Sometimes Windows patches or service packs simply will not install successfully. Following the definition of insanity and going back to Microsoft Update to try again and again does not usually fix the problem. Here are 3 things you can do to get that update installed.
I recommend completing all of the following, in order, before trying to re-install the update:
1. Check the system drive for filesystem errors:
-Open an Administrative command prompt (hit Windows key, type cmd, hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter)
-Type: chkdsk c: /f
-Hit “y” when prompted
-Reboot and wait
2. Run the System File Checker:
-Open an Administrative command prompt
-Type: sfc /scannow
-Wait for completion
-Reboot
3. Download and run the Windows Update Readiness Tool:
-Read and then follow the appropriate download link here
-Run the downloaded Update Readiness Tool
-Wait patiently for it to complete, this may take some time with little indication of progress until the end
-See the logs after it finishes: %systemroot%\Logs\CBS\CheckSUR.log and CheckSUR.persist.log
[…] How to Fix a Failing Windows 7 Service Pack 1 Install – Tech-Recipes – Mar 2, 2011. Sometimes Windows patches or service packs simply will not install successfully. Here are 3 things you can do to get that update installed. 3. Download and run the Windows Update Readiness Tool: -Read and then follow the appropriate download link here. -Run the downloaded Update Readiness. […]