Windows update error code 800736B3 failes to install (KB974455, KB974571,KB975467,KB975364,KB976749,KB974431)

Question

When I try to update my windows 7 install (build 7600), windows update manager attempts to install the following updates:

• security update for Internet explorer 8 for windows 7 (KB974455)
• security update for windows 7 (KB974571)
• security update for windows 7 (KB975467)
• update for internet explorer 8 compatability view list for windows 7 (KB975364)
• update for internet explorer 8 for windows 7 (KB976749)
• update for windows 7 (KB974431)

it fails to install  them, and reports the following error:

"Error(s) found:

Code 800736B3  Windows Update encountered an unknown error."

can anyone help?

Answer 1

Hi Civint,

Welcome to Microsoft Answers!

Method 1:The System File Checker tool

To determine whether the issue that you are experiencing is caused by one or more system files that are used by Windows Vista, run the System File Checker tool. The System File Checker tool scans system files and replaces incorrect versions of the system files by using the correct versions.

To run the System File Checker tool, follow these steps:

1.    Click Start, and then type cmd in the Start Search box.

2.    Right-click cmd in the Programs list, and then click Run as administrator. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type your password or click Continue

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

sfc /scannow

For more information visit the following link:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936212

Now you can try to perform the Windows update and check if the issue persists.

Method  2:

System resources, such as file data, registry data, and even in-memory data, can develop inconsistencies during the lifetime of the operating system. These inconsistencies might be caused by various hardware failures or might be caused by software issues. In some cases, these inconsistencies can affect the Windows servicing store, and they can cause software updates not to work. The System Update Readiness Tool tries to resolve these inconsistencies.

After you download the System Update Readiness Tool, it runs a onetime scan for inconsistencies that might prevent future servicing operations. This scan typically takes less than 15 minutes to run. However, the tool might take significantly longer on some computers. The Windows Update progress bar is not updated during the scan, and progress seems to stop at 60% complete for some time. This behavior is expected. The scan is still running and you should not cancel the update.

For more information and to download the “System update readiness tool” visit the following link:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947821

Method  3: You may also try to perform a “Clean boot” and check if the issue persists.

NOTE: THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE DISCLAIMER

Using Third Party Software, including hardware drivers can cause serious problems that may prevent your computer from booting properly. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Third Party Software can be solved. Using Third Party Software is at your own risk.

Clean boot: 

Note If the computer is connected to a network, network policy settings may prevent you from following these steps. We strongly recommend that you do not use the System Configuration utility to modify the advanced boot options on the computer unless a Microsoft support engineer directs you to do this. Doing this may make the computer unusable.

a.             Log on to the computer by using an account that has administrator rights.

b.    Click Start, type msconfig.exe in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER to start the System Configuration Utility.If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type your password, or click Continue.

c.     On the General tab, click Selective Startup, and then click to clear the Load startup items check box. (The Use Original Boot.ini check box is unavailable.)

d.    On the Services tab, click to select the Hide all Microsoft services check box, and then click Disable all.

Note Following this step lets Microsoft services continue to run. These services include Networking, Plug and Play, Event Logging, Error Reporting, and other services. If you disable these services, you may permanently delete all restore points. Do not do this if you want to use the System Restore utility together with existing restore points.

e.    Click OK, and then click Restart.

Note: Reset the computer to start as usual

After you have finished troubleshooting, follow these steps to reset the computer to start as usual:

a.     Click Start, type msconfig.exe in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type your password, or click Continue.

b.            On the General tab, click the Normal Startup option, and then click OK.

c.     When you are prompted to restart the computer, click Restart.

How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows Vista or in Windows 7

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/929135

Method 4: Run the Windows Live Safety Center's 'Protection' scan in Safe

Mode with Networking, visiting the following link:

http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/center/howsafe.htm

Let me know if this helped.

Regards,

Divya R – Microsoft Support.

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

Answer 2

option 2:

Clicking download on theUpdate Readiness tool is 404 page not found (Win7 x64)

Answer 3

Hi all,

That's a good news. Glad to be of assistance to you.

Keep posting in Microsoft Answers if you have any other queries in future.

Regards,

Divya R – Microsoft Support.

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

Answer 4

Option 2 worked like Magic, thanks for the solution.

Answer 5

I just ran into a similar issue, and Method 2 fixed the problem for me; I found no references to this fix anywhere else.

Fantastic; thanks!