cannot install updates, SP1 and no longer have audio

[John Y]

Using automatic install, upgrades KB950124, KB950125, and Vista SP 1 fails.
Also since these upgrades were attempted, I lost all audio on my computer. I
re-installed software for my Audigy 2ZS sound card and ran diagnostics with
"failed" results everytime. My audio faults claim I must re-install and
register "CTTHXCAL.DLL" and "CTSCAL.DLL" files. Are these Windows files or
Soundblaster files?

Any help getting these upgrades installed and, most importantly, my audio
back will be greatly appreciated.

I am Vista Home Premium, 32bit

 

[Mark L. Ferguson]

How to troubleshoot common Windows Update, Microsoft Update, and Windows
Server Update Services installation issues:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/906602

Device Manager will let you try to "Update driver" in the Properties of the
sound device

 

[John Y]

I should have mentioned that I tried this to no avail. The error code I
receive when trying to install SP 1 is "80071A91" and is not listed in the
knowledge base. I did update and install all audio drivers driect from
Creative, makers of Soundblaster products.

 

[Jack]

Whenever I run into problems like this and can't find an immediate
solution, I'll just scrap the whole attempt and do a RESTORE...

That will put you back to square one and your sound will be
restored also.. RESTORE is my constant companion when
I'm 'puterin'...

 

[zachd [MSFT]]

Does
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/948252
help?

 

[John Y]

I did that also, Jack. It didn't help with the updates or the sound. I also
tried re-installing the soundblaster software but that didn't work either.
I'm still working on it.

 

[John Y]

No it doesn't. One file (a "blf") is "in use by another program" even
though I have no open programs and the other file (a "regtrans-ms) cannot be
deleted either. I'm still at square one but still trying.

Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Alan S]

You have to reboot into Safe Mode to be able to delete those files, which
that KB article fails to mention!

However, I have the same error (since mid-April) and following that KB
article's instructions didn't help. Almost no new updates will install now.

 

[John Y]

Thanks for the reply. I finally solved my problem. After searching many
knowledge base articles, I found that SP1 will not install if there are any
critical updates that are pending. Since I had a critical update fail prior
to my attempts to install SP1, SP1 would not install nor would any other
update. What I finally had to do was to "upgrade" my current Vista which is
really a re-install but keeps all your programs and settings in tact except
for wallpaper, screensaver, etc. After that, the updates installed and I was
able to install SP1 as well. Since doing that, all my updates have installed
without problems.

My sound problem was due to my speakers failing at the same time as the SP1
update failure. Ironic, but purely coincedental and one had nothing to do
with the other.

You might want to "upgrade" your Vista as well. It may very well solve your
problem.