 

Please make sure you Backup any and all important data before proceeding. Please see: **Methods for backing up your files**.

Always make sure you have the means to reinstall your programs, either through an install disk or having access to the installation files.

<><><><><><><><><><><><> 

1. Insert the Windows installation disc into your computer's DVD or CD drive. You must start Windows installation while running your existing version of Windows.
2. On the Install Windows page, click Install now.
3. On the Get important updates for installation page, we recommend getting the latest updates to help ensure a successful installation and to help protect your computer against security threats. You will need an Internet connection to get installation updates.
4. On the Type your product key for activation page, we strongly recommend that you type your 25-character product key to help avoid problems during activation.
5. On the Please read the license terms page, if you accept the license terms, click I accept the license terms.
6. On the Which type of installation do you want? page, click Upgrade to begin the upgrade. You might see a compatibility report.
7. Follow the instructions.

Note : If your installation disk does not include SP1, and you are updated to it, then you will have to uninstall it before performing an upgrade install. Start -> Control Panel -> Programs -> View installed updates, then select Service Pack for Microsoft Windows and click Uninstall.

 Note: The following settings will be reset to default:

Computer Sound Scheme

Device Drivers

Visual Effects

Windows Mail

Windows Services

If you notice files missing after the upgrade look in the following folders:

C:\Windows.old

C:$INPLACE.~TR

C:$WINDOWS.~Q

These files can be cleared with disk cleanup as "Files discarded by Windows upgrade".

Delete files using Disk Cleanup

Please keep us advised involving this issue if further assistance is needed.

Regards,

---

Debbie

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

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

Answer 3

I was able to get through all 7 steps. This did not fix the problem and now I have a new problem. My Microsoft Office is now corrupt and I can not reload from the dvd.