A one-click fix for Windows Update problems - How do I reset Windows Update components ?

Ok, I had done a disk check from properties before, but I just did it again anyway. Unfortunately, I had to finish making supper and wasn't at the computer when it finished and continued to boot to windows. Where do I find a log of what it found, fixed and recovered? I don't know how to read the CheckSur log. If I posted some of it would you please tell me if it's missing anything? If so let me know how much you would like to see as it's QUITE long lol. SFC/scannow question: This computer is an Acer and came without a Windows disc. Isn't it pointless to run SFC/SCANNOW if you don't have the Vista disc for repairs? I have an Ultimate disc, (his version is home premium) can I use it? I'm thinking that unless it has completely different registries wouldn't the repair option just pick the data it needed to fix the Home premium and ignore the extra stuff that Ultimate has? If I CAN'T do that, can I use an x86 disc of Home Premium or are the versions sold to the computer manufacturers different than the OEM and Retail versions that I can buy? At just $89.00 for an OEM copy of Home premium at newegg, I have suggested he buy one to fix this and for any problems he may have in the future. I was hoping that if he does buy a copy, we can just pop it in and do a repair or SFC/SCANNOW than a complete re-install. Are any of these things an option?

EDIT: Ok, I answered a few of my question by running SFC, but now I have new ones. I found KB 929833 "How To Use the System File Checker Tool to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files on Windows Vista or Windows 7." However I am not certain how to interpret the results.

I typed the command: "findstr /C:"[SR] Cannot repair member file" %windir%\logs\cbs\cbs.log >sfcdetails.txt" and hit enter. It gave me the cmd prompt again. I then typed the next one from the KB: "edit sfcdetails.txt" and hit enter. At that point I got a screen (which I don't know how to copy paste lol) which basically gave me 4 past files that couldn't be repaired and 4 from this recent scan. They ALL concern the Windows sidebar, which I have turned off and somehow doubt have anything to do with the computer failing to update. Have I done something wrong?

I tried the 'fix it' but it didn't work. I'm up to 22 updates that need to be installed now.

any other ideas?

Hi Mow, I'm back...........

I just am on "computer1" now. Just to rehash: It has an 80072efd update problem. I have run the fixit on the top of this thread (Reset Windows.msi) in both the regular and the aggressive modes. The computer is malware free, no 3rd party FW. When I tried to do the  "Error message when you try to install updates by using Windows Update "Code:0x800736CC" I had a problem. When I copy/pasted: chkdsk %SYSTEMROOT% /r /x into the command prompt and hit enter, I recieved, "The Drive, the path, or the file name is not valid." The path in the command prompt looks like this: C:\Windows\system32>chkdsk %SYSTEMROOT% /r /x before I hit enter. I hit enter and I get that message. I DID follow the instuctions exactly as written in the KB, "Click Start, type cmd in the Start Search box, right-click cmd.exe, and then click Run as administrator," What went wrong and what do I do? I have not proceeded with that particular fix as The first part hosed up.

EDIT: This computer does have the CHeckSUR logs. What do I look for in them and starting where? From where this first began happening or will just the last attempt to update tell us what we want? LOL And what DO we want? What am I looking for in the checksur?

As to the 0x800736CC error code and it's KB article ... that was intended for Peg753, not for you.

Told you this thread was getting confusing .... can you run a chkdsk on the C:\ drive from an Elevated Command Prompt using this syntax

chkdsk /r /f

See - Using check disk from Command Line **here**

The CheckSUR logs should show if any files or information is missing in WinSxS or in the registry.

MowGreen MVP Data Center Management - Update Services Consumer Security

Hi Mow, I'm back...........

I just am on "computer1" now. Just to rehash: It has an 80072efd update problem. I have run the fixit on the top of this thread (Reset Windows.msi) in both the regular and the aggressive modes. The computer is malware free, no 3rd party FW. When I tried to do the  "Error message when you try to install updates by using Windows Update "Code:0x800736CC" I had a problem. When I copy/pasted: chkdsk %SYSTEMROOT% /r /x into the command prompt and hit enter, I recieved, "The Drive, the path, or the file name is not valid." The path in the command prompt looks like this: C:\Windows\system32>chkdsk %SYSTEMROOT% /r /x before I hit enter. I hit enter and I get that message. I DID follow the instuctions exactly as written in the KB, "Click Start, type cmd in the Start Search box, right-click cmd.exe, and then click Run as administrator," What went wrong and what do I do? I have not proceeded with that particular fix as The first part hosed up.

EDIT: This computer does have the CHeckSUR logs. What do I look for in them and starting where? From where this first began happening or will just the last attempt to update tell us what we want? LOL And what DO we want? What am I looking for in the checksur?