Frustration with Upgrading My Zune Software [Solved]

I haven’t been able to upgrade my Zune software installation over the last couple of updates because I kept getting the “Setup must stop because the required package ‘Zune’ failed to install,” Error code: 0×80070643.

Most solutions included downloading and installing the full Zune package which includes all of the other components required. I tried that, and nada. I tried a utility provided by Microsoft called “Windows Install Cleanup” which allows you remove a program’s Windows Installer configuration information so there’s no trace, or anything saved, from previous installs.

So, when the big Zune 3.0 update came around, I really wanted to upgrade. I decided I’d do the one suggestion I kept avoidng: a complete removal and reinstall. I avoided this because I’d lose all settings and *gasp* play counts. (I like them, okay?)

I completely removed the Zune software using a program called “Unzoone.” I also cleaned up the registry to make sure all traces were removed with “CCleaner.” Finally,

Okay. This HAS to work, right?!

Restart.

Start Install…..

ERROR!!!!! GAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

So, I began yet another quest of Googling for answers. Finally, I happened upon this Locker Gnome blog, Digged (?), where it was suggested that the Windows Firewall must be turned on (mine’s always off) for the installation to complete. Sceptical, I tried it. Sure enough! That was the ticket. Now why in HELL would the Windows Firewall need to be enabled for this reason!?