Windows guides
Windows error codes — update and upgrade failures, servicing corruption, and the numbers Windows shows instead of an explanation.
26 guides
Windows error 0x80070643
Fix Windows install error 0x80070643: a failing recovery environment update means the recovery partition lacks the 250 MB Microsoft requires, while any other update points at component-store corruption instead.
Windows error 0xC1900101
Fix a Windows upgrade that rolls back with 0xC1900101: Microsoft calls it a generic rollback code, and the extend code beside it — 0x20017, 0x30018, 0x40017 — names the phase that failed and the fix.
Windows error 0x800F081F
Fix 0x800F081F, CBS_E_SOURCE_MISSING: Windows knows which files it needs and cannot reach them. Covers enabling .NET Framework 3.5 from installation media and DISM repairs that end with the same code.
Windows error 0x80073712
Fix 0x80073712, ERROR_SXS_COMPONENT_STORE_CORRUPT: the component store Windows installs updates from is inconsistent, so retrying cannot work. Covers why DISM has to run before SFC, and reading CBS.log when it does not stick.
Windows error 0x80070422
0x80070422 is ERROR_SERVICE_DISABLED: the service cannot start because it is disabled. Nothing is corrupt — Windows Update has been switched off, usually by a policy, a tune-up tool or a deliberate change.
0x80070570 — Update files unreadable
During Windows Update, 0x80070570 means update files cannot be read or processed. Microsoft distinguishes damaged downloads, servicing corruption and disk problems before deeper repair.
0x80072EFE — Connection aborted
Microsoft maps 0x80072EFE to WININET_E_CONNECTION_ABORTED. The server connection closed abnormally; the failed BITS transfer and its URL provide useful diagnostic context.
0x80070490 — Driver metadata missing
Microsoft's common Update table documents 0x80070490 during driver installation when driver details are missing in the registry. Match that context before treating every occurrence as component-store corruption.
0x80248014 — Unknown update service
Microsoft defines this code as an update service absent from the data store. Its client support route starts with the Update troubleshooter and checking whether the Windows Update service runs.
INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE
Stop error 0x7B means the kernel loaded but could not reach the boot disk. Microsoft attributes it to storage filter drivers, file system corruption, or a change to the storage controller mode in the BIOS.
Windows error 0xc000000e
Microsoft's cause for 0xc000000e is specific: a device that does not exist is specified in the Boot Configuration Data. The winload.exe or winload.efi file named on screen is usually present and fine.
Windows error 0xc000021a
0xC000021A is STATUS_SYSTEM_PROCESS_TERMINATED. Microsoft attributes it to a critical process such as Winlogon or csrss.exe failing, most often after a failed update or a mismatched set of system files.
Windows error 0x800F0831
0x800F0831 is CBS_E_STORE_CORRUPTION, and Microsoft gives it a precise cause: the update being installed needs the manifest of an earlier update package that is missing. CBS.log names which one.
Windows error 0xC1900107
0xC1900107 means a cleanup operation from a previous installation attempt is still pending and a restart is required before the upgrade can continue. Microsoft's remedy is a restart, then Disk Cleanup.
Windows driver error 0x80070103
Microsoft documents driver-install failures with 0x80070103 and Windows 11 changes to reduce them. Record the failed driver, bring Windows up to date and check the named hardware before changing its driver.
0x800705b4 — update timed out
Microsoft describes this Windows Update code as a timeout or interruption. Record the failed update, restore a stable connection and restart before using the shared Windows Update repair procedure.
0x80240034 — download failed
The Windows Update Agent names 0x80240034 WU_E_DOWNLOAD_FAILED. Investigate the download path and Update service before treating this as an installation, component-store or partition error.
0x800f0922 — update component failure
Microsoft's current guidance lists insufficient space or a .NET/other component problem for this Update code. Identify the failed KB before assuming every 0x800f0922 needs a partition resize.
0x80070005 — Update access denied
In Windows Update, 0x80070005 means the update process cannot access a required file, folder or registry key. The useful diagnosis is the denied object in the logs, rather than a blanket permissions reset.
0xc000007b — bad application image
Microsoft defines 0xc000007b as STATUS_INVALID_IMAGE_FORMAT, a Bad Image failure. Preserve any named executable or DLL, then use the original installer; developers should check the architecture of the process and its dependencies.
0xc0000005 — access violation
An access violation means an application tried to read, write or execute an invalid memory address. Identify the failing program and trigger first; the code is not proof that the computer has run out of memory or that RAM has failed.
Office startup error 0xc0000142
Microsoft defines this as DLL initialization failure and provides an Office-specific repair procedure. Start with Office updates or the administrator, then repair the suite; the older protection service is not present in every Office version.
0x80070002 — Update file missing
This Update failure can involve missing required files or an incomplete earlier update. Record the package and stage before repairing it; a Windows Server example is not a reason to copy that server's registry changes to every PC.
0x80070003 — Update path not found
Microsoft's servicing table maps 0x80070003 to ERROR_PATH_NOT_FOUND: the update stack cannot access a specific path. Match the CBS.log error to the failure time before changing directories or permissions.
0x80070020 — Update sharing conflict
Microsoft calls this a sharing violation and investigates the accessed file through CBS.log and Process Monitor. Identify the conflicting process or filter before changing security software or servicing permissions.
0x80070057 — Update invalid argument
Microsoft defines 0x80070057 as E_INVALIDARG, meaning an invalid argument. In Windows Update, use the identified package and the shared repair procedure; the code does not identify one universally incorrect setting.