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Windows update error code 66A

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topcat

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Nov 30, 2007, 2:00:00 PM11/30/07
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When I try to install the update for .NET Framework 1.1, Service Pack 1 I get
an error code 66A. I have searched for a resolution but can not find one.
What can I do to resolve this?

MowGreen [MVP]

unread,
Dec 1, 2007, 1:15:55 PM12/1/07
to
Which Version of Windows is installed ?

IF .NET Framework 1.1 is showing as installed in Add/Remove Programs in
the Control Panel, suggest you download SP1 from here and save it:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=a8f5654f-088e-40b2-bbdb-a83353618b38&DisplayLang=en

When the download completes close all open browsers and programs.
Now install NDP1.1sp1-KB867460-X86.exe and restart the system.
Did that get it installed ?

MowGreen [MVP 2003-2008]
===============
*-343-* FDNY
Never Forgotten
===============

topcat

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Dec 1, 2007, 3:27:00 PM12/1/07
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Vista Ultimate

Robert Aldwinckle

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Dec 1, 2007, 10:24:03 PM12/1/07
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"topcat" <top...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:89A345B9-F668-4CA4...@microsoft.com...

> When I try to install the update for .NET Framework 1.1, Service Pack 1 I get
> an error code 66A. I have searched for a resolution but can not find one.
> What can I do to resolve this?

<cmd_output OS="XPsp2">
F:\>set /a c = 0x66A
1642
F:\>net helpmsg %c%

The upgrade patch cannot be installed by the Windows Installer service
because the program to be upgraded may be missing, or the upgrade patch
may update a different version of the program. Verify that the program to be
upgraded exists on your computer and that you have the correct upgrade
patch.

</cmd_output>

At least the code gives you something to try... <eg>

Do the logs give you any better clues? Hint: search for context
for the hex string and its decimal equivalent.


Good luck

Robert Aldwinckle
---


MowGreen [MVP]

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Dec 2, 2007, 4:34:17 PM12/2/07
to
Download the update manually and install it from the previously provided
link. That has worked for others in the same situation as you are now in.

OR, you can stop the Windows Update service, delete the previously
download of the update located in
SoftwareDistribution\Download\Install
Restart the Windows Update service, and then wait until the fixed
version of the update is downloaded.

kmg04

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Dec 3, 2007, 2:00:02 AM12/3/07
to
The upgrade patch cannot be installed by the Windows Installer service
because the program to be upgraded may be missing, or the upgrade patch
may update a different version of the program. Verify that the program to be
upgraded exists on your computer and that you have the correct upgrade
patch.


I'm not a computer genius, but I have followed the posted directions. The
message up above is what popped up when my computer tried to install the
file, and I am at a loss. I've only had this for 2 months. Any help would be
much appreciated.

Peter Moore

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Dec 3, 2007, 1:12:09 PM12/3/07
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My follow-up question is whether or not you need to have .Net Framework 1.1
if 2.0 is installed

MowGreen [MVP]

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Dec 3, 2007, 4:43:35 PM12/3/07
to
.NET Framework 1.1. and 2.0 run side by side and are not dependent on
each other.
BUT, if a Program was installed that requires either Framework so that
it can run, then the answer is yes.

It gets more complicated with the installation of 3.0
That requires that 2.0 be installed, also.

Clear as mud, eh ? <w>

MowGreen [MVP 2003-2008]
===============
*-343-* FDNY
Never Forgotten
===============

Guns@discussions.microsoft.com Korneel Guns

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Jan 5, 2008, 6:56:01 AM1/5/08
to
I have problems installing the
"update for visual studio 2005 service pack 1 (windows vista)"
and the
"safetyupdate for microsoft visual studio 2005 service pack 1(KB937061)"
It always says "error code 66A".

Previously I tried to install "Visual Studio 2005 service pack 1", but it
always failed, so it's very logical that I can't install the update to the
service pack since I don't even have the service pack....

But when I check the installed updates, the service pack 1 is in there...
even tough it ALWAYS failed to install. And the windows update doesn't
recognize the service pack 1 as a new update anymore, since it 'should' be
installed...
How can I resolve this problem?

"MowGreen [MVP]" wrote:

> ..NET Framework 1.1. and 2.0 run side by side and are not dependent on

DJCORT1

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Feb 16, 2008, 10:33:01 AM2/16/08
to
The steps you need to follow are:

1) Run cleanup tool:
http://astebner.sts.winisp.net/Tools/dotnetfx_cleanup_tool.zip

and select remove (cleanup) .NET Framework 1.1 from the dropdown list.

2) Download the .Net framework 1.1 redistributable package from here
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=262d25e3-f589-4842-8157-034d1e7cf3a3

and install it.

4) Download the .Net Framework 1.1 Service Pack 1
https://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=A8F5654F-088E-40B2-BBDB-A83353618B38&displaylang=en
and install it.

5) Instead of using Windows Update, download the KB929729 package from here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=7EEA368D-7B82-4583-8537-30351718A4E9&displaylang=enhttp://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=281FB2CD-C715-4F05-A01F-0455D2D9EBFB&displaylang=en

Install this Last!


I followed the steps and the his windows update looks much healthier now

Hope this helps!

Jester1111

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Apr 25, 2008, 2:22:00 PM4/25/08
to

"DJCORT1" wrote:

this worked like a charm thank you so much..

worked! A big thanks to DJCORT1!@discussions.microsoft.com This worked! A big thanks to DJCORT1!

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May 23, 2008, 11:12:00 PM5/23/08
to

Lakeflake

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Aug 23, 2008, 10:44:01 PM8/23/08
to
MS if continuing it's track record of lousy support. I'm on a one week old
HP Computer with Vista Ultimate on it and today was told by "update" that I
need to install a Framework update. It will not install and comes back with
an error code of 66A which as is typical of MS and tells me nothing. A brand
new computer, no registry changes have been made, all updates save this one
have been installed when the flag went up to install them (sorry, didn't
install the 35 various language updates). My old computer with XP MCE
encountered the same problems with trying to install updates to Framework and
I spent weeks trying to get the updates installed. Thanks to Aaron Stebner
(sp?) finally got it straightened out, but not without many messages back and
forth. I don't see how MS can blame this problem on users messing up
machines, installs, etc. since this is a brand new machine, unadulterated
OS, running MS Vista Ultimate (not an upgrade version but a full blown copy
at $$$$$).
MS -- what is your defense?
--
lakeflake

Harry Johnston [MVP]

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Aug 24, 2008, 4:55:36 PM8/24/08
to
Lakeflake wrote:

> I'm on a one week old
> HP Computer with Vista Ultimate on it and today was told by "update" that I
> need to install a Framework update. It will not install and comes back with
> an error code of 66A which as is typical of MS and tells me nothing. A brand
> new computer, no registry changes have been made, all updates save this one
> have been installed when the flag went up to install them (sorry, didn't
> install the 35 various language updates).

Did you reinstall the OS yourself or did it come preinstalled from HP? Have you
and/or HP installed any applications on the computer yet?

Harry.

Lakeflake

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Aug 24, 2008, 5:28:00 PM8/24/08
to
Installed Vista Ultimate myself with MS Disk purchased at same time as
computer.
Yes, I've installed some programs such as MS Home & Student, Outlook,
TurboTax, printer drivers and Norton.
--
lakeflake

Harry Johnston [MVP]

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Aug 24, 2008, 6:05:24 PM8/24/08
to
Lakeflake wrote:

> Yes, I've installed some programs such as MS Home & Student, Outlook,
> TurboTax, printer drivers and Norton.

Norton has a record of causing issues with Windows, this may have been the
problem. (Or it may have just been Windows, it does indeed glitch of its own
accord now and then.)

Harry.

Lakeflake

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Aug 26, 2008, 8:34:05 PM8/26/08
to
As I was saying, new computer, etc. etc. Had a little time available today
and find out that Framework 1.1 is not installed on this computer, but
regardless of that fact MS keeps telling me that SP1 is "Important" and
should be installed. I can only surmise that the algorithm that MS uses to
determine what items are needed on a computer is slightly out of synch with
the real world. I've "hidden" the update and will not be making any attempt
to install same until at least some program tells me that it needs Framework
1.1 to run. I'm considering this case closed. Thanks for responses that
were posted.
--
lakeflake

PA Bear [MS MVP]

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Aug 26, 2008, 8:54:18 PM8/26/08
to
You'd be MUCH better off beginning a new thread about *your* problem, LF,
instead of posting another "Me, too!" reply to a thread started in Nov-07.

You are not alone in being flummoxed by the vagueries of .NET Framework
requirements, installations, and updates. However, this peer-to-peer
support newsgroup is not the place to gripe about it.

The above notwithstanding...

1. Write down what .NET Framework versions are already installed before you
go uninstalling/removing any of them!

How to determine which versions of the .NET Framework are installed and
whether service packs have been applied
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/318785

2. Now see Resolutions Methods 1 or 2 in
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/923100 (ignore the title; includes the very
same Stebner references you used before).

If no joy, see this related post by my colleague MowGreen:
http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsupdate/msg/4d76de7769d04493

Otherwise...

Start a free Windows Update support incident request:
https://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=6527

Support for Windows Update:
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/wusupport

For home users, no-charge support is available by calling 1-866-PCSAFETY in
the United States and in Canada or by contacting your local Microsoft
subsidiary.

For more information about how to contact your local Microsoft subsidiary
for security update support issues, visit the International Support Web
site: http://support.microsoft.com/common/international.aspx

For enterprise customers, support for security updates is available through
your usual support contacts.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)
AumHa VSOP & Admin; DTS-L.net


Lakeflake wrote:
> MS if continuing it's track record of lousy support. I'm on a one week
> old
> HP Computer with Vista Ultimate on it and today was told by "update" that
> I
> need to install a Framework update. It will not install and comes back
> with
> an error code of 66A which as is typical of MS and tells me nothing. A
> brand new computer, no registry changes have been made, all updates save
> this one have been installed when the flag went up to install them (sorry,
> didn't install the 35 various language updates). My old computer with XP
> MCE encountered the same problems with trying to install updates to
> Framework and I spent weeks trying to get the updates installed. Thanks
> to
> Aaron Stebner (sp?) finally got it straightened out, but not without many
> messages back and forth. I don't see how MS can blame this problem on
> users messing up machines, installs, etc. since this is a brand new
> machine, unadulterated OS, running MS Vista Ultimate (not an upgrade
> version but a full blown copy at $$$$$).
> MS -- what is your defense?
>

Lakeflake

unread,
Aug 26, 2008, 9:40:02 PM8/26/08
to
Not to be crass but let me first say thanks for your response. Please note
that as stated in previous note I'm finished with this thread -- and have no
intention of trying to do uninstall/reinstall/cleanup etc. Framework below
3.0 will not be installed on this machine unless Bill Gates wants to come out
of retirement and come to my house and do it for me.
--
lakeflake

in Arizona@discussions.microsoft.com thankful in Arizona

unread,
Feb 7, 2009, 1:53:01 PM2/7/09
to
this update has been bugging me since I got this computer Jan 08. after
finding your instructions and doing what you say - it finally is working!!!
thank you!

MowGreen [MVP]

unread,
Feb 7, 2009, 5:10:21 PM2/7/09
to
To avoid such issues in the future, repeat after me ...

" I will not run registry repair 'tools' nor disk cleanup tools that
remove the .NET installer database cache "


MowGreen [MVP 2003-2009]


===============
*-343-* FDNY
Never Forgotten
===============

amannuc

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Jan 30, 2010, 12:46:09 PM1/30/10
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amannuc

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Jan 30, 2010, 12:47:01 PM1/30/10
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Where is the SoftwareDistribution directory?

amannuc

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Jan 30, 2010, 12:51:01 PM1/30/10
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How do you perform that verification?
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