How to fix “0x80070002” (File Not Found). Step-by-Step Guide

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How to fix “0x80070002” (File Not Found). Step-by-Step Guide






How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070002 (File Not Found)

Learn how to resolve the Windows Update error 0x80070002, often caused by missing or corrupt files. This guide covers solutions like running the System File Checker (SFC), renaming the SoftwareDistribution folder, using the DISM tool, resetting the Winsock catalog, and more. It also addresses common troubleshooting steps such as disabling proxy settings and antivirus software.

For additional support, try our free chatbot, designed to assist with technical issues.

Key Takeaways

  • Error 0x80070002 (File Not Found) occurs most commonly during Windows updates when the system encounters missing or corrupt files.
  • The main solutions involve running the System File Checker, renaming the SoftwareDistribution folder, and resetting the Winsock Catalog. Tools like MiniTool Partition Wizard can assist in identifying and fixing disk issues that might contribute to missing or corrupt files.
  • Advanced users can use DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) and the System Update Readiness Tool to repair corrupt system files.
  • Disabling proxy settings and security software can also resolve this error.

Expert Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Windows Update Error 0x80070002 (File Not Found)

The error code 0x80070002 is a common Windows Update issue, typically caused by missing or corrupted files. This is my detailed guide, based on years of experience as a Windows technician, to help you resolve this problem.

1. Run the System File Checker (SFC)

When you encounter the 0x80070002 error, it usually points to something being corrupt or missing in your Windows file system. Here’s how to use the SFC tool to detect and fix these problems.

Steps:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
    • Press Start and type “Command Prompt.”
    • Right-click it and choose Run as Administrator.
  2. Type the Command: 
    sfc /scannow
  3. Wait for Completion:
    • Let the scan finish, do not close the Command Prompt window until it completes.

If the system file is corrupt, this will fix it. However, if this doesn’t resolve the error, move to the next step.

2. Delete SoftwareDistribution Folder

The SoftwareDistribution folder stores temporary update files, and sometimes corrupt ones interfere with the update. Renaming this folder forces the system to recreate it from scratch. If issues persist, consider using MiniTool ShadowMaker to back up essential system data before proceeding with advanced fixes.

Steps:

  1. Stop Windows Update Services:

    • Run Command Prompt as Administrator again.
    • Type each of these commands, pressing Enter after each: 
      net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver

  2. Navigate to the SoftwareDistribution Folder:

    • Open File Explorer and go to: 
      C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution

  3. Rename the Folder:

  • Rename SoftwareDistribution to SoftwareDistribution.old.

  1. Restart Services:

    • Back in Command Prompt, type: 
      net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

  2. Reboot Your PC:

    • Once you’ve done this, restart your computer and attempt to run the Windows Update again.

Expert Tip: If Windows still doesn’t update, don’t panic—move on to the next step involving Winsock reset, a technique that many forget about but often solves networking-related update problems.

3. Reset the Winsock Catalog

The Winsock Catalog can be misconfigured due to software changes or malware, which impacts networking and could interfere with downloading the updates.

Steps:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator again.
  2. Type the Command: 
    netsh winsock reset
  3. Restart Your System for the change to take effect.

4. Use DISM Tool (Deployment Image Servicing and Management)

If resetting Winsock didn’t solve the problem, the DISM tool can dig deeper into Windows components.

Steps:

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator again.
  2. Run the DISM Command: 
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  3. Let the tool scan for corrupt files and repair them. This process may take a while but is highly effective.

Expert Tip: Ensure you’re connected to the Internet before running DISM since it may need to download fresh system files from Microsoft’s servers. Learn more about DISM on Microsoft’s official page.

5. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

This is one of the simplest yet effective tools in addressing Windows Update errors, and it’s often overlooked.

Steps:

  1. Go to Settings:

    • Press the Windows Key + I.
    • Select Update & Security.

  2. Select Troubleshoot:

    • On the left side menu, click Troubleshoot.
    • Choose Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.

Note: This will attempt to automatically detect and resolve the problem. In the vast majority of cases, it gives useful insights into issues that would otherwise be overlooked.

6. Disable Your Antivirus Temporarily

Sometimes aggressive antivirus settings can block update processes. Disable your antivirus program temporarily, but be careful! Only disable it long enough to see if it helps with the update.

Warning: Don’t forget to turn your antivirus back on after troubleshooting to protect your PC.

7. Disable Proxy Settings

If you are on a network with manual proxy settings, sometimes it can interfere with Windows Update services.

Steps:

  1. Open Internet Explorer.
  2. Go to the Gear icon (top right corner).
  3. Select Internet Options > Connections > LAN Settings.
  4. Uncheck “Use a proxy server for your LAN”.
  5. Click OK and exit.

8. Sign in with Local Account

In some cases, signing in with a Local Account (instead of a Microsoft Account) can resolve permission-related update issues.

Steps:

  1. Open Settings – Press Windows Key + I.
  2. Go to Accounts, then click Your info.
  3. Click Sign in with a local account instead and follow the on-screen wizard.

This has worked in situations where users encountered the error but were able to bypass it via a local account.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Error 0x80070002 (File Not Found)?

This error typically means Windows cannot locate certain files required for updates. It’s often due to missing or corrupt files.

2. Why does Windows update error 0x80070002 keep recurring?

Recurring updates issues like this could be due to corrupt Windows system files, incomplete installations, or third-party software interference.

3. Do I need to backup my data before attempting these solutions?

Yes, it’s always wise to back up important files before making significant changes to system configurations or running repair utilities.

4. What if these steps still don’t solve my issue?

If none of these steps resolve the error, you may need to perform a repair installation of Windows (without losing data) or reach out to Microsoft support.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the Windows Update error 0x80070002 (File Not Found).

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