Re: Error message 80070490
80070490 Generic Unexpected error
*Possibly* due to corruption in the registry values
"PendingXmldentifier", "NextQueueEntryIndex", and
"AdvancedInstallersNeedResolving" under the registry key:
HKLM\Components
Suggest you check the above reg key and see if those are listed.
*PRIOR* to doing any registry editing, *BACK UP* those subkeys *FIRST*.
How to back up and restore the registry in Windows XP and Windows Vista
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322756/
Re: Error message 80070490
You receive a "0x80070490" error code when you use Windows Update or
Microsoft Update Web sites to install updates
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/958044
How to overcome error 0x80070490 when installing updates in Windows
Vista/Server 200
Re: Error message 80070490
This error is due to some corrupt file and it prompts you to reinstall your entire operating system. The most common cause of this error is corrupted Component Based Servicing manifest. If you can still access your desktop, go in control panel and then run Automatic Updates. Sfc /scannow is the most basic way to replace corrupted system files. Or else the only last option remains is to re-install your entire operating system with bootable disc. Windows Vista's installation disc provide you a option called as Startup Repair. Run that and check if that can help.
Re: Error message 80070490
Windows is very annoying when you face such kind of errors. At that time you are not really aware what to do, because what matters the most is backup. If still you can see your desktop means, surf through your files and all take a backup and run system restore. There are updates on Microsoft to upgrade SP1 on Vista. I had seen this has fixed a number of common Vista problems. I had upgraded to Windows 7 and found this more stable.