Solved: Troubleshooting Guide for Windows Update Error 0x80004231

Error Code 0x80004231 Summary

The error code 0x80004231, also known as RPC_E_SERVERCALL_RETRYLATER or EPT_SEND_ERROR, typically indicates that a Remote Procedure Call (RPC) operation could not be completed at the present time because of server congestion or other transient conditions. This usually happens when an attempt is made to establish a connection with a remote service through RPC and the remote system cannot accept the request right now due to resource limitations.

Description of Error Code 0x80004231 and Common Scenarios Where It Appears

This error can occur in various scenarios involving software applications that rely on Remote Procedure Call (RPC) technology, which allows programs running on one computer to access services provided by another program over a network. Common sources of this issue include Windows Update, installation and uninstallation processes of system components or third-party software, synchronization issues with cloud-based storage systems like OneDrive, and even during certain operations within the Microsoft Office suite. It can manifest across different environments such as corporate networks where multiple users might be accessing shared resources simultaneously, leading to temporary overloads on server capacities. Additionally, network configurations, firewalls, antivirus settings, or conflicts between applications utilizing RPC can contribute to this error occurring frequently.

Howto solve error code 0x80004231

To address and resolve the 0x80004231 error, follow these steps:

  1. Restart your computer to ensure all processes are cleanly terminated and restarted in a fresh state.
  2. Check for any recent software updates or installations that might be causing conflicts with RPC services. Reverting or reinstalling problematic applications could help isolate the issue.
  3. Run System File Checker (SFC) by opening Command Prompt as an Administrator and typing sfc /scannow. This utility will scan your system files for corruption and repair them if possible.
  4. Disable any security software temporarily to see if firewall rules or antivirus settings are blocking RPC calls. Ensure you enable these safeguards again after testing.
  5. If the problem persists, consider using Windows Update Troubleshooter which can automatically detect and fix issues related to Windows Update, often resolving errors associated with it.

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