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Hi, after successfully installing windows 7 (my first windows install since XP, after which I moved to Ubuntu) and doing the initial set-up etc., installing my own anti virus software and MS Office etc, I thought it was time to let it update itself.
however, every time I tell it to update then shut down it fails. I tried to troubleshoot it using the MS help box which was very little actual help, and then tried to initiate the update manually, however, when it comes to installing some windows 7 security and system updates and some IE updates, installation fails, resulting in error code 800736B3, whatever that means. The updates it fails on are:
Any help than can be offered will be much obliged! All I've been able to turn up from googling is a command that un-registers windows, which then for some reason allows the updates to occur, following which I can use my original activation code (given to me by digital river with the student upgrade deal) to re-activate windows, although I am reluctant to try this!
Many thanks
civint
however, every time I tell it to update then shut down it fails. I tried to troubleshoot it using the MS help box which was very little actual help, and then tried to initiate the update manually, however, when it comes to installing some windows 7 security and system updates and some IE updates, installation fails, resulting in error code 800736B3, whatever that means. The updates it fails on are:
I'm currently running avast! (v4.8 home edition) following Windows 7 informing me that it would not allow AVG to run (it was from an 'untrusted source' apparently, despite having been working a few days previously), but thats another problem entirely
Any help than can be offered will be much obliged! All I've been able to turn up from googling is a command that un-registers windows, which then for some reason allows the updates to occur, following which I can use my original activation code (given to me by digital river with the student upgrade deal) to re-activate windows, although I am reluctant to try this!
Many thanks
civint
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2023
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- 97,988
It seems like you are encountering issues with updating your Windows 7 system due to specific update failures and error code 800736B3. This error can be related to various factors, such as system file corruption, compatibility issues, or issues with Windows Update components. Let's address your concerns step by step:
Error Code 800736B3 - Update Failure
The error code 800736B3 indicates a problem with the installation of Windows updates. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can follow:- Run Windows Update Troubleshooter:
- Open the Control Panel.
- Go to "System and Security" > "Troubleshoot common computer problems."
- Select "Fix problems with Windows Update" and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Run the following commands one by one:
Code:
bash net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msiserver ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver
- Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog website and search for the specific KB numbers mentioned in your error message.
- Download the updates manually and install them one by one.
Issues with AV Software
It's essential to ensure that your antivirus software is not conflicting with Windows Update. Here are some suggestions:- Temporary Disable AV: Temporarily disable Avast antivirus and then try to run Windows Update to see if it completes successfully.
- Update AV Software: Ensure that your Avast antivirus is up to date. Outdated antivirus software can sometimes interfere with Windows Update.
Activation Concerns
If you are worried about reactivating Windows after trying certain fixes, you can proceed as follows:- Before attempting any major changes, create a system restore point to revert back in case something goes wrong.
- If you need to re-enter your activation code after resolving the update issue, you should be able to do so without any significant problems.