Error Code 80073712 - Windows Vista SP2

I have Windows Vista Home Premium Version 6.0.6001 Service Pack 1 Build 6001;
32-bit OS and received notice of an important update for Windows Vista SP2
(KB948465). When I install I continuously get the error code 80073712 after
343.9MB downloading (12% complete). I've tried all the remedies I've found
in this community and have contacted the free online support but have not
received a reply. When I try to contact the free helpline again, the entry
page does not come up and I'm directed to make the changes in internet
options again. I tried downloading SP2 from the windows website but when I
tried to install I received a message to say I didn't have SP1 and needed to
install that first - but as you can see from above, I already have SP1.
Getting really frustrated as trying to download the update for over a week
now. Do I really need it? Can someone please help me?

Note to MS: Surely you know by now there's an issue with this download and
can provide an easier fix for users than having to trawl through possible
solutions and spend hours testing out possible solutions!

Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
Windows Vista, but only for Service Pack 2 (SP2). This support for Windows
Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2) is valid until November 26, 2009. Availability of
chat or e-mail support differs depending on your geographic location. Go to
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...4&gprid=582034 &
select appropriate category (e.g., Installation).

Error message when you try to install Windows Vista Service Pack 2 or
Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2: "An internal error occurred while
installing the service pack":
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/967818

If you're having problems installing SP2 *via Windows Update* or *Automatic
Updates*, you can /also/ post about your problems here:
http://social.answers.microsoft.com/...stawu/threads/

Installation Tips:

• Your computer will restart several times during the installation process:
Make certain you've saved your work and closed all open applications before
beginning the install.

• Disable (1) your anti-virus application, (2) any real-time system
protections afforded by any anti-spyware applications (except Defender), &
(3) your third-party firewall (if any) and then (4) enable the Windows
Firewall _before installing or uninstalling_ Vista SP2.

• The installation process can take an hour or more: If you're installing
SP2 on a portable computer, make sure that you plug-in the power cord and
have the battery inserted into its bay.

• Vista SP1 is a prerequisite for installing SP2. If you use Windows Update
or the Automatic Update feature in Windows Vista, you will not be offered
the option to install SP2 until you first install SP1.

==============================================================

HOW TO install Vista SP2 manually

<QP>
Generally, these errors can occur if the system files are corrupted.

To make clear the current situation, I recommend downloading Windows Vista
Service Pack 2] in Normal Mode and installing it in Clean Boot Mode. Please
follow the steps below.

Note: This SP2 installation can be affected by certain third party programs
running in the background. If you are running any third party applications
such as Spyblocker, Internet or web accelerators (programs designed to boost
the speed of the Internet connection), security or anti-virus programs
(McAfee, Norton, etc.), I recommend we temporarily disable or shut them down
during our troubleshooting process. Please be sure to enable them again when
the update process has been completed.

Step 1: Download Windows Vista Service Pack 2 Standalone Installer
===================================================
1. Download Windows Vista SP2 from the link below according to your System
Type:

....Windows Vista Service Pack 2 - Five Language Standalone for x32-based
systems (Size: 348.3 MB)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...2-a5c3199ea2b3

....Windows Vista Service Pack 2 - Five Language Standalone for x64-based
systems (Size: 577.4MB)
http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...-X64-wave0.exe

2. Save the download to your desktop, do not Run it!

Step 2: Install Windows Vista SP2 in Clean Boot mode
========================================
Please disable all startup items and third party services when booting to
avoid conflict when installing Vista SP1:

1. Click "Start", type: MSCONFIG in the search box and press Enter.

Note: Please click "Continue" if the "User Account Control" window pops up.

2. Click "Services", check the "Hide All Microsoft Services" box and click
"Disable All" (if it is not gray).
3. Click "Startup", click "Disable All" and click "OK".

Note: Temporarily disabling the Startup Group only prevents the startup
programs from loading at startup. This shouldn't affect the system or other
programs. We can manually run these programs later. Go ahead and reboot your
system when prompted as you are exiting MsConfig.

4. After rebooting, right-click on the downloaded Windows Vista Service Pack
2 Standalone Installer, select "Run as Administrator" (if necessary) and
follow the instructions to install Windows Vista SP2.

To restore the computer to use a Normal Startup, repeat step 1 above. Then
click "Normal Startup" on the General tab, click "OK", and then restart the
computer.
</QP>
Modified from original MS Support source as quoted in
http://social.technet.microsoft.com/...-fb58c5da5ad0/

• See if this sugesstion can help you:
Error 80073712 with Windows Updates in Windows Vista

<http://www.windowsreference.com/windows-vista/error-80073712-with-windows-updates-in-windows-vista/>

No pending.xml file in winsxs.

Should I still do the download?
My OS is 32-bit, which download should I use x86, or x64?

To find out if you have a 32 bit system (x86) -
Click Start, Select Run, now type in: msinfo32

None of the solutions worked, tried to contact MS online but help page just
flashes on screen and immediately disappears to a new screen for me to add ms
to trusted site zone!

Have downloaded the system readiness file since and now update download
shows 0% but says complete, lets me sign licence and then brings up error
ERROR_NOT_FOUND. elWhen I do manual update it tells me I need to install SP1
first!

Just spent the whole day on this, very disappointing, frustrating, and not a
luxury I can afford.

Still does not work. There was no pending.xml file in winsxs so went ahead
with agent download, still does not work; nor does new Vista readiness update.

Any other suggestions?

Either do a Repair Install (AKA In-Place Upgrade), a Clean Install, or take
your computer to a local, reputable, and independent shop.

Or use another, functioning computer to contact MS at the link I gave you.

PS: No one here works for or represents Microsoft, including me.