Microsoft released their security updates for Windows and Microsoft Office on 9/11/2018.  The update KB4457144 has been causing issues on Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2.  The computer will attempt to install the update for a very long period of time, and the installation will fail with the error code 0x8000FFFF.  It offers to retry the update, but that does not help.  It does not affect all computers, but many people have reported issues with the update and it causing this exact error condition when the update is installed.

This update is best to skip for now, Microsoft has seen many reports of issues, but as of 9/12/2018 has not removed the update – yet.  When a resolution or fixed version is released I will update this blog entry.

9/20/2018
Microsoft recommends installing Servicing Stack Update for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 if you get 0x8000FFFF error during installation of this update.

“Before installing this update, install KB3177467, the last Servicing Stack Update for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, to resolve this issue.”

The installation of KB3177467 seems to resolve the issue, you can install that update then install KB4457144 on systems that have this issue.

This also effects KB4457145 security only update for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, and for Octobers’ updates they will be providing KB3177467 Servicing Stack Update as a Security Update.