Show all Hide all Windows Update error 80071A90 Windows Update error 80071A90 happens when files

that are required by Windows ar e in use (locked) by other programs. Programs, such as antivirus programs that r un when Windows starts, can lock system files. This error can often be corrected by running the Windows Update troubleshooter, which can automatically find and fix some common problems with Windows Update. T o run the troubleshooter, follow these steps: Click this button: Fix this problem In the File Download dialog box, click Run, and then follow the steps in the wiz ard. Open Windows Update, and try to install the update again. If the Windows troubleshooter doesn't correct the problem, you'll need to restar t your computer without running the programs that run when Windows first starts, and then run Windows Update again. This can be done two ways: by starting your computer in safe mode or by manually starting Windows without start up programs (also known as a clean restart). Both options are described below. These methods require you to restart your computer several times, so you might w ant to read through all steps first, or print these instructions before followin g them. Note Safe mode does not support networking with a dial-up connection. If you re using a dial-up connection, use the clean restart method. Start Windows Update in safe mode To start Windows in safe mode, click the Start button , type msconfig in the sea rch box, and then, in the list of results, click msconfig.exe. If you're prompt ed for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide c onfirmation. In the System Configuration dialog box, click the Boot tab. Click the Safe boot check box, click Network, and then click OK. In the System Configuration dialog, click Restart. This will restart your comput er in Safe mode with Internet access. Click to open Windows Update. In the left pane, click Check for updates, and then wait while Windows looks for the latest updates for your computer. If any updates are found, click Install updates. If you're prompted for an admi nistrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. Once updates are installed, restart your computer, click the Start button , type msconfig in the search box, and then, in the list of results, click msconfig.ex e. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the p assword or provide confirmation.

In the System Configuration dialog box, click the General tab, click Normal star tup, click OK, and then click Restart. Start Windows Update with a clean restart of Windows Click the Start button , type msconfig in the search box, and then click msconfi g.exe. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type t he password or provide confirmation. On the General tab, click Selective startup, and then clear the Load startup ite ms check box. Click Services, click Hide all Microsoft services, and then click Disable all. Click OK, and then click Restart. Click to open Windows Update. In the left pane, click Check for updates, and then wait while Windows looks for the latest updates for your computer. If any updates are found, click Install updates. If you're prompted for an admi nistrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. Once updates are installed, restart your computer. Click the Start button, type msconfig in the search box, and then click msconfig.exe. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirm ation. On the General tab, click Normal startup, click OK, and then click Restart. If you continue to see this error, see this automatic troubleshooter on the Micr osoft Support website, or go to the Microsoft Answers website for more assistanc e. Error codes this applies to: WindowsUpdate_80071A90 0x80071A90