The error 0X80070490(Element not found) when you are installing a service pack or update

Symptom:

When you are installing a service pack or update for Windows 7 or 2008 R2, the update may fail to install with an error 0X80070490.

You have tried the following contents, but still can not resolve the problem:

1. KB977893

2. KB947821

3. https://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Windows-Update-error-80070490

When you examine the setupapi.dev.log, you may find the followings were logged:

     inf: Opened PNF: 'C:WindowsSystem32DriverStoreFileRepositoryscanners.inf_amd64_neutral_08717035d84064b6scanners.inf' ([strings])
     sig: {_VERIFY_FILE_SIGNATURE} 08:56:21.210
     sig:      Key      = scanners.inf
     sig:      FilePath = C:WindowsSystem32DriverStoreFileRepositoryscanners.inf_amd64_neutral_08717035d84064b6scanners.inf
! sig: No installed catalogs matching catalog name '' were found that validated the file.
! sig: Error 1168: Element not found.
     sig: {_VERIFY_FILE_SIGNATURE exit(0x00000490)} 08:56:21.226

*note*: the missing inf file could be different in your computer.

Cause:

Error 0x80070490 is "Element not found". there is a consistent error to the specific drivers.

Resolution:

To resolve the issue please try the following

1. Run the checksur.exe (System Update Readiness Tool) tool.
2. Run System File Checker. From the command line run the command sfc /scannow
3. Review the cbs logs and uninstall the patches which were missing assemblies and reboot the server.
4. Reinstall the update.

For advanced customers, you can maunally fix it:

From an elevated command prompt:

pnputil - a <Inf File Path>

e.g.: C:WindowsSystem32DriverStoreFileRepositoryscanners.inf_amd64_neutral_08717035d84064b6scanners.inf

Well, the repair install is the last choice but worth a try befor you give up. :-)

More information:

Description of the System Update Readiness Tool for Windows Vista, for Windows Server 2008, for Windows 7, and for Windows Server 2008 R2
https://support.microsoft.com/kb/947821