Article ID: 981198 - Last Review: June 10, 2011 - Revision: 2.1

Error code “0x8007F0F4” or “FFFFFFFF” when you install an update for Windows

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Support for Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) ends on July 12, 2011. To continue receiving security updates for Windows, make sure you're running Windows Vista with Service Pack 2 (SP2). For more information, refer to this Microsoft web page: Support is ending for some versions of Windows (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/help/end-support-windows-xp-sp2-windows-vista-without-service-packs) .
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SYMPTOMS

When you try to install an update for Windows, the installation operation fails, and you receive one of the following error codes:

Windows XP and Windows Server 2003
Error Code 0x8007F0F4

Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2008 R2
Error Code FFFFFFFF
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CAUSE

This issue may occur if the system is infected by malware.

During the installation of the update, your computer is checked for compatibility issues that may arise from installing the update. If compatibility issues are detected, you are presented with one of the error codes that are listed in the "Symptoms" section. The detection of compatibility issues may indicate the presence of malware on your computer. You must determine whether your computer is infected and then remove any malware before the Windows update can be successfully installed on your computer.
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RESOLUTION

Use antivirus software to check your computer for viruses. Start the antivirus program, verify that it is current and updated, and then run a complete scan. If any viruses or malware are found, clean or remove the issues that the antivirus program specifies.

Some antivirus programs are sold with annual subscriptions that can be renewed as necessary. However, many are also available for free. Microsoft offers Microsoft Security Essentials, a free antivirus program that you can download from the Microsoft Security Essentials (http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials) website. You can also visit the Windows Security software providers (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/antivirus-partners/windows-7.aspx) website to find third-party antivirus software.
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Support Information

Customers in the United States and Canada can receive technical support by calling 1-866-PCSAFETY or 1-866-727-2338. There is no charge for support calls that are associated with security updates. For more information about available support options, see Microsoft Help and Support (http://support.microsoft.com/) .
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APPLIES TO
  • Windows 7 Service Pack 1, when used with:
    • Windows 7 Home Basic
    • Windows 7 Home Premium
    • Windows 7 Professional
    • Windows 7 Ultimate
    • Windows 7 Enterprise
  • Windows 7 Home Basic
  • Windows 7 Home Premium
  • Windows 7 Professional
  • Windows 7 Ultimate
  • Windows 7 Enterprise
  • Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard
  • Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise
  • Windows Server 2008 R2 Datacenter
  • Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2, when used with:
    • Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-Based Systems
    • Windows Server 2008 Datacenter
    • Windows Server 2008 Enterprise
    • Windows Server 2008 Standard
    • Windows Web Server 2008
  • Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-Based Systems
  • Windows Server 2008 Datacenter
  • Windows Server 2008 Enterprise
  • Windows Server 2008 Standard
  • Windows Web Server 2008
  • Windows Vista Service Pack 2, when used with:
    • Windows Vista Business
    • Windows Vista Enterprise
    • Windows Vista Home Basic
    • Windows Vista Home Premium
    • Windows Vista Starter
    • Windows Vista Ultimate
    • Windows Vista Enterprise 64-bit Edition
    • Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit Edition
    • Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition
    • Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit Edition
    • Windows Vista Business 64-bit Edition
  • Windows Vista Service Pack 1, when used with:
    • Windows Vista Business
    • Windows Vista Enterprise
    • Windows Vista Home Basic
    • Windows Vista Home Premium
    • Windows Vista Starter
    • Windows Vista Ultimate
    • Windows Vista Enterprise 64-bit Edition
    • Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit Edition
    • Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition
    • Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit Edition
    • Windows Vista Business 64-bit Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2, when used with:
    • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition (32-bit x86)
    • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition (32-bit x86)
    • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition (32-bit x86)
    • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Web Edition
    • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter x64 Edition
    • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise x64 Edition
    • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard x64 Edition
    • Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition
    • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition for Itanium-Based Systems
    • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition for Itanium-based Systems
  • Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3, when used with:
    • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
    • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
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Keywords: 
kbtshoot kbexpertisebeginner KB981198
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