Check Windows Update now, that may have been enough to fix it.. but regardless of whether it fixes it or not: Reboot and run same command again. Hopefully this time it will say "Windows resource protection did not find any integrity violations". If not, then you have damaged Windows components, which can be difficult to repair.

If sfc still reporting errors or WU not working:

The cbs.log is always a pain to find AND read, as it contains loads of information. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928228

Also are you on Vista SP2? If not, download and install it manually from Microsoft website.

Also, try running this: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058

Edited by Pipexer (Mon 04-Mar-13 22:52:43)

Just started second scan. I'm on SP2.

Scan completed;

Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of th
em.
Details are included in the CBS.Log windir\Logs\CBS\CBS.log. For example
C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\CBS.log

The system file repair changes will take effect after the next reboot.

found the CBS.log but access denied

Reboot, copy and paste CBS.LOG to your desktop/documents or something, you should then be able to open up with notepad.

Managed to open it, but it's all way over my head.

If you can upload it somewhere would be happy to have a look for you, I don't think it contains confidential information, I won't be offended if you would rather not send it though.

Somewhere in there will be an entry telling you what components of the OS are corrupt.

The system went boobs up last night so I removed the new hdd and put the old one back in. Windows update works fine

I'll try another backup from the original disk and see what happens.

Well, I've had to admit defeat. Apparently what I thought was a failing HDD, turns out to be an accidently dropped laptop whilst I was out. No doubt the cause of the hdd fault and probably more.

So, I've bitten the bullet and bought a new Toshiba lappy. Windows 8 isn't very user friendly so I'm finding my way around.

Two questions if I may on W8.

1. The web page scrolling via the touch pad doesn't work. I'm having to click/hold and drag. Is there a setting for this?

2. I don't want a Microsoft email. But can't find an email programme. Is there one installed?

As always I'm late for the party.
Sorry I wasn't around to suggest you get a copy of wufix.zip - it's a batch file that has cured every problem with windows update I've come across. Originally hosted by castlecops.com, it is now hosted at http://techmonkeys.co.uk/downloads/WUFix.zip. Recommended for anyone else with windows updates problems

I'd like to add that I've run into this problem on two separate dell laptops, both times after doing a hard drive upgrade and using Arconis True Image 2013. Both machines were running 32 bit Vista, home premium on one and ultimate on the other.

I don't have any explanation, but Arconis seems to me like the variable.

Additionally, the batch file at techmonkeys.co.uk that Moto linked to solved the problem for me.

Thanks Moto!