error code 8000ffff

Question

I have 4 year old dell Inspiron 1525 laptop  running Vista home premium SP2  32-bit  3 GB and I continue to get error code 8000FFFF when attempting to download and install windows updates. I have spent time looking for answers online here  and have tried the automatic Microsoft fit it several times to no avail.  It says that my windows update components need to be repaired and reports that it was fixed, but after restarting the computer and attempting the updates again, it does not work.

I have Trend security and also tried disabling it temporarily for the updates, which didn't work either.

I have also tried this  http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946414 , but those registry keys weren't even there to be removed.

I've also tried re-naming the software distribution folder- no dice.

Any ideas?

Thanks-

Maureen

Answer 1

For home users, no-charge support is available by calling ☎ 800-MICROSOFT (800-642-7676) in the United States or 877-568-2495 in Canada (Monday through Friday, 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM Pacific Time; Saturday and Sunday, 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM Pacific Time) or by contacting your local Microsoft subsidiary.

There is no-charge for support calls that are associated with CRITICAL security updates.

When you call, cləarly state that your problem is related to a CRITICAL Security Update and cite the update's KB number (e.g., kb2698365).

UTC/GMT is 09:36 on Thursday, January 10, 2013

Answer 2

Hi Jose,

All suggestions were completed, the aggressive fix was performed, and I am still getting error codes

8000FFFF and 80070005.

What would be the next thing to try?

Thanks

Maureen

Answer 3

Jose,

..... performed the Microsoft fix it for error code 8000FFFF, but I did it again just in case. After rebooting and attempting the updates again, I get the same error code 8000FFFF and an additional one 80070005.

Maureen,

It is easy and can't huяt to try.

<<http://support.microsoft.com/kb/968003/en-us>>

Add MBAM and SAS

Besides using an anti-virus, also scan for Malware/spyware:

A very good antimalware app are SUPERAntiSpyware (SAS) and MalwareBytes Anti-Malware (MBAM) .

The recommendation is to use the intelligent quick scan routinely, and do full scans either on a longer periodicity--weekly, monthly--or only when something is found or you have some rəason for suspicion

Run a Quick scan

MalwareBytes Anti-Malware Free (MBAM)

<<http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_free>>

SUPERAntiSpyware Free (SAS)

<<http://superantispyware.com/superantispywarefreevspro.html>>

~

1. Open Internet Explorer 32 bit (only!) to <<http://support.microsoft.com/kb/910336>> [ignore the title, etc.], dismiss the automated troubleshooter pop-up then run Fix It 50202 in DEFAULT and then AGGRESSIVE modes.

[Ignore any " Not recommended " warnings, etc.]

2. Reboot & test.

Full Disclosure: Running the Fix It in AGGRESSIVE mode will delete your Update History but NOT the list of installed updates in Add/Remove Programs.

Please let us know if this did or didn't help to resolve your problem.

UTC/GMT is 00:22 on Thursday, January 10, 2013

Answer 4

Jose,

Thank you for your reply. I tried everything as you suggested. I already had downloaded and performed the Microsoft fix it for error code 8000FFFF, but I did it again just in case. After rebooting and attempting the updates again, I get the same error code 8000FFFF and an additional one 80070005.

Any ideas?

Thanks

Maureen

Answer 5

Maureen,

Verify that the time, date/year & time-zone are set correctly

<<Set the clock>>

Clean up the system (clearing out all the temp/tmp folders, and included all offline content, clearing the browser tif, delete cookies.

Clear up your Temp File/Cache.

<<http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/delcache.htm>>

(Important: One of the normal steps in eliminating malicious programs is to entirely delete the contents of all Temp folders.

1. Cookies
2. Local Settings\Temp
3. Local Settings\History
4. Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files

Clear out your Temporary files, do a disk cleanup.

Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools >Disk Cleanup

Best and easier to use - CCleaner.

Download the basic (slim) version via

<<http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/builds>>

The basic (slim) version does not contain the disgusted Toolbar

The standard build installs the Yahoo Toolbar as an option which is checkmarked by default during the installation. IF you do NOT want it, remove the checkmark when provided with the option OR download the toolbarfree Basic SLIM version instead.)

DO NOT TOUCH THE REGISTRY. At least not for now.

<<http://forum.piriform.com/index.php?showtopic=25513>>

Reboot

Refer the below Microsoft article and try the steps mentioned and check if it works

A Microsoft Fix it has been created for the 8000FFFF error code that appears when Windows ‌registry values that are blocking the update from being downloaded and installed. Includes an automatedMicrosoft Fix it that corrects the issue. Look here:

<http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Windows-Update-Error-8000FFFF>

Suggest you download and save the Fix it.

Then close all open programs and browsers prior to running MS Fix it.msi.

UTC/GMT is 20:40 on Wednesday, January 09, 2013