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
    2012-06-01T14:47:19+00:00

    @ColD(2)  and teejay007

    If your situation is still not resolved, go back and click on green UNMARK icon  since obviously yours is not fixed.

    You must state your version of Windows so that a proper fix is suggested, and please say if you have ever used any sort of "registry cleaner" program ?   such as System Mechanic ?

    Registry cleaners can often be over-agressive and what you wind-up with is exactly a situation like yours --- a seemingly missing windows service.

    Provide those 2 items of information in your reply.

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  2. Anonymous
    2012-06-01T13:38:27+00:00

    Hi,

       I have also tried these and it is still not working or updating.  I also cannot uninstall certain programs as I get the smae Windows installer error message as above.  The Mr Fixit did not work either.  Help!!!

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  3. Anonymous
    2012-06-01T13:22:25+00:00

    Hi,

    Have tried "all the above" and still not working or updating

    Help!!!!!!

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  4. Anonymous
    2012-06-01T09:31:58+00:00

    Hi,

    Thank you for updating the case status.

    I would suggest you to follow the mention methods and check if it helps.

    Method 1:

    Step 1:

    Check the Windows Update service status.

    a. Click Start, in the start search box, type Services and press Enter.

    b. Scroll down and find the Windows Installer.  Double-click “Windows Update” in the Services list.

    c. On the General tab, make sure the service is started under “Service status”.

    d. If the service is not running, under Service status, click Start, and then click OK.

    Step 2:

    Unregister and re-register the Windows Update

    Unregister:  

    a. Click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, right-click Command Prompt, and then click Run as administrator. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Allow

    b. Type the following command, and then press ENTER:  wuauserv /UNREGISTER

    **Re-register:**a. Click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, right-click Command Prompt, and then click Run as administrator. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Allow

    b. Type the following command, and then press ENTER:  wuauserv /REGSERVER

    c. Now, try your installation again.

    Method 2:

    Perform a System File Checker and check  if it helps.

    To run SFC scan, follow the steps in the following Microsoft article.

    How to use the System File Checker tool to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files on Windows Vista: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929833

    Method 3: ****Error “The Windows Installer Service Could Not Be Accessed” when installing or updating programs on Windows 7 or Windows Vista

    **http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2642495**

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