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Question

I an unable to update Microsoft Security Essentials, getting "Error code: 0xc80003f3".

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I an unable to update Microsoft Security Essentials.  I am running Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit.  When I expand the error popup box by clicking the "Support information" arrow it shows "Error code: 0xc80003f3".  I researched this and the only thing I can find is that it is a memory error but my system has 3GB RAM and an ample pagefile (manually set and doubled the Windows "reccomended size") I am running a sidebar gadget that shows 44% RAM used so I'm not sure what is happening.  The Windows update will not update either and shows the same error (8xc80003f3)in the event logs for the WindowsUpdateClient.

Original title: Error code: 0xc80003f3

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bthomas

bthomas

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7

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Answer

I just found a solution that worked and I will make it a little easier for those who need it.

Create a batch file with the following and run it from a command prompt.

*******Start File Below********

regsvr32 MSXML3.dll /s
net stop wuauserv
cd /d %windir%\SoftwareDistribution
rd /s /q DataStore
net start wuauserv
regsvr32 softpub.dll
regsvr32 mssip32.dll

******End File Above*******

Go to services and stop the Windows Update service
Go to the Windows directory (default is c:\Windows) and rename the "SoftwareDistribution" folder to "SoftwareDistribution.old"
Go to services and start the Windows Update service


Worked for me.

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bthomas

bthomas

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I an unable to update Microsoft Security Essentials.  I am running Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit.  When I expand the error popup box by clicking the "Support information" arrow it shows "Error code: 0xc80003f3".  I researched this and the only thing I can find is that it is a memory error but my system has 3GB RAM and an ample pagefile (manually set and doubled the Windows "reccomended size") I am running a sidebar gadget that shows 44% RAM used so I'm not sure what is happening.  The Windows update will not update either and shows the same error (8xc80003f3)in the event logs for the WindowsUpdateClient.

hi ,

http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/vistawu/thread/19138d2c-ae5a-4313-a245-1378b8e015f1/


http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/support.aspx?mkt=en-us&s=1#mainNav


have a nice day
Scan with OneCare + 50 Windows 7even Tips + Plagued by the Privacy Center? Learn how to remove it + Threat Research & Response Blog + Sysinternals Live tools + PIVOT from Live Labs + See what Photosynth does best! + Microsoft Security + need help ? go to Microsoft Support + Microsoft Live Labs
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Dabur972

Dabur972
Microsoft SUPPORT >> support.microsoft.com
Microsoft SECURITY >> www.microsoft.com/security

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That is of no help at all.  I am not running Comodo and have tried having the native firewall off and on.  Same issue.
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bthomas

bthomas

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That is of no help at all.  I am not running Comodo and have tried having the native firewall off and on.  Same issue.

hi ,

the example is comodo , the error means out of memory (!)

clcik the link in my sig that reads * need help * and make a support ticket

have a nice day
Scan with OneCare + 50 Windows 7even Tips + Plagued by the Privacy Center? Learn how to remove it + Threat Research & Response Blog + Sysinternals Live tools + PIVOT from Live Labs + See what Photosynth does best! + Microsoft Security + need help ? go to Microsoft Support + Microsoft Live Labs + TRANSLATOR
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Dabur972

Dabur972
Microsoft SUPPORT >> support.microsoft.com
Microsoft SECURITY >> www.microsoft.com/security

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Error code: 0xc80003f3 when translated results to "The configuration registry key could not be opened" and another is "Out of Memory" but the latter could not actually be an issue unless there were applications consuming much of the RAM or paging file. This could result from an application blocking connectivity or permissions for MSE, BITS or Windows Update. Since MSE uses BITS to download updates through the Windows Update pipe.

Do you have any other Firewall other than Windows Firewall?
What was the previous Anti-Virus or Anti-Malware protection before you had MSE?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Crimson Spectrum at http://aiscer.spaces.live.com/ MVP [2010] ~ Consumer Security

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Aiscer

Community Moderator
Aiscer MVP
Minion of the Moon, My Crimson Sanctuary

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7

Votes

Answer

I just found a solution that worked and I will make it a little easier for those who need it.

Create a batch file with the following and run it from a command prompt.

*******Start File Below********

regsvr32 MSXML3.dll /s
net stop wuauserv
cd /d %windir%\SoftwareDistribution
rd /s /q DataStore
net start wuauserv
regsvr32 softpub.dll
regsvr32 mssip32.dll

******End File Above*******

Go to services and stop the Windows Update service
Go to the Windows directory (default is c:\Windows) and rename the "SoftwareDistribution" folder to "SoftwareDistribution.old"
Go to services and start the Windows Update service


Worked for me.

    • Child exploitation or abuse
    • Harassment or threats
    • Inappropriate/Adult content
    • Nudity
    • Profanity
    • Software piracy
    • SPAM/Advertising
    • Virus/Spyware/Malware danger
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bthomas

bthomas

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1

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Good to know! I was about to recommend the Reset for Windows Update FixIt which pratically does the same thing.

Crimson Spectrum at http://aiscer.spaces.live.com/ MVP [2010] ~ Consumer Security
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    • Other Term of Use or Code of Conduct violation

Aiscer

Community Moderator
Aiscer MVP
Minion of the Moon, My Crimson Sanctuary

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I had the same 0xc80003f3 error from Security Essentials.  Very odd, but the above steps in fact work!!! So, Thanks.  It seems that the DataStore file is damaged and the Update can't either open it or overwrite it.  The Service does need to be stopped and then the directory tree deleted to removed the errant files.  Once restarted it works as expected.  I did have to exit and start in Safe mode to run the batch file process.  In that state the Update Service (wuauserv) is already stopped but the messages do not keep the process from working.  

Again, thanks for the info and the fix.... 

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PHMannes

PHMannes

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 I will like to inform that this fix my issue and Now I can Update Windows.  Howeveer i did change one thing. After I created theText file  I rename the file with a ".bat" and run the file directly. then  stop services and  started the service again... I did rename the C: Windows/ Software Update  like you ask..



Thank You so much 
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Jonathan Valentin Cuevas

Jonathan Valentin Cuevas

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