Fix Windows Update Error 8000FFFF

 

Windows Update error 8000FFFF means that there are Windows ‌registry values that are blocking the update from being downloaded and installed. This error usually occurs on Vista or windows 7 system and it not fixable by manually downloading and installing updates.

 

To trouble shoot this issue:

 

Method1:  Edit the registry

 

1. Open the Registry Editor by clicking the Start button , typing regedit into the Search box, and then pressing ENTER.‌  If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
2. In the left pane, find and double-click HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, and then click COMPONENTS.
3. Right-click COMPONENTS, and then click Export. By default, this file is saved to your desktop, but you can choose any folder.
4. In the File Name text box, type COMPONENTS. You have now created a back up copy of the registry values you’re going to be removing.
5. In the right pane, search for PendingXmlIdentifier, right-click it, and then click Delete. PendingXmlIdentifier might not be listed.
6. In the right pane, search for NextQueueEntryIndex, right-click it, and then click Delete. NextQueueEntryIndex might not be listed.
7. In the right pane, search for AdvancedInstallersNeedResolving, right-click it, and then click Delete. AdvancedInstallersNeedResolving might not be listed.
8. Restart your computer and then run Windows Update again.

 

Method 2:  Rename the Windows Update Software distribution folder

 

1. Stop the Windows Update service (make sure you are logged on as an Administrator)

Start button || Control Panel ||System and Maintenance ||Administrative Tools
Double-click Services 
(Provide the Administrator password or confirmation if prompted to do so.)
Right-click the Windows Update service and click Stop.

2. Click Start, type %windir% in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.

Locate and rename the SoftwareDistribution folder.  You can rename it to softwareDistribution.old.

 

Method 3: Download a registry cleaner to fix the registry problem.

 

The easiest way to solve the problem is to download a registry cleaner to automatically detect and clean the registry errors. To edit registry by yourself is always risky if you are not familar with regedit system. The safest way to settle the problem is to get a tool to edit the registry for you. And it will be much quicker than editing by hand.