Solved: Troubleshooting Guide for Error 0x80073700 in Windows Updates

Error Code 0x80073700 Summary

Error 0x80073700 occurs primarily on Windows operating systems, particularly during the installation or update of software, and can also be encountered when attempting to install certain drivers. This error is a system-defined access denied message that usually indicates a problem with permissions or access control settings. It often arises due to issues such as insufficient user privileges, file corruption, or conflicts between different versions of Windows updates. Solving this issue typically involves checking the integrity of Windows files, ensuring correct administrative rights, and managing conflicting software installations.

Description of Error 0x80073700 and Where It Could Appear in Software Applications

This error is predominantly encountered during software installation or update processes on a Windows system. It can also appear when trying to install specific drivers or when there are conflicts between different versions of installed updates. The exact manifestation of this issue varies based on the context; for instance, it may occur while attempting to upgrade an application that requires administrative permissions or when trying to install a driver through Device Manager. Additionally, users might face this error when running Windows Update or during attempts to repair system files using System File Checker (SFC) or DISM tools, which are essential utilities in diagnosing and fixing operating system issues.

Howto solve error code 0x80073700

  1. To address the 0x80073700 error, start by ensuring you have administrative rights on your Windows machine. Right-click on ‘Command Prompt’ or ‘Windows PowerShell’ and select ‘Run as administrator.’
  2. Open Command Prompt (or PowerShell) in Administrator mode and execute sfc /scannow. This command scans all protected system files and replaces incorrect versions with correct Microsoft versions.
  3. If the SFC tool does not resolve your issue, run the DISM tool by entering the following commands into Command Prompt or PowerShell (each followed by Enter):
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  4. After executing these commands, restart your computer and check if the error persists.
  5. If the problem still exists, consider temporarily disabling any security software (such as antivirus or firewall) that might interfere with system updates or installations. This step can help determine whether a third-party application is causing conflicts.

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