How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070017
To fix Windows Update Error 0x80070017, first verify your installation media is clean and undamaged by recreating ISO files or using new USB drives. Next, delete pending updates by clearing the contents of the `SoftwareDistribution` folder. Reset Windows Update components by stopping relevant services, removing old updates, and restarting the services. Use Windows Troubleshooter for automatic diagnostics and repairs. Moreover, run `sfc /scannow` and DISM commands to repair system files. If the error persists, download updates manually from the Windows Update Catalog. For detailed steps and alternative methods, continue reading.
Understand Error 0x80070017
Error 0x80070017, commonly encountered during Windows updates, signifies the presence of corrupted installation files or media. This Windows Update Error typically prevents updates from completing successfully, highlighting a significant issue within the update processes.
Often emerging during installations or updates via DVD or USB, it points to potential problems with the installation media employed, which may include DVDs or USB drives. The error is not limited to a single version of Windows, affecting systems such as Windows Server 2016 and Windows 7, therefore showcasing a broad impact across various Windows operating systems.
To address this issue, it is essential to understand the role of corrupted installation files. Corruption can occur because of physical damage to the installation media or errors during the download process.
Utilizing the System File Checker (SFC) is a recommended initial step. SFC scans and restores corrupted system files, potentially resolving the Windows Update Error. Furthermore, running the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) can repair the Windows image, further aiding in troubleshooting.
These tools collectively guarantee the integrity of system files and contribute to a smoother update process, mitigating the impacts of Error 0x80070017.
Check ISO and Installation Media
To effectively address the root cause of Windows Update Error 0x80070017, it is crucial to verify the integrity of the ISO files and installation media used during the update process. Corrupted ISO files or damaged installation media can considerably hinder the update process, causing persistent errors. Utilizing the official Windows 10 Media Creation Tool to create a new ISO file is highly recommended to guarantee a clean and reliable installation source.
Here are vital steps to verify the integrity of your installation media:
- Use the Media Creation Tool: Download and create a new ISO file using the official Windows 10 Media Creation Tool. This tool helps eliminate the risk of corrupted ISO files, providing a fresh and verified installation source.
- Burn DVDs at Lower Speeds: When burning the ISO file to a DVD, use a speed of 4x or 8x to minimize data corruption. Lower speeds reduce the chances of errors during the burning process.
- Check USB Drives: If using a USB thumb drive, reformat it or switch to a different drive to verify the media is not damaged. Faulty USB drives can contribute to installation errors and should be thoroughly checked.
Delete Pending Windows Updates
Addressing pending Windows Updates can sometimes resolve persistent error codes, including 0x80070017. To initiate this process, open PowerShell as an administrator and stop the Windows Update services by executing the commands `net stop wuauserv` and `net stop bits`. This step guarantees that no updates are currently being processed, which is essential for effectively clearing out any problematic update files.
Next, navigate to `C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download`. This folder contains cached data for Windows Updates. Delete all files within this directory to remove any corrupt or incomplete update files that may be causing the 0x80070017 error. This deletion helps create a clean slate for future updates.
After clearing the cache, restart the Windows Update services by running `net start wuauserv` and `net start bits` in PowerShell. This action reactivates the services, allowing Windows to manage updates as usual. It is advisable to reboot your computer afterward to confirm all changes take effect fully.
If the issue persists, consider renaming the Software Distribution folder to `SoftwareDistribution.old`. This forces Windows to generate a new folder, potentially resolving any lingering conflicts and helping to fix the issue with Windows Updates.
Reset Windows Update Components
Resetting Windows Update components can be an effective solution when deleting pending updates fails to resolve error 0x80070017. This process involves utilizing the Command Prompt to stop and restart specific services, clear the update cache, and reset the Windows Update repository.
To proceed with resetting Windows Update components:
- Stop Services: Open Command Prompt as an administrator and execute the following commands to stop crucial services:
- `net stop wuauserv`
- `net stop cryptSvc`
- `net stop bits`
- `net stop msiserver`
- Clear Update Cache: Delete the contents of the SoftwareDistribution folder to clear the update cache by running:
- `rd /s /q C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution`
- Restart Services and Reset Repository: Restart the previously stopped services by entering:
- `net start wuauserv`
- `net start cryptSvc`
- `net start bits`
- `net start msiserver`
Furthermore, reset the Windows Update repository with:
- `net stop winmgmt`
Run Windows Troubleshooter
Utilizing the Windows Troubleshooter can provide an automated solution to diagnose and resolve issues causing the Windows Update error 0x80070017. To access the Windows Troubleshooter, type 'Troubleshoot' in the Windows search bar and select the settings option.
In the Troubleshoot menu, click on 'Additional troubleshooters' and then select 'Windows Update' to initiate the troubleshooting process. This tool is designed to identify and fix problems related to Windows Update, which may include issues with the Microsoft Update service or corrupted system files.
Follow the on-screen prompts during the troubleshooting process. The troubleshooter may automatically detect and resolve issues causing the Error Code 0x. If any problems are found, you may be prompted to restart your computer to apply the fixes.
After the restart, revisit the Windows Update section to attempt to reapply the update and check if the error 0x80070017 persists. This process can help guarantee that any underlying issues, such as corrupted system files or other update-related problems, are addressed.
Utilizing the Windows Troubleshooter is a straightforward and effective method to resolve common update errors and maintain system integrity.
Scan and Repair System Files
Scanning and repairing system files can be an effective method to resolve Windows Update error 0x80070017 by identifying and fixing corrupted files. This process involves using built-in Windows tools to guarantee the integrity and functionality of system files.
Follow these steps:
- Run System File Checker (sfc /scannow):
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Execute the command `sfc /scannow`.
- This tool scans for and restores corrupted system files. Allow it to complete, which may take some time.
- Use Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM):
- If the `sfc /scannow` command finds issues it cannot fix, you should run the DISM command.
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Execute `DISM /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth`.
- This command repairs the Windows image, addressing deeper issues that `sfc /scannow` may not resolve.
- Restart Your Computer:
- After running these scans, it is essential to restart your computer.
- This guarantees that any repairs made take effect properly and helps stabilize the system.
Download Updates Manually
To manually download updates, you must first identify the specific update that fails by checking the Windows Update history for its KB number. This KB number will help pinpoint the exact update causing error 0x80070017.
Once identified, visit the Windows Update Catalog website and enter the KB number into the search bar. This will display the relevant update for your system.
Confirm that you download the version of the update that matches your system architecture, either 32-bit or 64-bit. Selecting the correct version is vital to avoid compatibility issues during installation.
After downloading the update file, typically with an .msu extension, open it to initiate the installation process. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
Upon completion, it is important to restart your computer to guarantee the update is fully integrated into your system.
After the reboot, verify if the error 0x80070017 persists by checking the Windows Update status. If the error is resolved, then the manual update method has been successful.
This approach helps bypass issues that automatic updates may encounter, providing a direct solution to error 0x80070017.
Perform a Clean Boot
If manually downloading updates did not resolve the Windows Update error 0x80070017, another effective method is to perform a clean boot. This process helps identify and eliminate conflicts caused by non-Microsoft services or startup programs that may be interfering with the update process.
Follow these steps to perform a clean boot:
- Open System Configuration: Type `msconfig` in the search bar and press Enter to launch the System Configuration tool. This utility allows you to manage startup processes and services.
- Hide all Microsoft services: In the System Configuration window, navigate to the Services tab. Check the box labeled 'Hide all Microsoft services' to avoid disabling crucial system services. Next, click 'Disable all' to stop all non-Microsoft services from running at startup.
- Open Task Manager: Switch to the Startup tab and click 'Open Task Manager.' In the Task Manager, disable all startup applications by selecting each item and clicking 'Disable.' This prevents any third-party applications from launching during system startup.
After applying these changes, restart your computer to boot into a clean environment with minimal services and applications running.
Once in clean boot mode, attempt to download and install the Windows update again to see if the error 0x80070017 persists.
Call Zoo for your Tech Needs
To summarize, resolving Windows Update error 0x80070017 involves several meticulous steps.
These include verifying the installation media, deleting pending updates, resetting Windows Update components, and utilizing built-in troubleshooting tools.
Furthermore, scanning and repairing system files, manually downloading updates, and performing a clean boot can greatly aid in addressing the issue.
By adhering to these systematic procedures, one can navigate through the maze of this error and restore the proper functioning of the Windows update system.