This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough to resolve the 0x80073cfd error in Windows. This error often occurs during system updates or application installations, and following these steps will help restore functionality and resolve issues related to Windows Update.

Step 1: Run the System File Checker

Start by running the System File Checker tool to repair potentially corrupted files.

  1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow

Step 2: Check Windows Image Health

Next, assess and repair the Windows image using the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM).

  1. In the Command Prompt, run the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
    1. Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
    2. Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
    3. Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Step 3: Reset Windows Update Components

Resetting Windows Update components may fix the error by refreshing the system’s update settings.

  1. Stop the Windows update services by entering these commands in Command Prompt:
    1. net stop bits
    2. net stop wuauserv
    3. net stop appidsvc
    4. net stop cryptsvc
  2. Delete temporary downloaded update files:

    Del "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\*.*"
  3. Remove the SoftwareDistribution folder:

    rmdir %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution /S /Q
  4. Remove the catroot2 folder:

    rmdir %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 /S /Q

Step 4: Reconfigure Service Permissions

Reset the security descriptors for the BITS and Windows Update services.

  1. Run the following commands in Command Prompt:
    1. sc.exe sdset bits D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU)
    2. sc.exe sdset wuauserv D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU)

Step 5: Register Windows DLL Files

Re-register essential DLL files that may have become unregistered. Use the following commands:

  1. Navigate to the system32 directory:

    cd /d %windir% system32
  2. Enter the following commands one by one:
    1. regsvr32.exe /s atl.dll
    2. regsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dll
    3. regsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dll
    4. regsvr32.exe /s shdocvw.dll
    5. regsvr32.exe /s browseui.dll
    6. regsvr32.exe /s jscript.dll
    7. regsvr32.exe /s vbscript.dll
    8. regsvr32.exe /s scrrun.dll
    9. regsvr32.exe /s msxml.dll
    10. regsvr32.exe /s msxml3.dll
    11. regsvr32.exe /s msxml6.dll
    12. regsvr32.exe /s actxprxy.dll
    13. regsvr32.exe /s softpub.dll
    14. regsvr32.exe /s wintrust.dll
    15. regsvr32.exe /s dssenh.dll
    16. regsvr32.exe /s rsaenh.dll
    17. regsvr32.exe /s gpkcsp.dll
    18. regsvr32.exe /s sccbase.dll
    19. regsvr32.exe /s slbcsp.dll
    20. regsvr32.exe /s cryptdlg.dll
    21. regsvr32.exe /s oleaut32.dll
    22. regsvr32.exe /s ole32.dll
    23. regsvr32.exe /s shell32.dll
    24. regsvr32.exe /s initpki.dll
    25. regsvr32.exe /s wuapi.dll
    26. regsvr32.exe /s wuaueng.dll
    27. regsvr32.exe /s wuaueng1.dll
    28. regsvr32.exe /s wucltui.dll
    29. regsvr32.exe /s wups.dll
    30. regsvr32.exe /s wups2.dll
    31. regsvr32.exe /s wuweb.dll
    32. regsvr32.exe /s qmgr.dll
    33. regsvr32.exe /s qmgrprxy.dll
    34. regsvr32.exe /s wucltux.dll
    35. regsvr32.exe /s muweb.dll
    36. regsvr32.exe /s wuwebv.dll

Step 6: Reset Winsock Catalog

Resetting Winsock can solve network-related issues. Enter the following commands:

  1. netsh winsock reset
  2. netsh winsock reset proxy

Step 7: Restart Windows Update Services

Finally, start the Windows Update services again:

  1. Enter the following commands:
    1. net start bits
    2. net start wuauserv
    3. net start appidsvc
    4. net start cryptsvc

Extra Tips & Common Issues

To ensure a smooth process, check for the following:

  • Always run Command Prompt as an administrator.
  • Make sure to create a system restore point before making significant changes.

Conclusion

Following these steps should effectively resolve the 0x80073cfd error. Feel free to explore other troubleshooting guides if issues persist, such as those regarding general Windows Update errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 0x80073cfd error?

The 0x80073cfd error generally indicates a problem with Windows Update or app installation, often triggered by corrupted files in the operating system.

How can I prevent this error in the future?

Regularly update your system and perform system scans to check for file corruption. Consider keeping backup restore points as a preventive measure.

What if the error persists after following these steps?

If the issue continues, it may be necessary to seek further assistance or consider a reset of the Windows operating system.

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