80240016 Windows Update Fail

[James]

Right, so I've been force restarting for close to a month now so I
really need a solution. I am having an issue that many others have had
but the common fixes do not work.

When I try install update KB972036 i get the code error 80240016. When
I try and turn my computer off it says "installing updates" and does
not shut down, even when you leave it on and go on holiday for 2
days.

Common resolutions are scannow /sfc. I have tried this and stops at
66% and refuses to go any further. I though I might be able to fix it
in a similar fashion with CC Cleaner, however this did not work.

I have also tried to stop the windows update service, however i get
error 1053 and it registers as "stopping".

I have tried using a utility called installer cleanup. To remove
install files then reinstall.

I have tried taking my whole P.C apart, dusting it, and putting it
back together. Unsurprisingly this has not worked either.

I have performed all aforementioned tasks several times, with Admin
priveleges. I'm tettering on the edge of a re-install, but don't have
any of the necessary backups with me, and am too frugal to buy
windows7 yet.

Would really apreciate some original thoughts on solving this issue.

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Shall we guess your full Windows version (e.g., Vista 64-bit SP1) or are you
going to tell us?

PS: If you think your Registry needs to be "cleaned" or "repaired" and you
need more cluestick, read http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=28099 and draw
your own conclusions.