Windows 7 update fails with code 80070308

Anonymous
2012-02-23T09:01:38+00:00

Window 7 x64  sp 1.

Windows Update files load to windows/software distribution / download, but installation fails.

But unable to install: 

Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer 9 for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB2647516)

Security Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB2654428)

Security Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB2660465)

Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB2640148)

Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.1 on Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 for x64-based Systems (KB2633873)

Security Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB2645640)

Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB2660075)

SP1 and many updates installed OK  with only occasional failures, until the above batch.

Was able to install: Update for Office File Validation 2010 (KB2553065), 32-bit Edition

Installation date: ‎22/‎02/‎2012 9:44 p.m. Installation status: Successful

Have attempted to resolve with " FIXIT"  , removed virus and malware security or clean boot.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Windows update

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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Anonymous
2013-04-16T07:49:17+00:00

Windows Update error 80070308 solution

First, use FixIt for Windows update and try delete or rename %windir%/SoftwareDistribution

If rename SoftwareDistribution not solve the problem, try this:

  1. Open Regedit
  2. Go to HKLM\Components
  3. Delete or rename REG_DWORD "pendingrequired=1"
  4. Profit!

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Anonymous
2012-02-24T01:34:47+00:00

Hi,

Are there any restarts pending after installing updates?

I would suggest you to try the following Methods and check if it helps.

Method 1:

 Run the Windows update troubleshooter and check if it helps.

Open the Windows Update troubleshooter:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Open-the-Windows-Update-troubleshooter

Method 2:

Perform a cleanup of .Net Framework and check if that helps.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/976982

Method 3:

Try the steps provided in the following Microsoft article and check if it helps.

Troubleshoot problems with installing updates:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Troubleshoot-problems-with-installing-updates

For further reference, check the following Microsoft article.

Learn how to install Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1):

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/learn-how-to-install-windows-7-service-pack-1-sp1

Hope the information is helpful.

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Anonymous
2014-04-26T19:27:23+00:00

Windows Update error 80070308 solution

First, use FixIt for Windowthwes update and try delete or rename %windir%/SoftwareDistribution

If rename SoftwareDistribution not solve the problem, try this:

  1. Open Regedit
  2. Go to HKLM\Components
  3. Delete or rename REG_DWORD "pendingrequired=1"
  4. Profit!

Hi kissko. I was referred to the above posting by another member of Microsoft community back in March when I was struggling with windows update. Your method worked like magic. However, I now have another problem with updates. I keep getting error code 80073712 coming up ie windows 7 update failed. Plus I'm getting a repeated message in sys tray stating there are updates available and at the same time when I hover over shutdown button, there's a note about shutting down and installing updates. When I check update history, certain updates come up as failed so I download these manually from Microsoft website. So I've tried your method with regedit etc. But when I go into HKLM\Components, there is  no sign of REG_DWORD "pendingrequired=1". I'd be more than grateful if you can crack this one for me.

Regards

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  1. Anonymous
    2015-11-12T16:03:21+00:00

    I'm going to chime in with my experience with this error.

    TL;DR: A fresh Win 7 install and its hundreds of updates has become (before any 3rd party software!!) a failed house of cards and I'm headed to Win 10.

    I did a fresh install of Windows 7 SP1 Home Premium 64-bit + basic Dell Drivers + ( >250 updates) + Office 2010 H&S + (another ~90 updates). After I attempted a Windows Essentials 2012 install which failed, I got into a spate of Windows Update errors, and uninstalling or going back to earlier restore points has failed to solve it.  I have used the Windows Update Troubleshooter many times without a lasting solution.  I even restored to a system image from before the WE2012 install, and then these updates still gave errors.

    Everything I did was just installing Microsoft software from scratch. I did not install or use any third party software.  With over 300 security updates to be added for my specific case, I do not envy the people at MSFT who are supposed to test, find and fix these issues for everyone's unique case.

    Today the November Update for Win 10 was released. The time has come!   .... I think :-/

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  2. Anonymous
    2015-11-24T14:41:14+00:00

    Windows Update error 80070308 solution

    First, use FixIt for Windows update and try delete or rename %windir%/SoftwareDistribution

    If rename SoftwareDistribution not solve the problem, try this:

    1. Open Regedit
    2. Go to HKLM\Components
    3. Delete or rename REG_DWORD "pendingrequired=1"
    4. Profit!

    what is the exact registry key you are changing? HKLM/Components doesn't give me much to go on. sorry to bother or bump an old thread

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