Error message 0x8024000E

I forgot to mention that I'm using Windows XP Sp2

The geek translation for this is "the SUS agent is attempting to parse an update's XML blob and has encountered data that is invalid".

Did you see this Error on-screen at Windows Update, or in your Windows Update log file?
Is this a home-based pc , or, is it in a company-based network? If in a company setting, see your system administrator.

What item(s) did you select for update?

Use Windows' Wordpad to open this log:
C:\Windows\Windows Update.log

Look at bottom of file. Post back here, any Error notations. and if not, still copy & paste (here) the section for "fail" date.

--
Maurice N
MVP Windows - Shell / User
-----

Rlst8IT1 wrote:
> I forgot to mention that I'm using Windows XP Sp2

"Maurice N ~ MVP" wrote:

> The geek translation for this is "the SUS agent is attempting to parse an update's XML blob and has encountered data that is invalid".
>
> Did you see this Error on-screen at Windows Update, or in your Windows Update log file?
> Is this a home-based pc , or, is it in a company-based network? If in a company setting, see your system administrator.
>
> What item(s) did you select for update?
>
> Use Windows' Wordpad to open this log:
> C:\Windows\Windows Update.log
>
> Look at bottom of file. Post back here, any Error notations. and if not, still copy & paste (here) the section for "fail" date.
>
> --
> Maurice N
> MVP Windows - Shell / User
> -----
>
> Rlst8IT1 wrote:
> > I forgot to mention that I'm using Windows XP Sp2
>

I have got the same problem when trying to use Microsoft Update instead of
Windows update (after many attempts Windows Update finally works but the
instructions I found were not complete. It was said to close IE but a full
restart proved to be necessary).
Note. I must say I have Windows update problems now on nearly every computer
I use. Clearly it is not robust software.
Here is the part of the file showing the failure:

2007-07-19 13:37:48:203 4024 fbc Misc =========== Logging initialized
(build: 7.0.6000.374, tz: +0200) ===========
2007-07-19 13:37:48:203 4024 fbc Misc = Process: C:\Program Files\Internet
Explorer\iexplore.exe
2007-07-19 13:37:48:203 4024 fbc Misc = Module: C:\WINNT\system32\wuapi.dll
2007-07-19 13:37:48:203 4024 fbc COMAPI ----------- COMAPI:
IUpdateServiceManager::AddService -----------
2007-07-19 13:37:48:203 4024 fbc COMAPI - ServiceId =
{7971f918-a847-4430-9279-4a52d1efe18d}
2007-07-19 13:37:48:203 4024 fbc COMAPI - AuthorizationCabPath =
C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\AuthCabs\muauth.cab
2007-07-19 13:37:48:328 1104 638 Misc Validating signature for
C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\AuthCabs\Downloaded\7971f918-a847-4430-9279-4a52d1efe18d.auth.cab.temp\muauth.cab:
2007-07-19 13:37:48:828 1104 638 Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
2007-07-19 13:37:49:343 240 e8 Misc =========== Logging initialized
(build: 7.0.6000.374, tz: +0200) ===========
2007-07-19 13:37:49:359 240 e8 Misc = Process:
C:\WINNT\system32\wuauclt.exe
2007-07-19 13:37:49:359 240 e8 Misc = Module:
C:\WINNT\system32\wuaueng.dll
2007-07-19 13:37:49:343 240 e8 DtaStor Update service properties: service
registered with AU is {7971F918-A847-4430-9279-4A52D1EFE18D}
2007-07-19 13:37:49:375 4024 fbc COMAPI - Added service, URL =
http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/
2007-07-19 13:37:49:375 4024 fbc COMAPI ----------- COMAPI:
IUpdateServiceManager::RegisterServiceWithAU -----------
2007-07-19 13:37:49:375 4024 fbc COMAPI - ServiceId =
{7971f918-a847-4430-9279-4a52d1efe18d}
2007-07-19 13:37:49:515 4024 fbc Misc =========== Logging initialized
(build: 7.0.6000.374, tz: +0200) ===========
2007-07-19 13:37:49:515 4024 fbc Misc = Process: C:\Program Files\Internet
Explorer\iexplore.exe
2007-07-19 13:37:49:515 4024 fbc Misc = Module: C:\WINNT\system32\muweb.dll
2007-07-19 13:37:49:515 4024 fbc Misc Validating signature for
C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\WuRedir\9482F4B4-E343-43B6-B170-9A65BC822C77\wuredir.cab:
2007-07-19 13:37:49:625 4024 fbc Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
2007-07-19 13:37:49:703 4024 fbc Misc Validating signature for
C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\WuRedir\9482F4B4-E343-43B6-B170-9A65BC822C77\wuredir.cab:
2007-07-19 13:37:49:703 4024 fbc Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
2007-07-19 13:37:49:750 4024 fbc Misc Validating signature for
C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\WebSetup\wuident.cab:
2007-07-19 13:37:49:765 4024 fbc Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
2007-07-19 13:37:49:968 4024 fbc Misc Validating signature for
C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\WebSetup\wuident.cab:
2007-07-19 13:37:49:984 4024 fbc Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
2007-07-19 13:37:50:234 4024 fbc Misc Validating signature for
C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\WebSetup\wsus3setup.cab:
2007-07-19 13:37:50:250 4024 fbc Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
2007-07-19 13:37:50:250 4024 fbc Setup *********** Setup: Checking whether
self-update is required ***********
2007-07-19 13:37:50:250 4024 fbc Setup * Inf file:
C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\WebSetup\wsus3setup.inf
2007-07-19 13:37:50:296 4024 fbc Setup Update NOT required for
C:\WINNT\system32\wuweb.dll: target version = 7.0.6000.374, required version
= 7.0.6000.374
2007-07-19 13:37:50:296 4024 fbc Setup * IsUpdateRequired = No
2007-07-19 13:37:50:312 4024 fbc Misc =========== Logging initialized
(build: 7.0.6000.374, tz: +0200) ===========
2007-07-19 13:37:50:312 4024 fbc Misc = Process: C:\Program Files\Internet
Explorer\iexplore.exe
2007-07-19 13:37:50:312 4024 fbc Misc = Module: C:\WINNT\system32\wuweb.dll
2007-07-19 13:37:50:312 4024 fbc Misc Validating signature for
C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\WuRedir\9482F4B4-E343-43B6-B170-9A65BC822C77\wuredir.cab:
2007-07-19 13:37:50:312 4024 fbc Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
2007-07-19 13:37:50:343 4024 fbc Misc Validating signature for
C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\WuRedir\9482F4B4-E343-43B6-B170-9A65BC822C77\wuredir.cab:
2007-07-19 13:37:50:359 4024 fbc Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
2007-07-19 13:37:50:359 4024 fbc Misc Validating signature for
C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\WebSetup\wuident.cab:
2007-07-19 13:37:50:375 4024 fbc Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
2007-07-19 13:37:50:796 4024 fbc Misc Validating signature for
C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\WebSetup\wuident.cab:
2007-07-19 13:37:50:796 4024 fbc Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
2007-07-19 13:37:50:796 4024 fbc Misc Validating signature for
C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\WebSetup\wsus3setup.cab:
2007-07-19 13:37:50:812 4024 fbc Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
2007-07-19 13:37:50:859 4024 fbc Misc Validating signature for
C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\WebSetup\wsus3setup.cab:
2007-07-19 13:37:50:859 4024 fbc Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
2007-07-19 13:37:50:859 4024 fbc Setup *********** Setup: Checking whether
self-update is required ***********
2007-07-19 13:37:50:859 4024 fbc Setup * Inf file:
C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\WebSetup\wsus3setup.inf
2007-07-19 13:37:50:890 4024 fbc Setup Update NOT required for
C:\WINNT\system32\cdm.dll: target version = 7.0.6000.374, required version =
7.0.6000.374
2007-07-19 13:37:50:890 4024 fbc Setup Update NOT required for
C:\WINNT\system32\wuapi.dll: target version = 7.0.6000.374, required version
= 7.0.6000.374
2007-07-19 13:37:50:921 4024 fbc Setup Update NOT required for
C:\WINNT\system32\wuapi.dll.mui: target version = 7.0.6000.374, required
version = 7.0.6000.374
2007-07-19 13:37:50:937 4024 fbc Setup Update NOT required for
C:\WINNT\system32\wuauclt.exe: target version = 7.0.6000.374, required
version = 7.0.6000.374
2007-07-19 13:37:50:968 4024 fbc Setup Update NOT required for
C:\WINNT\system32\wuaucpl.cpl: target version = 7.0.6000.374, required
version = 7.0.6000.374
2007-07-19 13:37:50:968 4024 fbc Setup Update NOT required for
C:\WINNT\system32\wuaucpl.cpl.mui: target version = 7.0.6000.374, required
version = 7.0.6000.374
2007-07-19 13:37:51:000 4024 fbc Setup Update NOT required for
C:\WINNT\system32\wuaueng.dll: target version = 7.0.6000.374, required
version = 7.0.6000.374
2007-07-19 13:37:51:031 4024 fbc Setup Update NOT required for
C:\WINNT\system32\wuaueng.dll.mui: target version = 7.0.6000.374, required
version = 7.0.6000.374
2007-07-19 13:37:51:046 4024 fbc Setup Update NOT required for
C:\WINNT\system32\wucltui.dll: target version = 7.0.6000.374, required
version = 7.0.6000.374
2007-07-19 13:37:51:093 4024 fbc Setup Update NOT required for
C:\WINNT\system32\wucltui.dll.mui: target version = 7.0.6000.374, required
version = 7.0.6000.374
2007-07-19 13:37:51:093 4024 fbc Setup Update NOT required for
C:\WINNT\system32\wups.dll: target version = 7.0.6000.374, required version =
7.0.6000.374
2007-07-19 13:37:51:109 4024 fbc Setup Update NOT required for
C:\WINNT\system32\wups2.dll: target version = 7.0.6000.374, required version
= 7.0.6000.374
2007-07-19 13:37:51:109 4024 fbc Setup * IsUpdateRequired = No
2007-07-19 13:38:01:515 4024 fbc COMAPI -------------
2007-07-19 13:38:01:515 4024 fbc COMAPI -- START -- COMAPI: Search
[ClientId = MicrosoftUpdate]
2007-07-19 13:38:01:515 4024 fbc COMAPI ---------
2007-07-19 13:38:01:578 1104 248 Agent *************
2007-07-19 13:38:01:578 4024 fbc COMAPI <<-- SUBMITTED -- COMAPI: Search
[ClientId = MicrosoftUpdate]
2007-07-19 13:38:01:578 1104 248 Agent ** START ** Agent: Finding updates
[CallerId = MicrosoftUpdate]
2007-07-19 13:38:01:625 1104 248 Agent *********
2007-07-19 13:38:01:625 1104 248 Agent * Online = Yes; Ignore download
priority = No
2007-07-19 13:38:01:625 1104 248 Agent * Criteria = "IsInstalled=0 and
IsHidden=1"
2007-07-19 13:38:01:625 1104 248 Agent * ServiceID =
{7971F918-A847-4430-9279-4A52D1EFE18D}
2007-07-19 13:38:01:640 1104 248 Misc Validating signature for
C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\WuRedir\9482F4B4-E343-43B6-B170-9A65BC822C77\wuredir.cab:
2007-07-19 13:38:01:656 1104 248 Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
2007-07-19 13:38:01:734 1104 248 Misc Validating signature for
C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\WuRedir\9482F4B4-E343-43B6-B170-9A65BC822C77\wuredir.cab:
2007-07-19 13:38:01:734 1104 248 Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
2007-07-19 13:38:01:750 1104 248 Agent Checking for updated auth cab for
service 7971f918-a847-4430-9279-4a52d1efe18d at
http://www.update.microsoft.com/v7/m...dir/muauth.cab
2007-07-19 13:38:01:750 1104 248 Misc Validating signature for
C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\AuthCabs\authcab.cab:
2007-07-19 13:38:01:765 1104 248 Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
2007-07-19 13:38:02:828 1104 248 Misc Validating signature for
C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\AuthCabs\authcab.cab:
2007-07-19 13:38:02:843 1104 248 Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
2007-07-19 13:38:02:843 1104 248 Misc Validating signature for
C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\AuthCabs\authcab.cab:
2007-07-19 13:38:02:843 1104 248 Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
2007-07-19 13:38:02:890 240 e8 DtaStor Update service properties: service
registered with AU is {7971F918-A847-4430-9279-4A52D1EFE18D}
2007-07-19 13:38:04:359 1104 248 Misc Validating signature for
C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\WuRedir\7971F918-A847-4430-9279-4A52D1EFE18D\muredir.cab:
2007-07-19 13:38:04:375 1104 248 Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
2007-07-19 13:38:04:390 1104 248 Misc Validating signature for
C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\WuRedir\7971F918-A847-4430-9279-4A52D1EFE18D\muredir.cab:
2007-07-19 13:38:04:437 1104 248 Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
2007-07-19 13:38:04:468 1104 248 PT +++++++++++ PT: Synchronizing server
updates +++++++++++
2007-07-19 13:38:04:468 1104 248 PT + ServiceId =
{7971F918-A847-4430-9279-4A52D1EFE18D}, Server URL =
https://www.update.microsoft.com/v6/...ce/client.asmx
2007-07-19 13:38:06:062 1104 248 PT WARNING: Cached cookie has expired or
new PID is available
2007-07-19 13:38:51:656 1104 588 AU ########### AU: Setting new AU options
###########
2007-07-19 13:38:51:687 1104 588 AU Setting AU Approval Type to 3
2007-07-19 13:38:51:687 1104 588 AU # Policy changed, AU refresh required
= No
2007-07-19 13:38:51:687 1104 588 AU # Approval type: Pre-install notify
(User preference)
2007-07-19 13:38:51:687 1104 588 AU # Auto-install minor updates: No (User
preference)
2007-07-19 13:38:51:687 1104 588 AU AU settings changed through User
Preference.
2007-07-19 13:39:24:000 1104 248 PT WARNING: PopulateDataStore failed:
0x8024000e
2007-07-19 13:39:24:000 1104 248 PT WARNING: Sync of Updates: 0x8024000e
2007-07-19 13:39:24:015 1104 248 PT WARNING: SyncServerUpdatesInternal
failed: 0x8024000e
2007-07-19 13:39:24:046 1104 248 Agent * WARNING: Failed to synchronize,
error = 0x8024000E
2007-07-19 13:39:24:078 1104 7f0 AU Triggering Offline detection
(non-interactive)
2007-07-19 13:39:24:171 1104 7f0 AU #############
2007-07-19 13:39:24:171 1104 7f0 AU ## START ## AU: Search for updates
2007-07-19 13:39:24:187 1104 7f0 AU #########
2007-07-19 13:39:24:890 1104 7f0 AU <<## SUBMITTED ## AU: Search for updates
[CallId = {68542C28-B591-470F-85CF-774018A11A89}]
2007-07-19 13:39:24:890 1104 248 Agent * WARNING: Exit code = 0x8024000E
2007-07-19 13:39:24:968 1104 248 Agent *********
2007-07-19 13:39:24:968 1104 248 Agent ** END ** Agent: Finding updates
[CallerId = MicrosoftUpdate]
2007-07-19 13:39:24:968 1104 248 Agent *************
2007-07-19 13:39:24:968 1104 248 Agent WARNING: WU client failed Searching
for update with error 0x8024000e
2007-07-19 13:39:24:968 1104 248 Agent *************
2007-07-19 13:39:25:015 1104 248 Agent ** START ** Agent: Finding updates
[CallerId = AutomaticUpdates]
2007-07-19 13:39:25:015 1104 248 Agent *********
2007-07-19 13:39:25:015 1104 248 Agent * Online = No; Ignore download
priority = No
2007-07-19 13:39:25:015 1104 248 Agent * Criteria = "IsHidden=0 and
IsInstalled=0 and DeploymentAction='Installation' and IsAssigned=1 or
IsHidden=0 and IsPresent=1 and DeploymentAction='Uninstallation' and
IsAssigned=1 or IsHidden=0 and IsInstalled=1 and
DeploymentAction='Installation' and IsAssigned=1 and RebootRequired=1 or
IsHidden=0 and IsInstalled=0 and DeploymentAction='Uninstallation' and
IsAssigned=1 and RebootRequired=1"
2007-07-19 13:39:25:015 1104 248 Agent * ServiceID =
{7971F918-A847-4430-9279-4A52D1EFE18D}
2007-07-19 13:39:25:078 4024 870 COMAPI >>-- RESUMED -- COMAPI: Search
[ClientId = MicrosoftUpdate]
2007-07-19 13:39:25:203 4024 870 COMAPI - Updates found = 0
2007-07-19 13:39:25:203 4024 870 COMAPI - WARNING: Exit code = 0x00000000,
Result code = 0x8024000E
2007-07-19 13:39:25:203 4024 870 COMAPI ---------
2007-07-19 13:39:25:203 4024 870 COMAPI -- END -- COMAPI: Search
[ClientId = MicrosoftUpdate]
2007-07-19 13:39:25:203 4024 870 COMAPI -------------
2007-07-19 13:39:26:328 4024 fbc COMAPI WARNING: Operation failed due to
earlier error, hr=8024000E
2007-07-19 13:39:26:328 4024 fbc COMAPI FATAL: Unable to complete
asynchronous search. (hr=8024000E)
2007-07-19 13:40:16:093 1104 248 Agent Update
{0580151D-FD22-4401-AA2B-CE1E3AE62BC9}.100 has no local extended metadata.
Not returning it.
2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
{5EF2C723-3E0B-4F87-B719-78B027E38087}.100 has no local extended metadata.
Not returning it.
2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
{1403F223-A63F-F572-82BA-C92391218055}.107 has no local extended metadata.
Not returning it.
2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
{1DB9C431-2FED-479E-A768-CB58B7A0AA4A}.100 has no local extended metadata.
Not returning it.
2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
{35C4463B-35DC-42AC-B0BA-1D9B5C505DE2}.101 has no local extended metadata.
Not returning it.
2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
{30611647-5B5A-4902-9033-C149B821CEB0}.100 has no local extended metadata.
Not returning it.
2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
{B3D0AF68-8A86-4BFC-B458-AF702F35930E}.100 has no local extended metadata.
Not returning it.
2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
{78F4E068-1609-4E7A-AC8E-174288FA70A1}.100 has no local extended metadata.
Not returning it.
2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
{4F93EB69-8B97-4677-8DE4-D3FCA7ED10E6}.100 has no local extended metadata.
Not returning it.
2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
{477B856E-65C4-4473-B621-A8B230BB70D9}.103 has no local extended metadata.
Not returning it.
2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
{0A4C6C73-8887-4D7F-9CBE-D08FA8FA9D1E}.51 has no local extended metadata. Not
returning it.
2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
{35E6C075-75F1-4DA3-8F42-D04916012694}.101 has no local extended metadata.
Not returning it.
2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
{48CE8C86-6850-4F68-8E9D-7DC8535CED60}.100 has no local extended metadata.
Not returning it.
2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
{FC50A191-E7DF-46E3-A56D-779E48C03DDA}.100 has no local extended metadata.
Not returning it.
2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
{F8C3C9A9-10DE-4F09-BC16-5EB1B861FB4C}.101 has no local extended metadata.
Not returning it.
2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
{42A2ADC5-2930-4E96-A6F5-FE888B739A6F}.100 has no local extended metadata.
Not returning it.
2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
{9F9B1ACE-A810-11DB-BAD5-F7F555D89593}.100 has no local extended metadata.
Not returning it.
2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
{EF9C16E3-E7E6-40AB-9A94-8F3815ED51DD}.100 has no local extended metadata.
Not returning it.
2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
{92BB01E8-B16A-47D7-8C53-D22EE252FA9A}.100 has no local extended metadata.
Not returning it.
2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
{D76917F7-1CA4-4FB6-9252-0F733F637F91}.101 has no local extended metadata.
Not returning it.
2007-07-19 13:40:16:140 1104 248 Agent Bundle contains no actionable
children and thus is invalid
2007-07-19 13:40:16:140 1104 248 Agent Update
{27996BF9-F60F-46C4-877C-38EEE1CE622B}.101 is not a valid bundle. Not
returning it.
2007-07-19 13:40:16:218 1104 248 Agent * Found 0 updates and 12 categories
in search; evaluated appl. rules of 294 out of 467 deployed entities
2007-07-19 13:40:16:500 1104 248 Agent *********
2007-07-19 13:40:16:515 1104 248 Agent ** END ** Agent: Finding updates
[CallerId = AutomaticUpdates]
2007-07-19 13:40:16:515 1104 248 Agent *************
2007-07-19 13:40:16:671 1104 248 Report REPORT EVENT:
{CF482309-B43D-4E6A-B553-D0656D2EB06F} 2007-07-19
13:39:24:859+0200 1 148 101 {00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000} 0 8024000e MicrosoftUpdate Failure Software
Synchronization Windows Update Client failed to detect with error 0x8024000e.
2007-07-19 13:40:16:640 1104 d34 AU >>## RESUMED ## AU: Search for updates
[CallId = {68542C28-B591-470F-85CF-774018A11A89}]
2007-07-19 13:40:16:687 1104 d34 AU # 0 updates detected
2007-07-19 13:40:16:718 1104 d34 AU #########
2007-07-19 13:40:16:718 1104 d34 AU ## END ## AU: Search for updates
[CallId = {68542C28-B591-470F-85CF-774018A11A89}]
2007-07-19 13:40:16:718 1104 d34 AU #############

"Maurice N ~ MVP" wrote:

> The geek translation for this is "the SUS agent is attempting to parse an update's XML blob and has encountered data that is invalid".
>
> Did you see this Error on-screen at Windows Update, or in your Windows Update log file?
> Is this a home-based pc , or, is it in a company-based network? If in a company setting, see your system administrator.
>
> What item(s) did you select for update?
>
> Use Windows' Wordpad to open this log:
> C:\Windows\Windows Update.log
>
> Look at bottom of file. Post back here, any Error notations. and if not, still copy & paste (here) the section for "fail" date.
>
> --
> Maurice N
> MVP Windows - Shell / User
> -----
>
> Rlst8IT1 wrote:
> > I forgot to mention that I'm using Windows XP Sp2
>

Hello,
I got no answer but finally could solve the problem myself. How is difficult
to say but surely it was not related to proxy's as many messages seemed to
indicate. I first installed IE7 outside of Windows update. Then I got a
request to add the Windows Update site to my friendly sites which I accepted.
Using Windows Update was not better (a lot a updates but no one installed)
without any error code but inspection of windows update log file revealed
another error code (that I don't remember) for which I found an article in
the Knowledge Base. It was related to registration of dll files related that
I had to do in a command prompt window.
The conclusion of the story: it is often necessary to go deeply in log files
to compensate for a lack of clear error messages. I must say that without
these posts I would not have had the idea. Thank you.

"gmelard" wrote:

> I have got the same problem when trying to use Microsoft Update instead of
> Windows update (after many attempts Windows Update finally works but the
> instructions I found were not complete. It was said to close IE but a full
> restart proved to be necessary).
> Note. I must say I have Windows update problems now on nearly every computer
> I use. Clearly it is not robust software.
> Here is the part of the file showing the failure:
>
> 2007-07-19 13:37:48:203 4024 fbc Misc =========== Logging initialized
> (build: 7.0.6000.374, tz: +0200) ===========
> 2007-07-19 13:37:48:203 4024 fbc Misc = Process: C:\Program Files\Internet
> Explorer\iexplore.exe
> 2007-07-19 13:37:48:203 4024 fbc Misc = Module: C:\WINNT\system32\wuapi.dll
> 2007-07-19 13:37:48:203 4024 fbc COMAPI ----------- COMAPI:
> IUpdateServiceManager::AddService -----------
> 2007-07-19 13:37:48:203 4024 fbc COMAPI - ServiceId =
> {7971f918-a847-4430-9279-4a52d1efe18d}
> 2007-07-19 13:37:48:203 4024 fbc COMAPI - AuthorizationCabPath =
> C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\AuthCabs\muauth.cab
> 2007-07-19 13:37:48:328 1104 638 Misc Validating signature for
> C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\AuthCabs\Downloaded\7971f918-a847-4430-9279-4a52d1efe18d.auth.cab.temp\muauth.cab:
> 2007-07-19 13:37:48:828 1104 638 Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
> 2007-07-19 13:37:49:343 240 e8 Misc =========== Logging initialized
> (build: 7.0.6000.374, tz: +0200) ===========
> 2007-07-19 13:37:49:359 240 e8 Misc = Process:
> C:\WINNT\system32\wuauclt.exe
> 2007-07-19 13:37:49:359 240 e8 Misc = Module:
> C:\WINNT\system32\wuaueng.dll
> 2007-07-19 13:37:49:343 240 e8 DtaStor Update service properties: service
> registered with AU is {7971F918-A847-4430-9279-4A52D1EFE18D}
> 2007-07-19 13:37:49:375 4024 fbc COMAPI - Added service, URL =
> http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/
> 2007-07-19 13:37:49:375 4024 fbc COMAPI ----------- COMAPI:
> IUpdateServiceManager::RegisterServiceWithAU -----------
> 2007-07-19 13:37:49:375 4024 fbc COMAPI - ServiceId =
> {7971f918-a847-4430-9279-4a52d1efe18d}
> 2007-07-19 13:37:49:515 4024 fbc Misc =========== Logging initialized
> (build: 7.0.6000.374, tz: +0200) ===========
> 2007-07-19 13:37:49:515 4024 fbc Misc = Process: C:\Program Files\Internet
> Explorer\iexplore.exe
> 2007-07-19 13:37:49:515 4024 fbc Misc = Module: C:\WINNT\system32\muweb.dll
> 2007-07-19 13:37:49:515 4024 fbc Misc Validating signature for
> C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\WuRedir\9482F4B4-E343-43B6-B170-9A65BC822C77\wuredir.cab:
> 2007-07-19 13:37:49:625 4024 fbc Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
> 2007-07-19 13:37:49:703 4024 fbc Misc Validating signature for
> C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\WuRedir\9482F4B4-E343-43B6-B170-9A65BC822C77\wuredir.cab:
> 2007-07-19 13:37:49:703 4024 fbc Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
> 2007-07-19 13:37:49:750 4024 fbc Misc Validating signature for
> C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\WebSetup\wuident.cab:
> 2007-07-19 13:37:49:765 4024 fbc Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
> 2007-07-19 13:37:49:968 4024 fbc Misc Validating signature for
> C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\WebSetup\wuident.cab:
> 2007-07-19 13:37:49:984 4024 fbc Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
> 2007-07-19 13:37:50:234 4024 fbc Misc Validating signature for
> C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\WebSetup\wsus3setup.cab:
> 2007-07-19 13:37:50:250 4024 fbc Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
> 2007-07-19 13:37:50:250 4024 fbc Setup *********** Setup: Checking whether
> self-update is required ***********
> 2007-07-19 13:37:50:250 4024 fbc Setup * Inf file:
> C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\WebSetup\wsus3setup.inf
> 2007-07-19 13:37:50:296 4024 fbc Setup Update NOT required for
> C:\WINNT\system32\wuweb.dll: target version = 7.0.6000.374, required version
> = 7.0.6000.374
> 2007-07-19 13:37:50:296 4024 fbc Setup * IsUpdateRequired = No
> 2007-07-19 13:37:50:312 4024 fbc Misc =========== Logging initialized
> (build: 7.0.6000.374, tz: +0200) ===========
> 2007-07-19 13:37:50:312 4024 fbc Misc = Process: C:\Program Files\Internet
> Explorer\iexplore.exe
> 2007-07-19 13:37:50:312 4024 fbc Misc = Module: C:\WINNT\system32\wuweb.dll
> 2007-07-19 13:37:50:312 4024 fbc Misc Validating signature for
> C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\WuRedir\9482F4B4-E343-43B6-B170-9A65BC822C77\wuredir.cab:
> 2007-07-19 13:37:50:312 4024 fbc Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
> 2007-07-19 13:37:50:343 4024 fbc Misc Validating signature for
> C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\WuRedir\9482F4B4-E343-43B6-B170-9A65BC822C77\wuredir.cab:
> 2007-07-19 13:37:50:359 4024 fbc Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
> 2007-07-19 13:37:50:359 4024 fbc Misc Validating signature for
> C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\WebSetup\wuident.cab:
> 2007-07-19 13:37:50:375 4024 fbc Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
> 2007-07-19 13:37:50:796 4024 fbc Misc Validating signature for
> C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\WebSetup\wuident.cab:
> 2007-07-19 13:37:50:796 4024 fbc Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
> 2007-07-19 13:37:50:796 4024 fbc Misc Validating signature for
> C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\WebSetup\wsus3setup.cab:
> 2007-07-19 13:37:50:812 4024 fbc Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
> 2007-07-19 13:37:50:859 4024 fbc Misc Validating signature for
> C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\WebSetup\wsus3setup.cab:
> 2007-07-19 13:37:50:859 4024 fbc Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
> 2007-07-19 13:37:50:859 4024 fbc Setup *********** Setup: Checking whether
> self-update is required ***********
> 2007-07-19 13:37:50:859 4024 fbc Setup * Inf file:
> C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\WebSetup\wsus3setup.inf
> 2007-07-19 13:37:50:890 4024 fbc Setup Update NOT required for
> C:\WINNT\system32\cdm.dll: target version = 7.0.6000.374, required version =
> 7.0.6000.374
> 2007-07-19 13:37:50:890 4024 fbc Setup Update NOT required for
> C:\WINNT\system32\wuapi.dll: target version = 7.0.6000.374, required version
> = 7.0.6000.374
> 2007-07-19 13:37:50:921 4024 fbc Setup Update NOT required for
> C:\WINNT\system32\wuapi.dll.mui: target version = 7.0.6000.374, required
> version = 7.0.6000.374
> 2007-07-19 13:37:50:937 4024 fbc Setup Update NOT required for
> C:\WINNT\system32\wuauclt.exe: target version = 7.0.6000.374, required
> version = 7.0.6000.374
> 2007-07-19 13:37:50:968 4024 fbc Setup Update NOT required for
> C:\WINNT\system32\wuaucpl.cpl: target version = 7.0.6000.374, required
> version = 7.0.6000.374
> 2007-07-19 13:37:50:968 4024 fbc Setup Update NOT required for
> C:\WINNT\system32\wuaucpl.cpl.mui: target version = 7.0.6000.374, required
> version = 7.0.6000.374
> 2007-07-19 13:37:51:000 4024 fbc Setup Update NOT required for
> C:\WINNT\system32\wuaueng.dll: target version = 7.0.6000.374, required
> version = 7.0.6000.374
> 2007-07-19 13:37:51:031 4024 fbc Setup Update NOT required for
> C:\WINNT\system32\wuaueng.dll.mui: target version = 7.0.6000.374, required
> version = 7.0.6000.374
> 2007-07-19 13:37:51:046 4024 fbc Setup Update NOT required for
> C:\WINNT\system32\wucltui.dll: target version = 7.0.6000.374, required
> version = 7.0.6000.374
> 2007-07-19 13:37:51:093 4024 fbc Setup Update NOT required for
> C:\WINNT\system32\wucltui.dll.mui: target version = 7.0.6000.374, required
> version = 7.0.6000.374
> 2007-07-19 13:37:51:093 4024 fbc Setup Update NOT required for
> C:\WINNT\system32\wups.dll: target version = 7.0.6000.374, required version =
> 7.0.6000.374
> 2007-07-19 13:37:51:109 4024 fbc Setup Update NOT required for
> C:\WINNT\system32\wups2.dll: target version = 7.0.6000.374, required version
> = 7.0.6000.374
> 2007-07-19 13:37:51:109 4024 fbc Setup * IsUpdateRequired = No
> 2007-07-19 13:38:01:515 4024 fbc COMAPI -------------
> 2007-07-19 13:38:01:515 4024 fbc COMAPI -- START -- COMAPI: Search
> [ClientId = MicrosoftUpdate]
> 2007-07-19 13:38:01:515 4024 fbc COMAPI ---------
> 2007-07-19 13:38:01:578 1104 248 Agent *************
> 2007-07-19 13:38:01:578 4024 fbc COMAPI <<-- SUBMITTED -- COMAPI: Search
> [ClientId = MicrosoftUpdate]
> 2007-07-19 13:38:01:578 1104 248 Agent ** START ** Agent: Finding updates
> [CallerId = MicrosoftUpdate]
> 2007-07-19 13:38:01:625 1104 248 Agent *********
> 2007-07-19 13:38:01:625 1104 248 Agent * Online = Yes; Ignore download
> priority = No
> 2007-07-19 13:38:01:625 1104 248 Agent * Criteria = "IsInstalled=0 and
> IsHidden=1"
> 2007-07-19 13:38:01:625 1104 248 Agent * ServiceID =
> {7971F918-A847-4430-9279-4A52D1EFE18D}
> 2007-07-19 13:38:01:640 1104 248 Misc Validating signature for
> C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\WuRedir\9482F4B4-E343-43B6-B170-9A65BC822C77\wuredir.cab:
> 2007-07-19 13:38:01:656 1104 248 Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
> 2007-07-19 13:38:01:734 1104 248 Misc Validating signature for
> C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\WuRedir\9482F4B4-E343-43B6-B170-9A65BC822C77\wuredir.cab:
> 2007-07-19 13:38:01:734 1104 248 Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
> 2007-07-19 13:38:01:750 1104 248 Agent Checking for updated auth cab for
> service 7971f918-a847-4430-9279-4a52d1efe18d at
> http://www.update.microsoft.com/v7/m...dir/muauth.cab
> 2007-07-19 13:38:01:750 1104 248 Misc Validating signature for
> C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\AuthCabs\authcab.cab:
> 2007-07-19 13:38:01:765 1104 248 Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
> 2007-07-19 13:38:02:828 1104 248 Misc Validating signature for
> C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\AuthCabs\authcab.cab:
> 2007-07-19 13:38:02:843 1104 248 Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
> 2007-07-19 13:38:02:843 1104 248 Misc Validating signature for
> C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\AuthCabs\authcab.cab:
> 2007-07-19 13:38:02:843 1104 248 Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
> 2007-07-19 13:38:02:890 240 e8 DtaStor Update service properties: service
> registered with AU is {7971F918-A847-4430-9279-4A52D1EFE18D}
> 2007-07-19 13:38:04:359 1104 248 Misc Validating signature for
> C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\WuRedir\7971F918-A847-4430-9279-4A52D1EFE18D\muredir.cab:
> 2007-07-19 13:38:04:375 1104 248 Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
> 2007-07-19 13:38:04:390 1104 248 Misc Validating signature for
> C:\WINNT\SoftwareDistribution\WuRedir\7971F918-A847-4430-9279-4A52D1EFE18D\muredir.cab:
> 2007-07-19 13:38:04:437 1104 248 Misc Microsoft signed: Yes
> 2007-07-19 13:38:04:468 1104 248 PT +++++++++++ PT: Synchronizing server
> updates +++++++++++
> 2007-07-19 13:38:04:468 1104 248 PT + ServiceId =
> {7971F918-A847-4430-9279-4A52D1EFE18D}, Server URL =
> https://www.update.microsoft.com/v6/...ce/client.asmx
> 2007-07-19 13:38:06:062 1104 248 PT WARNING: Cached cookie has expired or
> new PID is available
> 2007-07-19 13:38:51:656 1104 588 AU ########### AU: Setting new AU options
> ###########
> 2007-07-19 13:38:51:687 1104 588 AU Setting AU Approval Type to 3
> 2007-07-19 13:38:51:687 1104 588 AU # Policy changed, AU refresh required
> = No
> 2007-07-19 13:38:51:687 1104 588 AU # Approval type: Pre-install notify
> (User preference)
> 2007-07-19 13:38:51:687 1104 588 AU # Auto-install minor updates: No (User
> preference)
> 2007-07-19 13:38:51:687 1104 588 AU AU settings changed through User
> Preference.
> 2007-07-19 13:39:24:000 1104 248 PT WARNING: PopulateDataStore failed:
> 0x8024000e
> 2007-07-19 13:39:24:000 1104 248 PT WARNING: Sync of Updates: 0x8024000e
> 2007-07-19 13:39:24:015 1104 248 PT WARNING: SyncServerUpdatesInternal
> failed: 0x8024000e
> 2007-07-19 13:39:24:046 1104 248 Agent * WARNING: Failed to synchronize,
> error = 0x8024000E
> 2007-07-19 13:39:24:078 1104 7f0 AU Triggering Offline detection
> (non-interactive)
> 2007-07-19 13:39:24:171 1104 7f0 AU #############
> 2007-07-19 13:39:24:171 1104 7f0 AU ## START ## AU: Search for updates
> 2007-07-19 13:39:24:187 1104 7f0 AU #########
> 2007-07-19 13:39:24:890 1104 7f0 AU <<## SUBMITTED ## AU: Search for updates
> [CallId = {68542C28-B591-470F-85CF-774018A11A89}]
> 2007-07-19 13:39:24:890 1104 248 Agent * WARNING: Exit code = 0x8024000E
> 2007-07-19 13:39:24:968 1104 248 Agent *********
> 2007-07-19 13:39:24:968 1104 248 Agent ** END ** Agent: Finding updates
> [CallerId = MicrosoftUpdate]
> 2007-07-19 13:39:24:968 1104 248 Agent *************
> 2007-07-19 13:39:24:968 1104 248 Agent WARNING: WU client failed Searching
> for update with error 0x8024000e
> 2007-07-19 13:39:24:968 1104 248 Agent *************
> 2007-07-19 13:39:25:015 1104 248 Agent ** START ** Agent: Finding updates
> [CallerId = AutomaticUpdates]
> 2007-07-19 13:39:25:015 1104 248 Agent *********
> 2007-07-19 13:39:25:015 1104 248 Agent * Online = No; Ignore download
> priority = No
> 2007-07-19 13:39:25:015 1104 248 Agent * Criteria = "IsHidden=0 and
> IsInstalled=0 and DeploymentAction='Installation' and IsAssigned=1 or
> IsHidden=0 and IsPresent=1 and DeploymentAction='Uninstallation' and
> IsAssigned=1 or IsHidden=0 and IsInstalled=1 and
> DeploymentAction='Installation' and IsAssigned=1 and RebootRequired=1 or
> IsHidden=0 and IsInstalled=0 and DeploymentAction='Uninstallation' and
> IsAssigned=1 and RebootRequired=1"
> 2007-07-19 13:39:25:015 1104 248 Agent * ServiceID =
> {7971F918-A847-4430-9279-4A52D1EFE18D}
> 2007-07-19 13:39:25:078 4024 870 COMAPI >>-- RESUMED -- COMAPI: Search
> [ClientId = MicrosoftUpdate]
> 2007-07-19 13:39:25:203 4024 870 COMAPI - Updates found = 0
> 2007-07-19 13:39:25:203 4024 870 COMAPI - WARNING: Exit code = 0x00000000,
> Result code = 0x8024000E
> 2007-07-19 13:39:25:203 4024 870 COMAPI ---------
> 2007-07-19 13:39:25:203 4024 870 COMAPI -- END -- COMAPI: Search
> [ClientId = MicrosoftUpdate]
> 2007-07-19 13:39:25:203 4024 870 COMAPI -------------
> 2007-07-19 13:39:26:328 4024 fbc COMAPI WARNING: Operation failed due to
> earlier error, hr=8024000E
> 2007-07-19 13:39:26:328 4024 fbc COMAPI FATAL: Unable to complete
> asynchronous search. (hr=8024000E)
> 2007-07-19 13:40:16:093 1104 248 Agent Update
> {0580151D-FD22-4401-AA2B-CE1E3AE62BC9}.100 has no local extended metadata.
> Not returning it.
> 2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
> {5EF2C723-3E0B-4F87-B719-78B027E38087}.100 has no local extended metadata.
> Not returning it.
> 2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
> {1403F223-A63F-F572-82BA-C92391218055}.107 has no local extended metadata.
> Not returning it.
> 2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
> {1DB9C431-2FED-479E-A768-CB58B7A0AA4A}.100 has no local extended metadata.
> Not returning it.
> 2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
> {35C4463B-35DC-42AC-B0BA-1D9B5C505DE2}.101 has no local extended metadata.
> Not returning it.
> 2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
> {30611647-5B5A-4902-9033-C149B821CEB0}.100 has no local extended metadata.
> Not returning it.
> 2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
> {B3D0AF68-8A86-4BFC-B458-AF702F35930E}.100 has no local extended metadata.
> Not returning it.
> 2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
> {78F4E068-1609-4E7A-AC8E-174288FA70A1}.100 has no local extended metadata.
> Not returning it.
> 2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
> {4F93EB69-8B97-4677-8DE4-D3FCA7ED10E6}.100 has no local extended metadata.
> Not returning it.
> 2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
> {477B856E-65C4-4473-B621-A8B230BB70D9}.103 has no local extended metadata.
> Not returning it.
> 2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
> {0A4C6C73-8887-4D7F-9CBE-D08FA8FA9D1E}.51 has no local extended metadata. Not
> returning it.
> 2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
> {35E6C075-75F1-4DA3-8F42-D04916012694}.101 has no local extended metadata.
> Not returning it.
> 2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
> {48CE8C86-6850-4F68-8E9D-7DC8535CED60}.100 has no local extended metadata.
> Not returning it.
> 2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
> {FC50A191-E7DF-46E3-A56D-779E48C03DDA}.100 has no local extended metadata.
> Not returning it.
> 2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
> {F8C3C9A9-10DE-4F09-BC16-5EB1B861FB4C}.101 has no local extended metadata.
> Not returning it.
> 2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
> {42A2ADC5-2930-4E96-A6F5-FE888B739A6F}.100 has no local extended metadata.
> Not returning it.
> 2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
> {9F9B1ACE-A810-11DB-BAD5-F7F555D89593}.100 has no local extended metadata.
> Not returning it.
> 2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
> {EF9C16E3-E7E6-40AB-9A94-8F3815ED51DD}.100 has no local extended metadata.
> Not returning it.
> 2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
> {92BB01E8-B16A-47D7-8C53-D22EE252FA9A}.100 has no local extended metadata.
> Not returning it.
> 2007-07-19 13:40:16:125 1104 248 Agent Update
> {D76917F7-1CA4-4FB6-9252-0F733F637F91}.101 has no local extended metadata.
> Not returning it.
> 2007-07-19 13:40:16:140 1104 248 Agent Bundle contains no actionable
> children and thus is invalid
> 2007-07-19 13:40:16:140 1104 248 Agent Update