Fix 0x80070002: Error 0x80070002 on Windows (Windows)

Hello, team. This document outlines the common causes and provides a step-by-step guide to resolve the error code 0x80070002 on Windows operating systems. This error typically indicates that a file required by Windows cannot be found during an update, installation, or even system startup.

🧐 Causes

The 0x80070002 error is most frequently encountered during Windows Update processes but can also appear during software installations or when accessing certain system files. The primary reasons for this error include:

• Corrupted or missing system files required for the operation.
• Issues with the Windows Update service or its components.
• Interference from third-party antivirus or firewall software.
• Problems with the hard drive where Windows is installed.
• Incorrectly configured system settings.

🔧 Fixes

Here are the recommended steps to troubleshoot and fix the 0x80070002 error:

1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter designed to automatically detect and fix common update issues.

• Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
• Navigate to Update & Security (or System > Troubleshoot in Windows 11).
• Click on Troubleshoot, then Additional troubleshooters (or Other troubleshooters in Windows 11).
• Select Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.

2. Manually Reset Windows Update Components

This process involves stopping and restarting critical Windows Update services and clearing temporary update files.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator. (Search for “cmd”, right-click, and select “Run as administrator”).
• Execute the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
  • net stop wuauserv
  • net stop cryptSvc
  • net stop bits
  • net stop msiserver
• Now, rename the SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folders. Enter these commands:
  • ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  • ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
• Finally, restart the services by entering these commands:
  • net start wuauserv
  • net start cryptSvc
  • net start bits
  • net start msiserver
• Restart your computer and try updating again.

3. Check Disk for Errors (chkdsk)

Disk errors can sometimes lead to file corruption and access issues.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Type chkdsk C: /f /r and press Enter.
• You will likely be prompted to schedule the disk check for the next restart. Type Y and press Enter.
• Restart your computer. The disk check will run before Windows starts.

4. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

These tools scan for and repair corrupted Windows system files.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Let the scan complete.
• If SFC finds issues but cannot fix them, or if the error persists, run DISM. Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
  • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
• Restart your computer after the DISM scan completes.

5. Temporarily Disable Antivirus/Firewall

Sometimes, third-party security software can interfere with Windows updates.

• Locate your antivirus or firewall software in the system tray (usually near the clock).
• Right-click on its icon and look for an option to “Disable,” “Turn off,” or “Pause protection.” Select a duration of a few hours or until the next restart.
• Attempt the update or installation again. Remember to re-enable your security software afterward.