0x80070002 Windows Update Error: How to Fix the Problem

Written by:  • Edited by: Rebecca Scudder
Updated Oct 31, 2009
• Related Guides: Windows 7 | Microsoft | Windows

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

Showing all 28 comments
 
Enkgoooo Jan 21, 2012 7:34 AM
RE: 0x80070002 Windows Update Error: How to Fix the Problem
thanks....
Kunumaluwa Dec 21, 2011 6:56 PM
RE: 0x80070002 Windows Update Error: How to Fix the Problem
this is a good service
adam Aug 28, 2011 9:36 PM
Unable to start vista
I am getting the same problem as miketroach. Vista won't start for me
blitzeist Aug 2, 2011 8:52 AM
0x80070002
i cannot follow any of your instructions as i am getting following errors whilst trying to reinstall vista
1, I get the error code above
2, ms will not validate activation code I know 100% that i have entered it correctly
3 xml parser error
4 no os found
Of course not if I can't install it
Any help greatly appreciated my son needs this for work
thanks
Pulane Alcock Jun 12, 2011 4:12 PM
Error
I have deleted Microsoft Essential Security form my computor but i keep the error code 0x80070002. How can i solve this problem?
CCC Apr 16, 2011 5:57 AM
O_O
I started updating three days ago, and ran into countless issues trying to get Win 7 SP1 installed. I finally broke down and just grabbed the .iso from Microsoft. At this point, Windows Update had become such an utter mess that I had to install the thing in safe mode. After that, I got stuck in a nasty bit of "Preparing to configure Windows..." problems with every shutdown. I tried countless other bits of advice from around the web. Nothing worked, but at the very least I learned a lot more about things like operating services from the command prompt and setting permissions.

This. This fixed it. Right here. Thank you so so much Lashan. I owe you a beer! =D
Amit Yadav Dec 11, 2010 7:12 AM
It has no use
I have tried it twice, but it showing Access is Denied while Renaming Software Distribution. Please help me out.
ritesh Nov 10, 2010 9:03 AM
0x80070002 Error
i m trying to install Google chrome but during installation error shows as per ur guide i try but from step 6 i m stack. In my pc only start option shows enable so can any one help me out ..
miketroach Aug 19, 2010 12:39 AM
Unable start vista
Unable start vista at all.
Tried Safe Mode and all "repair disc" options fom Cd boot.
Can anyone advise how to get into windows fr this situation?
I can view drvs {C:\,& WD Passport Essentials/smartware & folders by using 'Load Disks' but always told - no "setup information' when I try to acess folders.
Is there something I can do ?
Help!
William Aug 13, 2010 6:19 PM
renaming the file
at “ren SoftwareDistribution SoftDisTemp” and hit "Enter". Received "Access is denied."

What do I do from here?
Phylo Jul 11, 2010 5:23 AM
0x80070002
nothing happened tried all possible solutions help i feel like i don't know what i'm about
golnaz May 24, 2010 5:48 AM
help me
hi,I have a windows 7 ultimated version on my laptop.my job is teaching web design with asp.
but i could not give a correct execute for my pages that dial with data bases.special with my new windows iis .my iis can not find my pc server and my page exe. result is HTTP 404.0 erro .please help me
Brad May 17, 2010 2:01 PM
Vista Update
Donna, create a shortcut to cmd.exe. Then right click & select "Run As Administrator". Then try to delete the folder.
Donna May 12, 2010 8:58 PM
Tried Your Solution But Stalled Out At CMD
When I tried to rename the software distribution file I got an "Access is denied." and it returned me to the windows directory without executing the command. My Vista seems to have a mind of its own and I've not been able to update for many many months. Any other ideas on this? Thanks so much! Donna
chal Apr 4, 2010 3:01 AM
malaysia
thankz a lot
anonymous Mar 29, 2010 10:14 AM
Error fixed.
Thanks. Fix 0x70080002 article seems to have corrected my problem.
zaman Mar 27, 2010 7:16 PM
not understanding software distribution
not understanding "software distribution" . how cam i rename .where is the way.
romeo c. castillo Mar 22, 2010 5:07 AM
administrator user account
How could I retrieved my collapsed administrator user account? Everytime I open it the message show "User profile service failed the log on. User profile cannot be loaded", What can I do? Please help me
B.Rayn Mar 19, 2010 4:41 PM
FIXED!!
I was having the same problem and nothing I Googled would fix this issue. I found my answer searching through the registry.

Navigate to:

HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options

delete the wuauclt.exe entry.
romeo c. castillo Mar 16, 2010 7:33 AM
0x80070002
nothing happen, my windows update always fail
O Williams Feb 25, 2010 3:49 PM
0x80070002
I applied the fix above and it hasn't helped. My computer hasn't received a microsoft update since 11.11.2009
Richard Nicholls Feb 8, 2010 4:32 PM
Backup not working
I have done the above fix and it does not work Help
Anthony Feb 7, 2010 11:24 AM
Backup
I have the same problem as Richard Nicholls and J Neplhin. Gets 20%ish of the way through the backup and then the error screen appears 0x80070002. Any help please...
Anwar Jan 7, 2010 7:18 PM
RE: 0x80070002
I have been trying to install pack 2 for YEARS, literally! It is now finally installing after following clear instructions. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! :)))
Richard Nicholls Nov 22, 2009 3:07 PM
0x80070002
I have the above code when doing A backup on to disk file can not be found. this happens when the shadow file is been formed by the computer.
J Nephin Sep 30, 2009 5:47 AM
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?
MT Sep 11, 2009 1:23 AM
RE: Can't find Automatic Updates
In Vista and some other flavors of Windows it's called "Windows Update(s)" at the bottom.
jacobluis 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...
 
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