Windows 7 Service Pack 1 x64 Installation Failure error code 0x80073701

Anonymous
2011-02-24T08:39:39+00:00

Hi, I have tried to install SP1 on Window 7 Home Premium x64 several times today and all end up with failure with the same error code. (error code 0x80073701 - the reference can not be found). I have tried troubleshooting windows update, system update readiness tools, disabling security software, and even installing in safe mode, and all end up with failure. I use offline installer (windows6.1-KB976932-X64.exe) because using windows update, the download can't even start (at first, it starts, then stuck at 22%, and then it shows the same error code).

Hope you can help...

Additional information:

Firewall: Windows Firewall

Antivirus: Microsoft Security Essential 2.0

Additional security softwares: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.50 with real-time protection (has been disabled, but still fail), Panda USB Vaccine (I think this has no connection at all with this problem)

Additional resident programs: SmartDefrag 1.5, Advanced SystemCare 3.7.3, Daemon Tools Lite

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Windows update

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Anonymous
2011-03-03T18:59:19+00:00

Ferdian and Ron,

Can you try the following:

  1. Uninstall all updates for Windows. Go to Control Panel, then Uninstall a Program, then click on View installed updateson the left. One by one, find everything under the "Microsoft Windows" category that's listed as an "Update" or "Security Update", right-click on it and Uninstall (if available). You may need to reboot.
  2. Run the following from an administrator cmd prompt: dism /online /remove-package /packagename:Package_for_KB976932~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~6.1.1.17514
  3. Try to install SP1 again.

Let me know if this resolves your problem. Thank you both so much for your cooperation in this matter!

Mark [MSFT]

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  1. Anonymous
    2011-04-14T13:39:06+00:00

    Hi all,

    You may try this VB script that does most of the Windows Update Troubleshooting steps on its own.

    Link: Windows Update Troubleshooter v1.2

    Thanks and Regards,

    HackSys Team - Panthera

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  2. Anonymous
    2011-11-04T08:53:22+00:00

    Well after hours of time i found a solution and posted a how to here :

    http://marcin.malkowski.eu/2011/03/02/windows-7-service-pack-1-error_sxs_assembly_missing/

    I am having the same problem, but can't open the site you have put the solution.

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  3. Anonymous
    2012-03-07T16:40:46+00:00

    I have 192 updates.  Dell M4300 Win7 Ux64. Firmware A16

    There has GOT to be a better way than uninstalling all 192 updates 1x1!!!

    Also working on a Dell D830 with fresh install of W7U x64.  Doing the updates right now to see if it magically does better with a clean drive.  Also Firmware A16

    I see that MSE gets in the road also?  UGH!  The D830 runs Mac OSX 10.6.1 with less problems than Win7.  Don't mean to start a flame war, but how does Apple get OSX to run so much nicer even on a H@ckinto$h?

    Can someone find a way to script the update UN-installer?

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