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

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The problem seems to be limited to DELL computers and their version of Windows Vista. I have an HP system with 3 gigs of memory same as dell but the HP actually has no problems at all. Works perfectly. I've also had some software compatibility issues on the Dell which I don't have on the HP.

First of all, after reading numerous posts regarding the dreaded 8000FFFF error, I feel like my brand new laptop was born into this world with a rare, incurable disease. Can we start a pledge drive or something for the victims of Vista?
Anyways, one of the many promising solutions calls for the uninstallment of kb929777, then a manual reinstallment after that. Well my Inspiron 1520 won't let me uninstall the hot fix. any way around this? I am the administrator. Oh, and my 8000FFFF error comes up after I click the "Check for Updates" box and sometimes after I click the box, nothing happens and it gets stuck in an eternal search for updates. For merely pennies a day, you can help save this notebook.

Well figured out a solution (possibly), drastic but works. What I did:
1. Have a friend with the NON-OEM version of VISTA (Same version obviously)
2. DO NOT upgrade, use your KEY to install a fresh copy.
3. VISTA will create a new folder called Windows.old in C: "C:\Windows.old"
In this folder all of your previous programs and drivers will be stored, however you cannot use the programs anymore.
4. To re-install your factory drivers just go to the device manager click on the desired hardware and search your HDD in the "C:\Windows.old" directory.
5. Windows will find the driver and install the device.
DOWNFALLS:
ALL the factory installed help software/drivers and programs are deleted. Have to re-install.
Confirmed working for me; just got done downloading 28 updates and installed successfully. Anyone else have any luck with this option/solution?

i've also a HP (nc8430) with 2 gigs RAM. and vista shows me the same errormessage.
i searched also in other forums, but i didn't get any answer for my (our) problem.

Here is the solution that worked for me getting the same exact error (8000FFFF in Windows Update). The solution below is from a guy at Microsoft. My best advise would be to write down this fix because it also works for the 8007000b error in Windows Update. I usually have to do this once every month or so.

1. Open an Administrator command prompt by right clicking on Start -> All
Programs -> Accessories -> Command Prompt and selecting "Run as
Administrator" and clicking "Allow" for the elevation prompt
2. In the command prompt, type the command below
fsutil resource setautoreset true C:\
(This assumes that C: is the drive in which Vista is installed. If it is
installed on another drive like D:, please change the drive letter
appropriately)
3. Reboot the machine

After reboot, please try to install the updates again and let me know if
that resolves the issue.

--
Sudheer GN
Microsoft, WU Client

I tried the solution of Sudheer GN and it works !!! Thanks to him

Sudheer GN
Microsoft, WU Client
Posted by: Casper at August 26, 2007 06:26 PM

I tied it also and it works, but for the dummies (me) you have to right click on the command prompt to get to run as administrator, thanks again Sudheer GN

Thanks. Tried it and it works.

I tried this fix:1. Open an Administrator command prompt by right clicking on Start -> All
Programs -> Accessories -> Command Prompt and selecting "Run as
Administrator" and clicking "Allow" for the elevation prompt
2. In the command prompt, type the command below
fsutil resource setautoreset true C:\
(This assumes that C: is the drive in which Vista is installed. If it is
installed on another drive like D:, please change the drive letter
appropriately)
3. Reboot the machine

and it didn't work for me.

I found this at Microsoft TechNet and it did the trick for me.

1) Launch REGEDIT

2) Go into HKLM\COMPONENTS, and check if these three values exist under the COMPONENTS key:

PendingXmldentifier
NextQueueEntryIndex
AdvancedInstallersNeedResolving

3) Providing they do exist, back up the Components key, then delete the three above values.
4) Restart the computer, and Windows Update should now be working fine.

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