The Windows Update error 0x80070002 is one of the very onerous issues when dealing with windows. However, it’s not that big a deal owing to the plethora of methods available to kick the issue right into the dumpster.
Today we will be dealing with the steps to be followed to fix the error of 0x80070002 in windows but before we dive deep into the technical abyss, first let’s understand the reason and some know-how regarding this error. If you are facing a problem in processing your media file, click here!
Table of Contents
What causes the 0x80070002 error?
This Windows update error, in most cases, mainly arises because of some missing file in the Windows Update that makes your Operating System show a prompt displaying the error. In different versions of the Windows, the error code can manifest itself in different styles.
For Example – In Windows 7.0/8/10, you may get this message, “Error(s) found: Code 80070002 Windows Update encountered an unknown problem.”
In Windows XP, you may get the error message as “A problem is preventing Windows from accurately checking the license for this computer. Error code: 0x80070002.”
Although the error message seems a little bit different the error is the same, mainly involving some unfinished process or some unsuccessfully downloaded Windows update files.
Now, let’s look at some more reasons which can also be held responsible for displaying the 0x80070002 error message in your Operating system.
Reasons why Error 0x80070002 can occur?
- Incorrect Date and time of the system: – Your system clock may not be in sync with the current time specified in your latitude, longitude and this might lead to the issue.
- Incomplete Windows Update Service on your computer: – Sometimes due to various reasons the windows update process gets halted, and this results in some significant files not being downloaded and installed on your system. This might affect the functionality of your system in various ways including the Windows throwing the error of 0x80070002, etc. depending upon your version of Windows.
- Corrupt System Files/ Registry: – This might also be the reason for the issue. System files get corrupted due to various reasons, the most prominent including the download of a hidden virus along with specific software. This virus may corrupt system files in a very covert way which may be responsible for the generation of the error code 0x80070002.
- Unsteady Internet Connection: – This issue comes when your bandwidth link keeps fluctuating at the time of your system update. This makes the windows to skip the downloading of some critical data files due to the intermittent internet and thus leads to the above error.
- OS installed on an un-active disk partition: – Although a less common reason but this might also be responsible for the error code 0x80070002. If Your Windows is installed on any Drive other than C:// and it isn’t in an active state then the computer might be forced to throw the error.
How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070002
Having stated the reasons, now let’s look at the solution to the above problem.
Method 1: Update Your date and Time Settings
1. At First, right-click on the Date and Time being displayed in the lower right corner of your screen in the Windows Taskbar.
2. Then Click on Adjust date/time.
3. Enable both the options over there, i.e., Set time automatically & Set time zone automatically.
4. Then this will adjust both Date & Time automatically.
4. Afterward, restart your system and try the Windows Update again.
Hopefully, the issue would have been resolved. If not, try the following more steps and see if they work.
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Method 2: Windows Update Troubleshooter
1. At First, download the troubleshooter for your respective version of windows if you do not have it. Here is the link.
2. Then run the downloaded File.
3. In the dialog box following the installation, afterward, click on Windows Update and then click Next.
4. The troubleshooter will run a primary update file scan and will try to sniff the problem and rectify it.
5. After the process has been completed, restart your computer and try Windows Update again to see if it works.
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Method 3: Registry Editor Modification
1. At First, open the Run terminal by pressing Win + R.
2. Then type “regedit” and click OK.
3. Navigate to the following path HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > Software > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > WindowsUpdate > OSUpgrade in Registry editor.
4. Afterward, click on the OSUpgrade button.
5. Then right-click in a space and then click on New.
6. From the drop-down that appears click on DWORD (32-bit) Value.
7. A NewValue#1 will be created. Then right-click on it and then select Modify.
8. An Edit DWORD dialog box will appear.
9. Then type “AllowOSUpgrade” in the Value name & set the value data as 1.
10. Select the base as Hexadecimal and then click on OK.
11. Finally, Restart your computer and see if the issue has been resolved or not.
Method 4: Update Device Drivers
1. At First, press Windows Key & X together. Then select Device Manager from the list shown.
2. After the Device Manager has been opened, you will see a list of devices.
3. To update any device, just right click on it and from the drop-down that appears click on Update Driver Software.
4. You can also download and install various software available on the internet which themselves detect any non-updated driver.
Method 5: Windows Update Files Modification
1. At First, open the Run terminal by pressing Win + R.
2. Then type “services.msc” and click OK.
3. Afterward, locate Windows Update from the list of services and double-click on it.
4. The Windows Update Properties dialog box will open up.
5. Change the Startup Type to Automatic and click on Start below services if the Service Status reads as Stopped. Then click on Apply followed by OK.
6. Afterward, go back to the drive where your windows are installed. (Generally, it is the C drive)
7. Go to Windows > Software Distribution.
8. Then delete or Rename the folder named SoftwareDistribution.
9. Close all the opened panes.
10. Then go back to the Services dialog box which you opened using the Run command.
11. Locate the Windows Update Service and right-click on it.
12. Then click on Start.
13. Finally, restart your Windows and try the Windows Update again.
By following the above few steps, you might be able to resolve the displaying of error code 0x80070002/80070002.
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Final Words
These were some of the few shortlisted ways which can help you to resolve the Windows Update 0x80070002 error code problem. From the feedback from a majority of the users experiencing the above issue, the success rate of having it fixed by the above steps can be attributed to around 80%. Hope these steps prove worthy of your time and if you continue to face errors despite following all the steps, don’t be hesitant to contact the Windows Support Teams. Until then stay updated and stay ahead.
Gravit Sinha is the founder of ValidEdge. Ever since he was a kid, he has been a problem fixer and that passion is what inspired him to start and grow this website! 🙂
