0x80004005 Error Fixed Easily

Have you ever gotten a mysterious error message with a bunch of weird characters like “0x80004005”? You’re not alone! This seemingly cryptic code can pop up on Windows machines for a variety of reasons, but don’t worry – it’s usually nothing too serious.

The error code 0x80004005 can be caused by a few things, so here are a couple of quick fixes to try:

• Restart your computer: A simple restart can often clear up temporary glitches that might be causing the error.

• Run the program as administrator: Sometimes the program you’re trying to use needs extra permissions to access certain files. Running it as administrator can give it those permissions.

f these don’t work, there are other troubleshooting steps mentioned further in the blog that you can take depending on the specific situation.

In this blog post, we’ll crack the code on the 0x80004005 error, explain what it means in plain English, and show you some easy steps to get you back on track.

What is error code 0x80004005?

Before understanding the troubleshooting methods, we must first understand what error 0x80004005 is and what it actually means.

0x80004005 is an unspecified error, which means that there can be a number of reasons behind the error. Common reasons for this problem include Windows update issues, corrupted files, error messages during ZIP file extraction, and problems with network adapters.

Modification of files required for Windows Product Activation, either manually or by third-party backup utilities and antivirus software, is a major cause of the error.

Additionally, issues may arise when accessing files through file explorer or when connected to a public network.

This error can cause problems while updating and re-installing Windows but is not limited to these only.

Also Check: How to fix system service exception in Windows 11 ?

How to fix error code 0x80004005?

If the question ‘How do I fix error code 0x80004005?’ wobbles in your mind, then certainly there are ways you can fix the error yourself. Encountering this error can be a frustrating experience, but various methods can help resolve it.

Use the following methods to fix error code 0x80004005, which can arise in different contexts such as virtual machines, during update errors, or while handling various file types, including update files and archive files.

It might also occur due to issues with network discovery, network sharing, or file sharing.

You might need to access the list of files and ensure that the administrator password is correctly set. Here are some methods to address the error:

• Check for Windows updates to ensure there are no pending update errors.

• Scan for corrupted files and repair them.

• Verify network adapters and ensure proper network discovery settings.

• Review your virtual machine settings for any misconfigurations.

• Use antivirus software to check for potential security issues.

• Adjust file explorer settings and ensure correct handling of file types.

• Enable network sharing and verify the administrator password.

If, after trying the above-mentioned quick steps, your problem is not solved, try the detailed and advanced steps mentioned below.

Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Using Windows troubleshooter can fix a lot of problems. Same applies for fixing Windows Update related problems. Run troubleshooter for Windows Update to get rid of the errors.

Use the following steps to troubleshoot Windows Update:

1. Firstly click on the Start button shown as Windows icon in the left and click Settings that is shown along with the gear icon.
   
   
   
2. Now find and open Update & Security.
   
   
   
3. Then go to Troubleshoot section from the left panel and select Additional troubleshooters as shown in the below image.
   
   
   
4. Subsequently select Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.
   
   
   
5. The troubleshooter will start detecting problems. If it finds any problem, fix it appropriately using the on screen instructions and restart the PC.
   

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Run SFC and DISM scan & fix

Any amount of emphasis given to SFC and DISM is insufficient while fixing Windows related issues.

System File Checker and Deployment Image Servicing and Management can fix corrupt files in the system that are required by Windows.

Use the following steps to use SFC and DISM to fix error 0x80004005:

1. Go to Start menu by pressing the Windows logo () key then search Command prompt.
   
   
2. Right click on Command prompt and select Run as administrator. Click ‘Yes’ in the confirmation window.
   
   
3. Type sfc /scannow in the command prompt window and subsequently press Enter.
   
   
4. The SFC will start working in the same window. Once it is complete, type Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth and hit Enter.
   
   
   
5. After that, type Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth and hit Enter.
   
   
6. Subsequently type Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press the Enter button.
   
   
7. Finally, restart the PC to get the changes into effect.

Restart Windows Update service

Use the following steps to restart Windows Update service:

1. Firstly, search Services in the Windows search bar, select Services and click Run as administrator as shown in the below image. (Click ‘yes’ if the confirmation Window opens).
   
   
   
2. A list of all the services on your PC will open in alphabetical order. Find and select Windows Update then click on Restart this service as shown in the below image.
   
   
   
3. Subsequently the service will begin restarting.
   

Reset Windows update components

Use the following steps to reset Windows update components to fix error 0x80004005 and other errors related to Windows update and installation:

1. Firstly search cmd or command prompt in the Windows search bar, go to Command Prompt and select Run as administrator. In the confirmation window, click ‘yes’.
   
   
   
2. Now you need to type net stop wuauserv on command prompt and press Enter.
   
   
   
3. Then type net stop cryptsvc and press Enter.
4. Similarly type the following one by one and press Enter key after each:
   net stop bits
   net stop appidsvc
   ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
   net start wuauserv
   net start cryptsvc
   net start bits
   net start appidsvc
   
   
   
5. Close the command prompt window. Right click on Start menu and click on Windows PowerShell (Admin). On old version of Windows, search ‘Windows PowerShell’ in the Windows’ start menu, right click on the first option and select ‘Run as administrator’.
   
   
   
6. Then type wuauclt.exe /updatenow in the PowerShell Window and press Enter.
   
   
   
7. Finally restart your PC to let the changes come into effect.

-Re-register DLLs (Dynamic Link Libraries)

Re-registering the jdscript.dll and vbscript.dll can help you resolve error 0x80004005.

Use the following steps to re-register jdscript.dll and vbscript.dll:

1. Search Command Prompt in the Windows search bar or start menu. Using your mouse right click on the Command Prompt and click Run as administrator. Now you need to click on ‘Yes’ if it requires a confirmation.
2. Type regsvr32 jscript.dll and press Enter.
3. Then type regsvr32 vbscript.dll and press the Enter key.
4. Lastly restart your PC.

You can also download DLL files from dll-files.com and place them in the respective folders.

Also Check: How to fix the Windows update error 0x80070643 ?

Reset Windows

We recommend resetting your PC as a last resort because you will lose all the third-party applications installed on your PC.

This step can resolve advanced sharing settings, configuration settings, virtual machine errors, common issues, notification issues, and problems with notification messages.

However, you can choose to keep your files saved on the system or delete all of them while resetting the OS.

Additionally, consider booting into safe mode to troubleshoot further and review email options for any related configuration.

To reset Windows, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset This PC > Get Started.

Select whether you want to keep your files and subsequently choose either cloud download or local re-install.

A cloud download would require an internet connection, whereas a local re-install would install Windows on your PC again.

This process can help resolve issues related to access to files, archive file errors, and corrupted system files.

Click Next > Reset. The system will restart several times and take a while to re-install or reset the Windows.

Conclusion

Dealing with the 0x80004005 error can be frustrating, but don’t let it get you down! This mysterious code often pops up due to various Windows issues, from update problems to file corruption.

We’ve covered several methods to tackle this error, ranging from simple fixes like restarting your computer or running programs as administrator, to more advanced solutions like using the Windows Update Troubleshooter, running SFC and DISM scans, or resetting Windows Update components.

Remember, patience is key when troubleshooting. Try the simpler solutions first before moving on to more complex steps. If all else fails, resetting Windows is always an option, though it should be considered a last resort.

Reference:

Frequently Asked Question’s (FAQ’s)