Problem with installing Vista SP2

Noreen · Jul 02, 2009, 10:43:47

I decided to install SP2 from the MS Update site this morning, onto my Vista Ultimate laptop. However it didn't install, got ERROR_HANDLE_EOF (0x80070026). I ran CCleaner then downloaded it as a stand-a-alone item, turned off my router, NOD32 and Windows firewall and tried to install again but immediately got the same error message. I did a google search and found that quite a lot of people are getting the same result and Error Message. I've now used the System Restore Point made by the first installation to revert my computer. I never normally have a problem with MS Updates but I did have a problem with the .NET update some time ago and couldn't install it, don't remember the Error Message but apparently there were a lot people who couldn't install that either. I've no idea if these are related. I forgot to turn off SpywareBlaster but don't know whether that could have any effect.

To add insult to injury because I turned off my router my connection speed has dropped from 17109kbps to 15988kbps and that's the only disconnection that I've had since IDNet got the ADSL2+ sorted out right at the start.

Apparently the "correct procedure" when turning off a router didn't make any difference so be prepared if there are thunderstorms!

Steve · Jul 02, 2009, 11:43:12

Noreen I think you've tried the obvious alternative methods, I can't find a solution either. I have 2 suggestions here the system update readiness tool and perhaps also here utilising a clean boot. I suppose it could be a similar issue to what you had with the .NET update .It may or may not be solved with a fresh install but that's a lot of work with no guarantee of success and also Windows 7 release is not too far away.

Gary · Jul 02, 2009, 11:50:13

Quote from: Noreen on Jul 02, 2009, 10:43:47
I decided to install SP2 from the MS Update site this morning, onto my Vista Ultimate laptop. However it didn't install, got ERROR_HANDLE_EOF (0x80070026). I ran CCleaner then downloaded it as a stand-a-alone item, turned off my router, NOD32 and Windows firewall and tried to install again but immediately got the same error message. I did a google search and found that quite a lot of people are getting the same result and Error Message. I've now used the System Restore Point made by the first installation to revert my computer. I never normally have a problem with MS Updates but I did have a problem with the .NET update some time ago and couldn't install it, don't remember the Error Message but apparently there were a lot people who couldn't install that either. I've no idea if these are related. I forgot to turn off SpywareBlaster but don't know whether that could have any effect.

To add insult to injury because I turned off my router my connection speed has dropped from 17109kbps to 15988kbps and that's the only disconnection that I've had since IDNet got the ADSL2+ sorted out right at the start. Apparently the "correct procedure" when turning off a router didn't make any difference so be prepared if there are thunderstorms!

Hi Noreen, was there not an issue with Nod and SP2 on wilders? I think you had to uninstall nod as when you boot up and nod fires up it interferes with the install process.

Steve · Jul 02, 2009, 12:14:10

By the way I think the error code translates to "reached the end of file"

Lance · Jul 02, 2009, 13:13:31

Quote from: Noreen on Jul 02, 2009, 10:43:47
To add insult to injury because I turned off my router my connection speed has dropped from 17109kbps to 15988kbps and that's the only disconnection that I've had since IDNet got the ADSL2+ sorted out right at the start. Apparently the "correct procedure" when turning off a router didn't make any difference so be prepared if there are thunderstorms!

THe "correct procedure" prevents the BT software thinking there is a problem with the line and increasing the default target noise margin. It does not, unfortunately, preserve the sync speed/profile.

Sebby · Jul 02, 2009, 14:17:59

Noreen, for future, you could just remove the network cable from the PC, rather than switching off the router.

Noreen · Jul 02, 2009, 17:44:50

Thanks all. As I have all the previous MS Security Updates I'm not really sure that SP2 will give me much that's new anyway, so I'll leave it for a while. I might try Steve's links when I'm feeling braver.

I did find out that it means "reached the end of file" but that might as well be in Chinese to me, Steve. The problem with NOD32 was with version 4 and I have version 3 which didn't have the problem.

Thanks Sebby for the info about disconnecting the cable, I didn't think of that.

Sebby · Jul 02, 2009, 19:13:23

What is your thoughts on doing a clean install of Windows? I'm just thinking that a new install, followed by an immediate install of SP2, will probably work, and it will do away with the need to install all those hundreds of previous updates too. It should be pretty painless.

bobleslie · Jul 02, 2009, 20:27:31

My attitude is that if it won't install properly in WinUpdate ( e.g. SP2 ) it doesn't get installed.

When MS develop a bug free SP2 update, it'll get installed, and not before.

I would never, ever, re-install the OS just to get an SP.

Sebby · Jul 02, 2009, 20:34:37

I understand what you're saying, Bob, but SP2 is quite a significant update, not just a collection of previous hotfixes, so I wouldn't just not install it.

bobleslie · Jul 02, 2009, 20:38:04

So they say. It's still not going in.

Sebby · Jul 02, 2009, 21:31:58

Gary · Jul 03, 2009, 10:02:55

Quote from: bobleslie on Jul 02, 2009, 20:38:04
So they say. It's still not going in.

I had no bugs with it, it updated quickly and without issue, but I disabled my av and firewall software so it would not load up after the reboot in case it interfered with the installation, all in all a painless process luckily on this machine. I would not say SP2 is buggy it tends to be down the the computer itself and customisations made by the OEM to the OS that case issues, a vanilla install of windows is always better than any OEM install with personalisations

Sebby · Jul 03, 2009, 13:10:24

I agree, Gary.

Lance · Jul 03, 2009, 13:34:09

My HP OEM Vista install accepted the SP with no problems at all. The only thing which annoys me about OEM installs is the amount of crapware that comes pre-installed.

drummer · Jul 04, 2009, 02:01:55

For what it's worth, I only ever install Windows service packs in Safe mode - but they're service packs I've downloaded in my own good time from the MS website, not via updates.

I'm one of those freaks that refuses buy into the Windows Update nonsense because the OS is the only MS product I use.

Try installing SP2 in Safe mode Noreen because you can be confident that none of the security programs will be running in the background.

You don't need me to tell you that tapping the F8 key on bootup will take you into Safe mode, so I won't mention it...

It's the method I've used without a problem on Win2k SP4, WinXP SP3 and on Sprog the Elder's Vista laptop (SP2).

merlin · Jul 04, 2009, 11:07:44

noreen ,this may have nothing to do with your problem ,but just for interest.

i went to the microsoft site ,with anti virus etc etc still on , and it would not let me download SP2. even after several attempts.

i do NOT use DEFENDER , but it said an update for defender must be downloaded and installed , so thats what i did.

thereafter SP2 downloaded and installed with no glitches at all, seems to be working fine.

i do,nt see the connection between defender and sp2 , but it worked, and that does it for me