How to Fix Windows Error Code 0x80070002 in All Versions

Summary: Windows error code 0x80070002 usually appears during a Windows Update. Many users encounter these issues while updating their systems or performing other essential operations. This error generally denotes that some files are missing or corrupted, which prevents Windows from completing the task. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of error 0x80070002 and provide distinct methods, including Windows Data Recovery Software to fix it across all versions of Windows. Download Now   Purchase Now

What Causes Windows Error Code 0x80070002?

“0x80070002 the system cannot find the file specified” is a common issue that typically arises due to problems with system files or update processes. Here are the primary reasons behind this problem:

• This error often occurs when a Windows update fails to download or install correctly.
• It can happen due to an interrupted internet connection, a corrupted update file, or insufficient disk space.
• When critical system files are damaged, Windows may not be able to process updates or perform certain tasks, leading to this error.
• If your system’s date and time are incorrect, the update process may fail, triggering the Windows update 0x80070002 error.
• Issues with your hard drive, such as bad sectors or file system errors, can cause data corruption.
• If files in the Software Distribution folder are corrupted or incomplete, the update process may fail, resulting in this error.

Understanding the above-mentioned reason can help you identify the specific issue on your system and choose the appropriate solution to resolve the error 0x80070002 Windows 11.

How to Fix “error code 0x80070002”?

To resolve the frustrating “error code 0x80070002 Windows 10,” follow the methods to address the root causes and get your Windows system back on track. Further, we will discuss manual and automated solutions to resolve the “0x80070002 the system cannot find the specified file” problem.

Method 01: Check and Correct the Date and Time Settings

A quick and simple fix for error code 0x80070002 is to check your system’s time settings. Incorrect date and time settings are one of the simplest yet most overlooked causes of error 0x80070002. Here’s how to fix it:

1. First of all, select the Control Panel and click Date and Time.
2. Then, click “Change date and time” and make any required adjustments.
3. After that, enter the appropriate time and then click on the OK button.
4. Next, click the “Internet Time” tab and then choose Change Settings.
5. A checkbox for “Synchronize with an Internet time server” should be checked before selecting the Time Server from the list.
6. Click “Update Now.” To finish configuring and shut off all open windows, click “OK” twice.
7. Lastly, you should Restart your system and check if the error persists.

Method 02: Delete Software Distribution Folder

The Software Distribution folder stores temporary files for Windows updates. Deleting its contents can resolve issues caused by corrupted files.

1. Either select “My Computer” or This PC and access the “C:\Windows” directory.
2. Next, press Windows + R, and type services. msc, and press Enter.
3. Locate “Windows Update” in the list, right-click on it, and select “Stop.”
4. Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution in File Explorer.
5. Delete all contents within the folder (but not the folder itself).
6. Go back to the Services window, right-click on “Windows Update,” and select “Start.”
7. Updates should be visible to you as they download and install.

It will confirm that the error 0x80070002 can be fixed for you using this procedure.

Method 03: Use the System File Checker (SFC)

Corrupted system files can trigger Error Code 0x80070002. You can use the System File Checker (SFC) tool to repair them.

1. Firstly, press Windows + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin).”
2. After that, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to complete; it will automatically repair corrupted files.
4. Once the scan is complete, restart your computer.

Method 04: Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter specifically designed to fix update-related issues.

1. The first step should be to run the troubleshooter.
2. For this, go to Settings >> Update & Security >> Troubleshoot.
3. After that, click on Additional Troubleshooters.
4. Next, select Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.
5. The troubleshooter will scan for issues and attempt to fix them automatically.
6. After the troubleshooting process is complete, restart your computer.
7. Once the scan is complete, restart your computer.

Method 05: Perform a Disk Check

Disk errors can also lead to this error. Running a disk check can help identify and fix these errors.

1. Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin).
2. Run CHKDSK Command:
3. Type chkdsk /f /r and press Enter.
4. You may need to schedule the disk check to run on the next restart if the drive is in use.
5. Restart Your Computer and allow the disk check to complete and see if the error is resolved.

Method 06: Manually Reset Windows Update Components

If the above solutions don’t work, manually resetting the Windows Update components can fix deeper issues.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
2. Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin).

Stop Update Services: Run the following commands one by one:

1. Arduino
2. net stop wuauserv
3. net stop cryptSvc
4. net stop bits
5. net stop msiserver

Rename Software Distribution and Catroot2 Folders:

1. Type the following commands and press Enter after each:
2. mathematica
3. ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
4. ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old

Restart Update Services:

1. Run the following commands:
2. SQL
3. net start wuauserv
4. net start cryptSvc
5. net start bits
6. net start msiserver

Why are Manual Methods not Suitable?

Manual methods to fix error code 0x80070002 often lack efficiency due to several reasons:

• Manual methods often require advanced technical skills to perform the task.
• The effectiveness of manual methods can vary depending on system configurations.
• Fixing Windows error 0x80070002 manually may involve several steps, such as stopping services, deleting temporary files, editing the registry, and restarting services.
• Manual methods may not always work, especially if the root cause of the error is not correctly identified.

For these reasons, automated tools are often recommended to ensure a more reliable and effective resolution of Windows Update error 0x80070002.

Method 07: Best Solution to Resolve “0x80070002 Windows 10” error

The Aryson Windows Data Recovery is the superficial and risk-free solution to fix the “error code 0x80070002”. You can use this software to recover several damaged or lost files at once. It can restore Windows files from any kind of media storage device, including physical drives, SD cards, USBs, DVDs, and CDs. Moreover, it facilitates the easy restoration of data from the NTFS file system. Also, it supports the GUID partition table in addition to the master boot record.

To recover as much data as possible, use the RAW recovery method. Apart from that, it performs file recovery and restoration from a Windows operating system crash. Additionally, it restores deleted data from Windows FAT file systems, like FAT12, FAT16, and FAT32. With Windows 11/10/8/7, you can recover up to 2 GB of data for free from 2000+ storage devices. Now, just go through the steps to fix “code 0x80070002”.

Simple Steps to Resolve “error code 0x80070002”

1. First of all, install and run the given software on your system.
2. After that, select the volume or physical drive according to your choice >> Next.
3. Now, select between the Standard, Advanced, or Deep mode of data recovery.
4. After the scanning process, select the folders or files to recover and press the Save button.
5. Next, enter the preferred system location to store the Windows data that has been retrieved.
6. At the end, to successfully recover and save data, click the OK button.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Windows Error Code 0x80070002 is a common issue that can arise during various operations, such as Windows updates or software installations. When this error is found, it involves a systematic approach, including checking for corrupt or missing files, verifying system settings, and ensuring that all necessary services are running correctly. By following the recommended methods, such as resetting Windows Update components, checking system integrity with SFC and DISM tools, and manually adjusting time and date settings, users can effectively resolve this error across all Windows versions. Apart from a manual solution, we also recommended the top utility to do the same. It provides a smoother and more reliable computing experience.