Windows Update error 80072efe or 80072f76

Today, 19th November 2013, the update to version 11 failed, with the same error code.

Same old same old.

And to think I spent good money on this rubbish.

Today, 19th November 2013, the update to version 11 failed, with the same error code.

Which error code?

Did you attempt to install IE11 via Windows Update or manually?

What Update Version is displayed in the second line of text in IE10's Help | About [Alt+H+A] tab (e.g., Update Version: 10.0.4)?

Is KB2888505, KB2876331, KB2900986, KB2868626 and/or KB2875783 listed in Installed Updates?

Are you still messing around with registry cleaners?

8th August 2014. ie11 installed after three attempts.

I have not used a registry cleaner since I removed iTunes.

Earlier this year I got a problem where, after a windows update, windows froze at the sign in screen and would not allow any user to login. It would not even boot into safe mode OR boot from the windows dvd. Started from a live linux disk (God Bless you Mr Torvalds) and deleted the windows login exe. This allowed me to boot into safe mode where I then upgraded windows from the version on my computer to the identical version on the dvd. That took about three hours but restored my version of windows. No need for a re-install and the concomitant loss of data. The whole process of trial and error about two full days. Never did find out what was wrong though it does sound like a rootkit virus (again).

ie10 and ie11 still would not install. Gave up trying. Today I got a new windows update. Tried ie10 again just because! It failed and disappeared from the update list. Rather than try and figure that out I just gave ie11 another go. If failed, asked me if I wanted to try again, I said okay and went off and made my lunch.

When I came back it had worked. So either the not watching it or the raging thunder storm outside have made it work. My money is on the weather.

Frankenstein: "It's alive..."

Moritz: "Don't you mean, He's alive?"

Nine (9) months later...

1. Is KB2962872 (or KB2963952), KB2971850, KB2973201, KB2961072 and/or KB2972280 listed in Installed Updates (not Update History)?
2. Assuming Java is installed => Is Java Version 7 Update 65 (or higher) installed? TEST HERE USING INTERNET EXPLORER ONLY! => http://java.com/en/download/uninstallapplet.jsp [2]
3. Is Adobe Flash Player v14.0.0.145 (or higher) installed? TEST HERE USING INTERNET EXPLORER ONLY! => http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/
4. When (exact date) was Windows Internet Explorer 11 installed according to Installed Updates?
5. What Update Version & KB number are displayed in the second line of text in IE11's Help | About [Alt+H+A] tab; e.g., Update Version: 11.0.54 (KB1231231) ?
6. Is Firefox, Chrome or any other alternate browser installed?