Hi, when i try to update windows, it gives an error 8000FFFF.
i have also tried renaming softwaredistribution folder and catroot folder, also tried restarting BITS and windows update services but still it gives the same error.
This is the 1st time i m trying to install updates and there are no Updates in the View Installed Updates coloumn.
Can anyone help please. I do not want to reinstall OS.

Hi Dinesh,

Did you try this :

To resolve Windows Update error 8000FFFF, try the following steps:

1) Launch REGEDIT

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

PendingXmlIdentifier
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.

If "HKLM\COMPONENTS" isn't there, then use the FIND tool and search for each of the three values individualy. I deleted two of them and couldn't find the third (actually NextQueueEntryIndex)

Windows Update; Error Code 8000FFFF + Unable to uninstall update KB929777 : Windows Vista Security : Windows Vista IT Pro : Microsoft TechNet Forums

hi mansrm81,

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\COMPONENTS\PendingXmlIdentifier
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\COMPONENTS\NextQueueEntryIndex
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\COMPONENTS\AdvancedInstallersNeedResolving

none of these entries exist in my registry.
I had already been thru this MS KB article but it did not fix my issue.
I also tried MS FIX IT but it did nothing

I think i have to do a repair reinstall.
any ideas?

Think you are right - Repair install should do the job.

I did a repair install. It took a good 100 mins but now i m able to update.

Glad you got it sorted out.