What is Error 8000FFFF when I try to install a Windows Vista Update?

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You have 32-bit Vista installed.
32-bit operating systems can address a maximum of 3.25 GB of system RAM.

I'd recommend installing SP1 as well. Then your first problem will be resolved. SP1 will display your 4 GB of RAM as well.. but you'll never be able to access more than 3.25 GB. It's mathematically impossible for a 32-bit system to do so.

- Alex

I have a Dell with 6 GB RAM and also have this problem. Where can I find "Wendy's" solution? Is it usable for a techno-dunce like me?

okay so i have read just about everything that comes to this error 8000ffff. i found this website and it fixed the problem for me cause i had a HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\COMPONENTS\AdvancedInstallersNeedResolving porblem.
now its all fixed thanks so much everyone...
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946414#Fixed

I tried following the directions from the website left here, and I got up to Step 8 which says this: In the Save in box, click Desktop, and then click Save to save the file to your desktop.
I did that, but step 9 is this: "In the details pane, right-click PendingXmlIdentifier, and then click Delete. If this value does not exist, go to the next step." I have no clue what the details pane is! Can someone please help me? Thanks. :)

Hi!
i reinstalled vista and when i tried to update windows i got that error message.
previously i had reinstalled the antivirus and updated it but i didn't scan the computer which was telling me that i should run a complete scan. that's what i did and ... i don't if that's the problem, but it worked: i managed to download and install the vista updates.
Regards.
so i tried that

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