Windows Update Fails, Server 2008 Web Edition (x86), 0x8000FFFF

[Jason Burton]

Windows Update.log has the following:
2008-11-24 08:21:38:414 996 928 Handler FATAL: UH: 0x8000ffff: Async stage
operation failed in CUHCbsHandler::StageCbsPackage
2008-11-24 08:21:38:414 996 928 Handler FATAL: Request generation for CBS
update complete with hr=0x8000ffff and pfResetSandbox=0

I have about 28 updates that need install, and I cant install ANY windows
update.

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Tip: Temporarily disable real-time protection by your anti-virus and/or
anti-spyware applications (e.g., CounterSpy, Spysweeper, Spybot, AVG
Anti-Spyware) and/or any third-party firewall (e.g., ZA) before attempting
to install the update(s). If you disable a third-party firewall, do NOT
connect to the internet without having the Windows Firewall enabled!

Start a free Windows Update support incident request:
https://support.microsoft.com/oas/de...spx?gprid=6527

Support for Windows Update:
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/wusupport

For home users, no-charge support is available by calling 1-866-PCSAFETY in
the United States and in Canada or by contacting your local Microsoft
subsidiary. There is no-charge for support calls that are associated with
security updates. When you call, clearly state that your problem is related
to a Security Update.

For more information about how to contact your local Microsoft subsidiary
for security update support issues, visit the International Support Web
site: http://support.microsoft.com/common/international.aspx

For enterprise customers, support for security updates is available through
your usual support contacts.

[Jason Burton]

I had attempted each:

1. Batch file (register.bat) ran as admin, and appears okay... starts.. (or
seams)
2. Reinstall the Windows Update agent... that fails with the same code.
8000ffff
3. Rename SoftwareDistribution folder, I did that and restarted windows
update service, still 8000ffff.

Here's the output from the bat:

C:\Users\admin\Desktop>net stop wuauserv
The Windows Update service is stopping.
The Windows Update service was stopped successfully.

C:\Users\admin\Desktop>net stop Cryptsvc
The Cryptographic Services service is stopping..
The Cryptographic Services service was stopped successfully.

C:\Users\admin\Desktop>ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SD.old

C:\Users\admin\Desktop>ren C:\Windows\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old
A duplicate file name exists, or the file
cannot be found.

C:\Users\admin\Desktop>net start wuauserv
The Windows Update service is starting.
The Windows Update service was started successfully.

C:\Users\admin\Desktop>net start Cryptsvc
The Cryptographic Services service is starting.
The Cryptographic Services service was started successfully.

[Jaime T]

I had this same problem after a new install of Windows Server 2008 x64.
Found this site and it fixed the issue. It was a permission problem on the
server.