Vista - Vista SP2 "Code 80073712"

I've been trying and trying to download Vista SP2 into my Dell Inspiron 1525 laptop still operating on 32-bit Vista Home Premium SP1, since each of a half dozen or more attempts get a "Code 80073712 Windows Update encountered an unknown error" after predictably reaching 12% at the download and stopping. What does this mean, and how do I either download/install SP2 or else order one on CD?

FWIW, I've got a still pending thread going elsewhere on this forum, and I acknowledge that folks there have TRIED to help me, but the directions could not be understood or followed by this intermediate level (take that to mean NOT a techie or expert by any definition). That prompted me to try Google, the Microsoft webpage, and a couple of other online sources, but all without success.

Can someone out there PLEASE tell me in laymen's terminology either:

1. What this error means and how to successfully install Vista SP2 in the above laptop?

OR. . . .

2. How and where I can order (at cost, if that is what is required) a copy ON CD that will install since the download seems to be unable to get past 12%.

I have had no difficulty downloading anything else, including SP2 in my two desktops. . . .or anything else INCLUDING all MS upgrades in my 32-bit laptop, so I am at an absolute loss to understand this or know what to do about it. My directions on the other forum were not understandable, could not be followed (steps left out and/or were incomplete), or else were simply too technical.

I do have a moderate understanding of computers, but I hope there is someone out there who can give me DETAILED STEP BY STEP NON-TECHNICAL directions that a college dropout with an "intermediate" understanding of computers can understand and follow to a solution. I thank you in advance for any help offered.

Hi decann

You can download the ISO & burn to CD from MS or buy a CD from MS.

Theog - Once AGAIN, I've got instructions I cannot follow. As noted in my query:

1. After a half dozen or more attempts, I get to a predictable 12% before giving me the error also noted, so you can take that to mean I CANNOT DOWNLOAD IT.

2. ALSO noted in my query, I've searched Google, the MS webpage, and others nothing offering the means of buying it on CD.

If you can suggest a SPECIFIC place where I can accomplish either one of your suggestions, I will happily thank you for it.

Hi decann
Two link from support Microsoft:

How to obtain the latest Windows Vista service pack

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/i...splaylang%3den

Theog -- Thank you. It is downloading into my laptop now and current at 39% completed, so that alone is an improvement over any of the 6 or 8 previous attempts. I'm saving it to HD to install afterwards, but will be back if I am still unable to successfully install it again.

Thank you for the help. I do appreciate it.

Theog -- This whole situation has now gotten to the point of being REDICULOUS. I've just downloaded a 1.4 GB download based on your latest directions, only to find out IT WAS NOT AN EXECUTABLE and as best I could determine was not a service pack for anything. In searching further, I can find links that SAY 32-bit SP2 but when I follow the links I keep getting taken either to a 64-bit version or else a VISTA SP1 download, neither one of which are what I need.

Now then, TRYING to control both my temper as well as my ongoing frustration, PLEASE REPLY with any one of the following:

1. A valid link that I can go DIRECTLY to and download an easily identifiable 32-BIT VERSION OF VISTA SP2 (NOT SP1, NOT 64-bit version) that can be downloaded to hard drive.

or

2. A similar link enabling me to clearly order one ON CD, even if I have to pay for it and/or order it from a retail source.

or

3. Admit you do not know how to do either one of the above.

I have been JERKED AROUND for a week now with this. You are now the third person on this forum who led me down to the same dead end. I presume all three of you were making honest efforts to be helpful, but nevertheless the longer the frustration and lack of results goes on, the higher my blood pressure gets.

PLEASE, no more guesses. Please read my original post again, if indeed you ever have read it, and note that the auto-update and Windows Update do not work for this item only (though everything else does) and predictably get to 12% in the download process after 6 or 8 tries and then simply shut down, giving me the same 80073712 error code.

I need some help obviously, but please no more guesswork.

Only made my account on this forum to provide you with the link for SP2 since no one seems to know what it is.

First go to: How to obtain the latest Windows Vista service pack to find your service pack version (there are several; i.e. 32bit, 64bit, x64, ia64)

The link to the page for your version is below (Windows Vista, 32-bit versions ALL Language Standalone package)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

If, upon installation, you encounter error Code 80073712 (like I am currently) i'd advise you read How to troubleshoot Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 service pack installation issues.

Also, the link that theog provided to you earlier was in fact SP2 for 32bit, however, it was in the format of a .iso file, which i'm pretty sure you have to mount (using a program such as MagicDisc) in order to run. I have no idea why the file is so much larger than the normal SP2 download though.

Hope this helps,
Liviuslol

Also: A smile to brighten your day