Quick Summary
Error code 0x80070002, often referred to as ERROR_FILE_NOT_FOUND, indicates that the system cannot find a specific file or directory specified in a command or operation. This typically arises during Windows updates when the system can't locate necessary update files or registry entries.
Common Causes
- Missing or Corrupted System Files: Vital system files required for the update process might be missing, damaged, or corrupted, preventing the update from completing successfully.
- Incorrect Date and Time Settings: Inaccurate date and time settings can interfere with Windows Update, as the system may be unable to properly authenticate with update servers.
- Damaged Windows Update Components: The Windows Update components themselves can become damaged or corrupted, leading to failures during update installation.
- Software Distribution Folder Issues: Problems within the SoftwareDistribution folder, where update files are temporarily stored, can cause update failures.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter Show Steps ↓
Step 1: Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key + I.
Step 2: Navigate to 'Update & Security' > 'Troubleshoot'.
Step 3: Click 'Windows Update' and then 'Run the troubleshooter'.
Step 4: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the troubleshooting process.
Step 5: Restart your computer after the troubleshooter finishes.
Method 2: Verify Date and Time Settings Show Steps ↓
Step 1: Right-click on the clock in the system tray (lower-right corner of the screen).
Step 2: Select 'Adjust date/time'.
Step 3: Ensure that the 'Set time automatically' and 'Set time zone automatically' options are enabled. If not, enable them.
Step 4: If the time is still incorrect, manually set the correct date and time.
Step 5: Restart your computer.
Method 3: Reset Windows Update Components Show Steps ↓
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator. (Search for 'cmd', right-click on 'Command Prompt', and select 'Run as administrator').
Step 2: Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
Step 3: Restart your computer.
Method 4: Run System File Checker (SFC) Show Steps ↓
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator. (Search for 'cmd', right-click on 'Command Prompt', and select 'Run as administrator').
Step 2: Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
Step 3: Wait for the scan to complete. This process may take some time.
Step 4: If SFC finds and repairs any corrupted files, restart your computer.