Vista Service Pack 2 Error, 0x800F0900

0x800f0900 CBS_E_XML_PARSER_FAILURE unexpected internal XML parser error.

<http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375>

The more information you provide will help someone to provide you with a relevant solution.

what anti-virus application or security suite is installed and is your subscription current?

Run the MSRT (December 2010 - Full scan).

`~`

Please answer all of the following diagnostic questions by number in your very next reply (no need to quote this post):

1. What anti-virus application or security suite is installed and is your subscription current?  What anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)?  What third-party firewall (if any)?

2. Has a(nother) Norton application or a McAfee application ever been installed on this computer?

3. Did a Norton free-trial or a McAfee free-trial come preinstalled on the computer when you bought it? (Doesn't matter if you never used or Activated it.)

4. Has SP2 been offered by Windows Update yet? [1]

========================================

Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for issues related to Windows Vista Service Packs. Availability of chat or e-mail support differs depending on your geographic location. Some issues may require more advanced support for which there is a charge:  http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?prid=13014&gprid=582034

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[1] See http://support.microsoft.com/kb/948343

Hi acw_,

You may find the windows update files from the location below.
C:\Windows\servicing\Packages

Let us try to take backup of the below file and delete the file from the above location which might help you in resolving the issue.

Microsoft-Windows-DGT-Package MiniLP~31bf3856ad364e35~x86~en-US~7.0.6002.18107.mum

Try updating the Windows and check if the issue is resolved.

If that does not work, I would suggest you to perform System File Checker (SFC) scan which might help you in resolving the issue.

SFC /scannow is a super-useful command you can use in any Windows version. When the SFC (System File Checker) command is used with the /scannow switch, the tool will scan all of the important Windows files on your computer and replace them as necessary.

Missing and corrupt operating system files (like many DLL files) are arguably the biggest cause of major Windows issues. Considering that, plus the fact that SFC /scannow is completely automatic and very easy to use, the tool should usually be one of your first troubleshooting steps.

Refer:

How to use the System File Checker tool to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files on Windows Vista or on Windows 7
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929833

Check if the issue is resolved.

You may refer the link below posted by “PA Bear MS MVP” on November 27, 2009 10:00 PM.
http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/vistawu/thread/b620bb51-11e9-48f4-9a45-4034498cb8e1/

Please post back and let us know if this has helped to resolve your issue.
 
Else try downoading the package and install it in clean boot mode, make sure that you disable the Windows firewall or security program on your computer.
 
Refer: 
  
How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows Vista or in Windows 7
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135 
 
Note: After troubleshooting, make sure to put the computer to start as usual as mentioned in Step 7 in the above KB article.

Hi PA Bear,

Thanks for the response.

1) Initially we had a Norton AntiVirus. After the last subscription expired we unintalled Norton and put on AVG.  We also had Zone alarm on the computer as well.

2) Norton Trial came preinstalled but we bought the retail version and had it installed fresh. McAfee has never been installed.

3) See above.

4) Yes, Windows Update has offered SP2.

I first tried to let it install through Windows Update. Then tried downloading the stand alone and using that. Then uninstalled AVG and Zone Alarm and tried the stane alone (ISO burned to DVD). Then tried the System Update Readyness Tool and re running the standalone package.

I have since run CHKDSK on the C: drive (Properties->Tools->Check Now..->Restart) and am still getting the 0x800f0900 error.

Hello Suresh,

Thanks for the response. I took a look in C:\Windows\servicing\Packagesbut could not find

Microsoft-Windows-DGT-Package MiniLP~31bf3856ad364e35~x86~en-US~7.0.6002.18107.mum

I had run the System File Checker and had included a summary of the results in my initial posting. From what I submitting, does it look like I might have stripped relevant information?

I am not sure how the servicing folder works. I noticed that the file that the System Update Readyness Tool seems to be complaining about, Package_19_for_KB929327~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~6.0.1.0.mum, is from 2007 and seems to be connected to a feature that I don't use, Windows DreamScene Preview. Can I just delete that file or some set of files associated with the DreamScene feature. If so, do you know which files that would be?

Initially we had a Norton AntiVirus. After the last subscription expired we unintalled Norton and put on AVG...

[Please unmark Suresh's post above as the ANSWER. It was only marked as such because you didn't return to this thread in a timely manner.]

You should have (a) uninstalled the Norton free-trial and then (b) downloaded/run to Norton Removal Tool (c) BEFORE you installed the purchased version of Norton AntiVirus. (And no, Norton support probably did not tell you this.)

Furthermore, you should have (a) uninstalled Norton AntiVirus, (b) downloaded/run to Norton Removal Tool and then (c) installed your replacement antivirus application BEFORE your Norton subscription had expired.

You are seeing the effects of a hijackware infection. See...

     Cleaning a Compromised System
     http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc700813.aspx

Back-up any personal data (none of which should be considered 100% trustworthy at this point) then format the HDD & do a clean install of Windows. Please note that a Repair Install (AKA in-place upgrade) will NOT fix this!

HOW TO do a clean install of Vista: See the "To install Windows by performing a clean installation" (or the "To reinstall Windows Vista") section of http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/Installing-and-reinstalling-Windows-Vista

NOTE: If your computer didn't come with a set of disks, there will be a hidden Recovery partition (not to be confused with System Restore) you would use to do the clean install (AKA a "destructive recovery").

After the clean install, you will have the equivalent of a "new computer" so take care of EVERYTHING on the following page BEFORE otherwise connecting the machine to the internet or a local network (i.e., other computers) AND BEFORE connecting a flash drive, SDCard, or any other external drive to the computer:

     4 steps to help protect your new computer before you go online
     http://www.microsoft.com/security/pypc.aspx

Tip: After getting the computer fully-patched, download/install KB971029 manually before connecting any external drive to the computer: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971029

VERY IMPORTANT!! =>  The Norton free-trial will be reinstalled (but invalid) when Windows is reinstalled. You MUST uninstall the free-trial AND download/run the Norton Removal Tool BEFORE installing any updates, Windows Service Packs or IE upgrades AND BEFORE installing your new anti-virus application (e.g., Microsoft Security Essentials - free).

Also see:

Risks & Benefits of P2P file sharing
  • http://www.microsoft.com/protect/data/downloadfileshare/filesharing.aspx
  • http://blogs.technet.com/mmpc/archive/2008/10/06/the-cost-of-free-software.aspx
  • http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ST05-007.html

Steps To Help Prevent Spyware
http://www.microsoft.com/security/spyware/prevent.aspx 

Steps to Help Prevent Computer Worms
http://www.microsoft.com/security/worms/prevent.aspx

Avoid Rogue Security Software!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/antivirus/rogue.aspx

If you need additional assistance with the clean install, please begin a new thread in this forum: http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/vistarepair/threads  

If these procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA or Geek Squad) computer repair shop.

Wish I'd had better news for you.  Good luck!