0x80070002 Windows Update Error: How to Fix the Problem

Article by Lashan Clarke (4,237 pts ) , published Oct 31, 2009

Fixing the Windows 0x80070002 update error by utilizing various methods.

The 0x80070002 Error

While updating windows, it is possible to receive the 0x80070002 Error. As a result the update process will not be completed, and your computer will not be able to transmit files. The reason for your computer receiving the 0x80070002 Error is due to it not having all of the files that should have been transmitted when updating your software. This is an initialization error that occurs after files have been downloaded, and extracted to the computer.

How to Fix the Error

To fix the error manually, it will be necessary to remove all of the files partially downloaded, and try again to update your Windows files.

1. On the Windows desktop, press Start, and when the menu opens up,

2. Press Run, and input the following command “services.msc”

3. In the Run box, type "services.msc", and press "Enter".

4. This will open the "Local Services" window.

5. In the Local Services window find the name “Automatic Updates” and right click.

6. On right click, scroll down and press “Stop”. This will cause the Automatic Updates to pause to correct the situation. Do not close the Local Services window.

At this point you can go to the "Software Distribution" folder and delete its contents, or give the folder another name. It is advised that you just rename the folder,

7. To do this go to the Windows desktop and press “Start” then press “Run” when the menu opens.

8. Input the “cmd” command into Run, and the computer will take you to the DOS prompt.

9. At the DOS prompt type in this command “cd %windir%” (without the quotes), and press Enter.

10. You should now be in the Windows directory.

11. At the Windows directory, input “ren SoftwareDistribution SoftDisTemp” and hit "Enter". This will rename the Software Distribution folder to the new name of SoftDisTemp.

12. Type "Exit" and hit "Enter" to close the DOS window.

13. Now go to the "Local Services" window and right click "Automatic Updates" to restart it.

14. Try updating Windows files again.

Comments

Oct 3, 2009 4:03 PM
Jeff
RE: Windows Update Errors: 0x8007002
I have the same problem as Tom and Todd. Has no one posted an answer for their/our problem? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.
Sep 30, 2009 5:47 AM
J Nephin
0x80070002I
I have the same problem as the above I Can't start automatic updates i also get Error 2 The system cannot find specified file. Can you help?
Sep 11, 2009 1:23 AM
MT
RE: Can't find Automatic Updates
In Vista and some other flavors of Windows it's called "Windows Update(s)" at the bottom.
Sep 2, 2009 5:50 AM
data Recovery
Your Post is very good and I am jacob data recovery expert from india if u need any consultation let me know...
Jul 16, 2009 1:59 PM
Anonymous
RE: 0x80070002 Windows Update Error: How to Fix the Problem
my services list doesnt even show automatic updates
Jul 16, 2009 12:56 PM
Todd
Windows Update Errors : 0x80070002
Hi, I have the same issue as Tom. I've tried several different fixes and even went to the MS Update support. I still can't update windows and receive the "Could not start automatic updats on local computer. Error 2: The system cannot find the file specified." Not sure where to go next:-(
Jul 15, 2009 5:56 AM
kamyogi
Windows Update Errors: 0x80070002
It didn't work for me either. After the step 5, I don't have the 'Stop' option available with right-click on 'Automatic Updates'!! I can't go further.
Jul 12, 2009 3:48 PM
Tom
RE: 0x80070002 Windows Update Error: How to Fix the Problem
This didn't work. After doing Step 9 and hitting enter it said invalid directory. However, I was able to get to the directory another way. I renamed it and did everything you said. But I couldn't start up my automatic updates service. (I never had to shut it down, it wasn't started or stopped it was nothing)

The error was "Could not start automatic updates on local computer. Error 2: The system cannot find the file specified." What do I do?
 
Sponsors
 
Camtasia: record, save, share!
Record onscreen activity, your voice, and webcam video. See how great your presentation videos can look with Camtasia screen recording software!
Subscribe to Windows
RSS
Get free weekly updates, directly to your inbox.
Browse Windows Platform