Fix Error 80070002 When Using Windows Update in Vista
A lot of instructions on the web to slim, reduce and trim down Vista size occupied on hard disk drive, one of the common method suggested is to delete and remove all contents and data inside %SystemDrive%\Windows\WinSxS\Backup\ folder (normally C:\Windows\WinSxS\Backup\ directory). However, deleting the ‘look unused’ folder will bring unforeseen circumstance and backlash, and one of the symptom is causing Windows Update fails to check for updates or any updates and hotfixes downloaded unable to install with the error code 0×80070002 in Vista system.
The %WinDir%\WinSxS\Backup is a cache storage for backing up critical system files that are needed to start Windows, as implemented by WRP (Windows Resource Protection) system. The solution to fix the 80070002 error due to deleted %WinDir%\WinSxS\Backup is easy. Simply by recovering or re-creating the files under the “Backup” folder with just the filename will allow Windows Update and updates installation to work again. The good thing is only need the files with correct file name to exist, contents empty for every files is okay.
Here’s a brief description and guide on the steps users can take to recover the file contents in %SystemDrive%\Windows\WinSxS\Backup directory. For all tasks and actions, run in elevated command prompt with full administrative privileges.
Firstly, take ownership of the “Backup” folder and grant full control permissions in the ACL table for “Backup” folder. To do this, use commands below or refer to this guide for more ways to perform the required action.
takeown /F %WinDir%\WinSxS\Backup /r /d y
cacls %WinDir%\WinSxS\Backup /g administrators:f
Secondly, regenerate and recreate all files under “Backup” folder with empty or blank content. There are hundreds of files. To make thing easier, download and execute the winsxs-backup.bat which contains a series of commands to create empty (nul) files with correct filenames in the affected folder.
Thirdly, delete the temporary update files as instructed by Microsoft Help for 80070002 error code in Windows Update. Use the following commands. This step may not needed, you can try to check or install updates, and perform this step is the process still fail and unsuccessful.
net stop wuauserv
del /s /q %WinDir%\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore
del /s /q %WinDir%\SoftwareDistribution\Download
net start wuauserv
Finally, users can checks for Windows Update and install any updates found, or use “wusa” comand to install any standalone .msu package downloaded.
Another recommended step, but not necessary, it to recover the owner for the files in the “Backup” folder to the original default which is “NT SERVICE/TrustedInstaller”.
Related Articles
- Windows Update or Office Update Encounters 0×80070643 Failed Update Error
- Fix Vista Winodws Update Error Code 80004002
- Windows Update KB905474 and KB913446 Installation Failed with Error Code 0×80242006
- Extract and View Contents of Microsoft Update Standalone Package (MSU) for Windows Vista
- Download and Install Windows Vista SP1 RC1 via Windows Update
- Trick to Download and Install Windows Vista SP2 v.113 (6002.16497) from Windows Update
- Torrent Harvester Engines Definitions Unable to Update Fail Error Fix
- Install Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 on Windows Vista – Fix RegSvcs.exe Fails Error
- Internal Error 2739 Error in Vista (32 or 64-bit) When Install Adobe Photoshop CS3 and Reflector Related Programs
- Official Registry Hack Script to Install Windows Server 2008 and Vista SP2 Beta Build 16497 (CPP) via Windows Update
Entries (RSS)
October 25th, 2009 11:14
checksur shows no errors, can install other updates, readyness tool will NOT install, Servicepack1 will not either, get 80070002 error, have done everything in this article… THANKYOU VERY MUCH for the effort, but do you have any other ideas???
October 9th, 2009 05:56
See my fix here: http://www.waldrondigital.com/2009/06/30/windows-update-80070002-error-with-vista/#comments
July 14th, 2009 09:43
how do you generate and recreate all the files under backup?
April 25th, 2009 07:40
[...] Fix Error 80070002 When Using Windows Update in Vista My Digital Life Second link on google. Did you try that? __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Quote: [...]
April 18th, 2009 00:27
If you are still having problems, make sure that your trustedinstaller service is working/running. Also, if using Vista, make sure the file is present in “C:\Windows\servicing.” This ultimately ended up being the problem I had. I obtained a new copy of the file from here: 64 bit http://rapidshare.com/files/193441752/TrustedInstaller.zip – 32 bit: http://rapidshare.com/files/193470334/trustedinstaller.zip. These files were posted by Marc57 and Cazoza From the Avast web forum. Lifesavers.
March 27th, 2009 21:56
ive done everything the article suggested but it still wont allow me to update, with the same error code?
December 16th, 2008 01:57
This site already save me twice. i love line commands, so fast . Thank you very much
August 22nd, 2008 07:23
Excellent article. That fixed the problem with service pack 1. Hats off to the publishers.
August 4th, 2008 14:42
Hey,
I have this problem .. Only i never deleted a file in this folder. I have this problem after i removed Service pack 1 from my Home premium to upgrade to Ultimate. Then I used baba hacker tool activation only , after that i found out that Service pack wasnt installed , while I downloaded all the availeble updates. But now .. I cant instal service pack 1! I get this error code (and i can instal still other updates)
June 25th, 2008 00:13
[...] permalink Take a look here and see if this resolves your problem: Fix Error 80070002 When Using Windows Update in Vista
December 28th, 2007 18:18
I get this prob while installing Vista SP1 RC using the standalone package BUT installing other updates is okay…do you guys know what i should do?