Microsoft/Windows Update site gives Error 0x80072F78

[jrbarnett]

System is WinXP Pro SP2 with updates to November 2006 Patch Tuesday except IE 7. It is a standalone machine.

I was given a CD with XP updates created using the method outlined in thread616-1312365, including the December 2006 updates and decided to use this to apply it to my laptop.
The updates seemed to install properly, but since installing them last week, the IE 7 install option from the yellow Update shield disappeared, it now only shows the December Malicious Software Removal Tool.
Furthermore, if I go to the Microsoft Update website, I now get error 0x80072F78.
On trying to troubleshoot this problem, I found a number of related KB articles.
I started with

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=836941

I see errors such as the following in my WindowsUpdate.log file:
2006-12-21 13:53:38 3860 f18 Misc WARNING: DownloadFileInternal failed for

http://download.windowsupdate.com/v6/windowsupdate/b/selfupdate/AU/x86/XP/en/wusetup.cab:

error 0x80072f78
2006-12-21 13:53:38 3860 f18 WUWeb FATAL: CheckIfClientUpdateNeeded failed: error 0x80072f78
2006-12-21 13:55:01 3860 f18 Misc WARNING: DownloadFileInternal failed for

http://download.windowsupdate.com/v6/windowsupdate/b/selfupdate/AU/x86/XP/en/wusetup.cab:

error 0x80072f78
2006-12-21 13:55:01 3860 f18 WUWeb FATAL: CheckIfClientUpdateNeeded failed: error 0x80072f78

I tried the Guided Help for Windows Update issues linked on that page and it made no difference to my situation as they had all been tried individually.

I then tried

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=193385

and it made no difference at all.
Reloading the WindowsUpdate (as opposed to Microsoft Update) ActiveX controls doesn't fix the problem, but I can at least get to the corporate Windows Update catalog to download individual patches, although attempts to scan my machine to find out what is needed and missing all fail with the same error.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;885819

does not apply as I am not behind an ISA server and

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/818018

does not fix the problem.

I then tried to use System Restore to revert the system to the state it was before I installed the first patch, and although it (seems to) have removed the Windows patches, the Windows update ActiveX itself also seems to have been removed because it doesn't show up in C:\Windows\Downloaded Program Files or in a HijackThis log of the PC. Trying to force reload them manually doesn't fix the issue either.

The machine is working perfectly apart from Windows/Microsoft Update.

Does anybody have any bright ideas before I back this lot up and start from scratch with a fresh install?

John

 

[toolmantwo]

I had a like problem with XP Pro myself relating to Active X.

It was supposedly installed and I took all the updates offered by Microsoft, yet it would not work correctly.
When I asked for installs of active X and clicked on the Option to install now my system did nothing, and I got no errors, just no action.

After time I went on a mission of my own and removed any files I found related to active X. Then I went on line and went to a site that requires and offers the install of Active X. Then it installed fine and my system is working correct on all Active X type items.

I have installed XP Pro in this same system over 3 times now. I have Zero training in Microsoft, just learing in the school of hard knocks.

Good luck

 

[linney]

While the Windows Update Web site is loading, you receive Initialization error 0x80072F78

http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/troubleshoot/

Have you looked at any Firewalling logs to see if that is causing problems?

Have you tried cleaning out the Temporary Internet Files and other Temp files? You could even try deleting T.I.F. folder, Cookies folder, and the History folder in case they contain corrupted files, Windows will recreate new folders at reboot.

Safely Delete the Temporary Internet Files

http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/delcache.htm