Alex Ruben
Fixing the 0x80073cfd Error in Windows: A Step-by-Step Guide
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.
- Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
- 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).
- In the Command Prompt, run the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealthDism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealthDism /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.
- Stop the Windows update services by entering these commands in Command Prompt:
net stop bitsnet stop wuauservnet stop appidsvcnet stop cryptsvc
- Delete temporary downloaded update files:
Del "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\*.*" - Remove the SoftwareDistribution folder:
rmdir %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution /S /Q - 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.
- Run the following commands in Command Prompt:
sc.exe sdset bits D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU)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:
- Navigate to the system32 directory:
cd /d %windir% system32 - Enter the following commands one by one:
regsvr32.exe /s atl.dllregsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dllregsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dllregsvr32.exe /s shdocvw.dllregsvr32.exe /s browseui.dllregsvr32.exe /s jscript.dllregsvr32.exe /s vbscript.dllregsvr32.exe /s scrrun.dllregsvr32.exe /s msxml.dllregsvr32.exe /s msxml3.dllregsvr32.exe /s msxml6.dllregsvr32.exe /s actxprxy.dllregsvr32.exe /s softpub.dllregsvr32.exe /s wintrust.dllregsvr32.exe /s dssenh.dllregsvr32.exe /s rsaenh.dllregsvr32.exe /s gpkcsp.dllregsvr32.exe /s sccbase.dllregsvr32.exe /s slbcsp.dllregsvr32.exe /s cryptdlg.dllregsvr32.exe /s oleaut32.dllregsvr32.exe /s ole32.dllregsvr32.exe /s shell32.dllregsvr32.exe /s initpki.dllregsvr32.exe /s wuapi.dllregsvr32.exe /s wuaueng.dllregsvr32.exe /s wuaueng1.dllregsvr32.exe /s wucltui.dllregsvr32.exe /s wups.dllregsvr32.exe /s wups2.dllregsvr32.exe /s wuweb.dllregsvr32.exe /s qmgr.dllregsvr32.exe /s qmgrprxy.dllregsvr32.exe /s wucltux.dllregsvr32.exe /s muweb.dllregsvr32.exe /s wuwebv.dll
Step 6: Reset Winsock Catalog
Resetting Winsock can solve network-related issues. Enter the following commands:
netsh winsock resetnetsh winsock reset proxy
Step 7: Restart Windows Update Services
Finally, start the Windows Update services again:
- Enter the following commands:
net start bitsnet start wuauservnet start appidsvcnet 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.
