Error 0x80073701 appears when you try to install Service Pack 1 on Windows 7

SYMPTOMS

When you try to install SP1 on Windows 7, you get error: 0x80073701.

To run the System Update Readiness Tool and install SP1, follow these steps:

Go to: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID = 44e15787-66b0-4e9c-9c3b-1fc9ea40f69f
(http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=44e15787-66b0-4e9c-9c3b-1fc9ea40f69f)
Click Download.
When the download screen appears, click Open.
When the Windows Update Standalone Installer appears, click Yes.
After the installation is complete, click Close.
Click the Start button, type cmd in the search box, and then click cmd.exe.
At the command prompt, type sfc/scannow, then press ENTER.
Once the scan is complete, click the Start button, then type Windows Update Standalone Installer in the search box, then click Windows Update Standalone Installer.
Click Yes, then once the installation is complete, click Close.
Once the scan is complete, try to install SP1 again.

If you still get the error when installing SP1, go to method 2.

Uninstalling unused language packs can fix this issue. To do this, follow these steps:

Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
Click Clock, Language and Region.
Under Regional and Language, click Install or uninstall languages to display.
In the Install or uninstall languages to display window , click Uninstall languages to display.
Select the languages installed that you do not use, and then click Next.
After the uninstall is complete, try to install SP1 again.

If you still get the error when installing SP1, go to method 3.

This should not affect any of your programs or settings, but it is always advised to make a backup before making system changes. For information about creating a backup, visit: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/features/backup-and-restore

(http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/features/backup-and-restore)

Follow the steps below to do an inplace upgrade:

Close all the running applications.
Insert the Windows 7 DVD in the computer's DVD drive.
In the Setup window, click Install Now. Note If Windows does not automatically detect the DVD, follow these steps:
- Click the Start button, and then type Drive:\setup.exe in the Start Search box. Note: The Drive placeholder is the drive letter of the computer's DVD drive.
- In the Programs list, click Setup.exe.
- In the Setup window, click Install Now.
Click Go online to obtain the latest updates for installation (recommended).
Type the CD key if you are prompted to do this.
Select the operating system in the Install Windows page you want to Upgrade or Inplace.
Click Yes to accept the Microsoft Software License Terms.
On the Which type of installation do you want? screen, click Upgrade.
When the installation is complete, restart your computer.
Once the inplace upgrade is complete, try to install Service Pack 1 again.