How to Fix Error Code 0x80070002

Windows users frequently get error code 0x80070002, which might appear as a result of various factors, including difficulty installing applications, failed backups, and Windows update errors. Errors that specifically arise during Windows update installation can be caused by corrupted or lost system files, misconfigured settings, and malfunctioning updates, among other factors.  In this blog, we will go over the potential causes of the 0x80070002 error message and offer comprehensive, step-by-step instructions on how to resolve it.

What is 0x80070002?

0x80070002 is mostly a Windows update error, which occurs like this on your screen:

“An error occurred while checking for new updates for your computer. Errors detected: Code 0x80070002 Windows Update has detected an unknown problem.”

No matter how many times we reboot the system, the error code keeps showing up. The error code itself varies depending on the version of Windows; for instance, the error code for Windows XP is 0x80070002, while the error number for Windows 10, 8, 7, and 10 is 80070002.

Reasons for Error Code 0x80070002

1. System File Corruptions: One of the most frequent causes of error code 0x80070002 is a system file corruption. The OS depends on system files to function properly; thus, any corruption with these may cause this error.
2. Incomplete Windows Update: The error code 0x80070002 may occur if a Windows update installation is stopped or not completed.
3. Misconfigured System Settings: This issue may also be caused by incorrect registry entries or system settings.
4. Hard Drive or File System Corruption: Error code 0x80070002 could also result due to problems with the hard drive or file system corruption.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix Error Code 0x80070002

Solution 1: Verify System’s Time and Date

Upon establishing an internet connection, the operating system typically automatically ascertains the correct time zone, date, and time. Issues like the update error 0x80070002 may arise if this synchronization procedure is unsuccessful or if you manually enter the time information. This is especially true if there are notable differences between the expected and actual values. Examine the “Date and Time” menu, accessible through the Control Panel (included inside the Windows Start menu).

Take the following actions to verify it:

• Verify that the “Date and Time” tab is set to the correct time zone. If not, you may use “Change time zone” to adjust the current setting. Additionally, confirm that “Automatically switch to summer/wintertime” is turned on.
• Navigate to the “Internet time” tab and choose “Change settings.”
• Check the box next to “Synchronize with an internet time server” and choose one of the recommended servers.
• Select “Update now” and subsequently “OK” to validate the modifications.

Solution 2: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

A built-in troubleshooting tool for Windows is available to address update-related problems. You can follow the instructions shown below to launch the Windows update troubleshooter.

1. Press “Win” + “I” to open the “Settings” app, or choose “Setting” from “Start”.
2. Select “Troubleshoot” from the “System” menu.
3. Go to “Other Troubleshooters” and choose it.
4. When Windows Update appears, click “Run.”
5. Follow directions displayed on the screen to eliminate the issues found inside the system.

Solution 3: Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan

Innumerable difficulties, including update problems, can arise from corrupt system files. By doing an SFC scan, you can remove these faulty files.

Find and replace faulty system files with the help of SFC Scan. On Windows 10 or 11, adhere to these steps to do an SFC scan:

1. As an administrator, launch Command Prompt.
2. After entering “sfc /scannow,” hit “Enter.”
3. To repair the damaged files, wait for the scan to finish and adhere to any on-screen directions.

Solution 4: Reset Windows Update Components

Fixing corrupted components and accelerating the update installation can be achieved by resetting Windows Update components. Take the following actions to reset Windows Update Components:

1. Enter “Command Prompt” in the taskbar’s search box. From the list of search results, select “Run as administrator” by holding down the mouse button or right-clicking on Command Prompt (Desktop program).
2. Shut off the MSI Installer, Cryptographic, Windows Update Services, and BITS. To accomplish this, input the below commands:

• Net stop wuauserv
• Net stop cryptSvc
• Net stop bits
• Net stop msiserver

1. Rename the Catroot2 and SoftwareDistribution folders. Enter the following instructions to accomplish this:

• Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
• Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

1. Restart MSI Installer, Cryptographic, Windows Update Services, and BITS. To do this, type the following commands:

• Net start wuauserv
• Net start cryptSvc
• Net start bits
• Net start msiserver

Try installing Windows Update after you restart the computer.

Solution 6: Check for File System Errors

The 0x80070002 error message may also be caused by a failed or corrupt hard disk. You can utilize the system disk checker to attempt to repair faulty sectors on the hard drive.

It may be done as follows:

1. Start by launching the command prompt in administrator mode.
2. Type “chkdsk,” and hit “Enter.”
3. Allow the scan to finish. Track progress percentage to verify ongoing scanning.
4. When Windows identifies any faults, it will try to remedy them and notify you when it’s finished.
5. If the problem notice has disappeared, try restarting your computer.

Solution 7: Manually Reset the Update Agent

Manually stopping and restarting the Windows update agent is the next possible solution for the Windows 10 issue 0x80070002.

1. Click on the “Start” menu and enter “Services.”
2. Launch the “Services” app.
3. Scroll down to locate “Windows Update” and click on it.
4. Select “Stop” with a right-click on the “Windows Update” list item.
5. After that, launch “File Explorer.”
6. Navigate to C: > Windows > SoftwareDistribution.

Note: The SoftwareDistribution folder won’t be on the C drive if you installed Windows on a separate disk. Look for it there.

1. Go back to the services app after deleting every file inside this folder.
2. Once again, navigate down the list until you come across the “Windows Update” entry.
3. Select “Start” from the list item by right-clicking on “Windows Update” this time.
4. Check to see whether the 0x80070002 problem message is still appearing after restarting your computer.

Solution 8: Manually Install the Latest Update

You should attempt manually installing the most recent Windows update if the 0x80070002 issue persists.

1. To begin, click the Start menu and type “Services.” Open the application.
2. Use the scroll to find “Windows Update.”
3. Use the right-click menu to choose “stop” for the “Windows Update” list item.
4. Write down the Windows build number that you’re attempting to upgrade. These are the initials “KB,” followed by a few digits.
5. Access the Microsoft Update Catalog using any browser.
6. Type the build number into the Microsoft Update Catalog and select “Search.”
7. Download the appropriate version after identifying the architecture of your machine (x64, Server, or x86).
8. A pop-up window will appear. Click the blue hyperlink within it.
9. After the file has finished downloading, save it anywhere you choose and execute it as administrator.
10. Restart the Windows update agent service and restart your computer. Now is the time to find a solution.

What happens if you update Windows with error 0x80070002 and lose data?

One of the occasional side effects of the 0x80070002 error is data loss. Even though this isn’t a common problem, it’s crucial to be ready for it.

To find and retrieve any lost files, you may utilize free data recovery software. One such tool is Stellar Data Recovery software, which provides a solution if, after trying to fix this error code, you still find yourself losing data.

How to use Stellar Data Recovery Software for Windows to recover data:

1. Download and set up:

• Go to the Stellar Data Recovery Software Windows

1. File Selection:

• Choose the file type (images, videos, documents, etc.) that you wish to recover, then click the Next button.

1. Drive Selection to proceed scanning

• Selecting the drive and starting the scan: Decide which type of drive—hard drive, SSD, or USB drive—was used to store the data.

1. Preview and Recover:

• View the files that can be recovered that were discovered during the scan.
• Click on the Recover option to save the particular files you have selected for recovery.

1. Save Data:

• On your computer or an external storage device, save the recovered data to a desired location.

Conclusion

You may successfully fix problem code 0x80070002 on your Windows computer by adhering to one of these detailed troubleshooting steps. Prior to applying the remedies, it’s critical to pinpoint the exact reason for the error because doing so can guarantee a more focused and effective fix.

When implementing any system modifications, always make a backup of your crucial data, and think about getting help from Stellar free data recovery software if you lose data while fixing errors. Your Windows system will function smoothly again after using these methods to troubleshoot and fix problem number 0x80070002.