Win7 2018-09 Quality Rollup (KB4457144) fails with 0x8000FFFF error

When I try to install KB4457144 (2018-09 Security Monthly Quality Rollup for Windows 7), installation stops, no matter from Windows Update or downloading from Catalog and running it.

Is there a fix for this issue?

I found a way to install it in this post from AskWoody by Pradeep Dixit, among a load of reports.

Patch KB4457144 will be installed after installing Stack Update “Servicing stack update for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 – Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 – KB3177467 (x64)” for 2008 R2 OS

You must go to Servicing stack update for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1: September 20, 2016, download the appropriate version for your system and install it.

Be aware that this update has known issues

Restart stuck on "Stage 2 of 2" or "Stage 3 of 3"

After you install update 3177467 together with other updates, a restart may be required to complete the installation. During this restart, you may find yourself stuck on "Stage 2 of 2" or "Stage 3 of 3".

If you encounter this issue, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to continue to log on. This should occur only one time and does not prevent updates from installing successfully.

Note In managed environments, such as by using Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), you can avoid either of these issues by deploying this update as a stand-alone update.

I needed no restart and I could install the 2018-09 SMQR flawlessly.