Error code 641 and code 80070641?

Anonymous
2012-05-23T15:10:07+00:00

When attempting to download updates I get an error message that indicates code 641 and code 80070641?  What does this mean?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update

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Anonymous
2012-06-01T18:16:21+00:00

Hi,

   I use Vista Business Service Pack 2.  I also use System Mechanic Pro for registry cleaning and other repairs.  Sorry, not sure which green button I needed to unmark-can you let me know?

 

Thanks!

The very topmost one.  Assuming you had marked Answer before, then click the UNMARK green icon to clear it (first).

Windows update exception code 0x00000641 / 0x80070641 usually indicates an issue with the Windows Installer service.

Sometimes it is due to a difficulty in accessing it; sometimes it means it's missing, or inactive (disabled) for some reason.

If you have used Iolo System Mechanic for automated (auto-fix) runs, and have these exception codes, the cause is an overagressive fix by this app.

First suggestion is to Undo recent fixes by S M, then insure it's not set to autorun or autofix.

Do NOT keep using System Mechanic until there is a permanent fix from Iolo.

Contact Iolo support (iolo.com)

and demand a permanent fix.

System Mechanic "registry cleaning" has put a double whammy on your system in having removed two registry keys.

The following will put things back in order for the registry {at least for the Installer service}, so that you can then proceed to redo Windows Update.

This are for VISTA systems <<<---

Download this file from Ramesh S http://www.winhelponline.com/fileasso/regfix\_vista.zip

Save it to your DESKTOP.

EXtract the contents to your DESKTOP.

go to Start, type in

REGEDIT and press Enter-key

from main menu, select File

then select IMPORT

navigate the dialog (click on DESKTOP icon on left to select it)

type in regfix_vista.reg in the Filename text-box and click Open button.

Once the merge is complete, you will see a confirmation message.

Click OK when done.

Next, get this second registry-fix

Download and SAVE to your system (to the Desktop or a unique folder) the following registry-fix file

http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/win-services/vista/msiserver.reg

Do a RIGHT-Click on msiserver.reg file and select MERGE

Allow it to merge into the registry.

If prompted by UAC User Account Control, allow to proceed.

IF and only if, the Merge option is not available, then double-click on the file and allow it to merge into the registry.

IF and ".reg" file pops up in REGEDIT, when prompted whether to Merge answer Yes.

When done with the two registry fixes, Exit / close REGEDIT.

then Logoff and Restart Windows fresh.

Now, retry Windows Update in a new run.

Just only do a Custom scan.

select just the Critical or Important updates. (un-select any optional ones).

Let me know if this helps. and if so, kindly click the green YES (Helpful) icon to the left.

If this solves your issue, kindly click on green MARK It icon on the right.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-06-07T14:07:44+00:00

    RPC Endpoint Mapper service is not in Vista.  But is in Windows 7.  My bad for not having that noted before.

    You can certainly relax.  You are in good shape.

    The two "reg fixes" I guided you to was 1) for the REG association & 2) the installer service entry for Windows current control set (eg, list of services for Windows when it starts).

    Best to you.  Cheers.

    ~ Maurice

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  2. Anonymous
    2012-06-07T05:01:44+00:00

    Maurice,  This last fix worked.  My 11 recalcitrant updates have finally downloaded successfully.  I thank you very much for staying with me until I was successful.

    I have one question which I hope is the last one regarding this problem.  I identified two services that were missing from your list:  RPC Endpoint Mapper, and Windows Installer.  You had me download and install two registry-fix files.  However, when I checked afterwards, I found only one of the two services, Windows Installer, on the list of servces in Systems Configuration.  I could not find RPC Endpoint Mapper on the list.

    Is this a problem, or can I just relax since Windows updates are now again being successfully downloaded and installed?

    John Gunning

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  3. Anonymous
    2012-06-07T03:02:13+00:00

    John,

    Your report that the Windows Installer service is not showing "cinches" the certainty that it's missing from current control set registry entry.  Most probable cause is due to a "registry cleaner" utility  (so-called).

    See my reply marked as Answer here http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows\_vista-windows\_update/i-cannot-download-the-new-updates-from-may-8-2012/b9b4a982-5b4d-4218-8a47-917515ede136

    Appy the two registry "fixes" and follow the steps as outlined.

    Let me knwo results afterward.

    ~ Maurice

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  4. Anonymous
    2012-06-06T22:55:06+00:00

    Maurice, I will answer your questions and instructions in the order you placed them.

    I still have System Mechanic but have not run it in several weeks. I certainly am not super-duper positive about anything with regard to System Mechanic, but the update did seem to improve after I permitted a program update last week.

    With respect to the Security Center:

    Antivirus status: McAfee Anti-virus and Anti-spyware report being up to date and virus scanning is on. Window Defender reports it is turned on.

    Firewall status. McAfee Firewall is on.

    Automatic updates: On

    My wife and I have not disabled any Windows services.

    I regularly use McAfee Anti-virus and Windows Defender to scan my computer. I used both of them today to do full scans and they reported no problems detected.

    With regard to "Services:" "Hide all Microsoft Services" was not checked.

    All Services under System Configuration were checked. 103 of them are running now, and 65 are stopped. I don't know if this is meaningful information.

    You asked me to check on seven services.

    RPC Endpoint Mapper and Windows Installer are not shown.

    Remote Procedure Call (RPC) is checked, but stopped

    The other four are checked and running.

    The apply button did not activate since I made no changes.  I clicked ok, then closed all programs and rebooted.

    I look forward to your next instruction.  Thanks.

    John Gunning

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