Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors0x800700 is not a complete Windows error code. It is a prefix shared by several different HRESULTs, including 0x80070005, 0x80070002, 0x80070003, 0x8007000d and 0x80070057. Copy all eight hexadecimal digits from the dialog or Windows Update history, note what operation failed, and then use the matching procedure below. Applying a permissions repair to a cache or disk-space problem can make troubleshooting harder.
Why the final digits matter
Windows displays HRESULTs in the form 0x followed by eight hexadecimal digits. The text “0x800700” leaves the diagnosis unfinished: the last two digits identify a different condition, and the action that failed supplies essential context. A code shown during Windows Update is investigated differently from the same prefix appearing during activation, setup, a file copy or another application operation.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Before changing services or system-folder permissions, record four details:
- The complete code, including every digit after
0x. - The exact message beside the code, such as “access denied” or “file not found.”
- The operation that failed: Windows Update, an upgrade, activation, setup, file copying or something else.
- Whether Windows 7 is 32-bit or 64-bit. Open Control Panel > System and Security > System and read System type.
Write the code down or take a screenshot before closing the message. Windows Update history can preserve the number when the original dialog is gone: open Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Update > View update history.
#1 Best Overall
- Repair, Recover, Restore, and Reinstall any version of Windows. Professional, Home Premium, Ultimate, and Basic
- Disc will work on any type of computer (make or model). Some examples include Dell, HP, Samsung, Acer, Sony, and all others. Creates a new copy of Windows DOES NOT INCLUDE product key
- Windows not starting up? NT Loader missing? Repair Windows Boot Manager (BOOTMGR), NTLDR, and so much more with this DVD
- Step by Step instructions on how to fix Windows 7 issues. Whether it be broken, viruses, running slow, or corrupted our disc will serve you well
- Please remember that this DVD does not come with a KEY CODE. You will need to obtain a Windows Key Code in order to use the reinstall option
Match the complete code to the right branch
| Full code | Microsoft’s description or update grouping | Typical direction | Use this article’s procedure when |
|---|---|---|---|
0x80070002 |
Part of Microsoft’s related update-installation group | Restart, run the Windows Update troubleshooter and check available space | The failure occurred while installing or upgrading through Windows Update |
0x80070003 |
Part of the same update-installation group | Restart, run the troubleshooter and check available space | The failed operation is an update or upgrade |
0x80070057 |
Part of the same update-installation group | Restart, run the troubleshooter and check available space | The failed operation is an update or upgrade |
0x8007000d |
Microsoft’s update-cache/file-corruption path | Stop Windows Update, clear SoftwareDistribution, then start the service |
Windows Update reports this code or symptoms point to damaged downloaded files |
0x80070005 |
E_ACCESSDENIED |
Check permissions, reset update components and repair the component store | The complete code is confirmed and the failed action is denied access |
These labels are not interchangeable diagnoses. If your final digits differ, or if the failure was not an update, stop after collecting the details and look for guidance specific to that full HRESULT and operation rather than running every command in this guide.
Start with the low-risk Windows 7 checks
- Restart Windows. A reboot releases files held open by an earlier update attempt and reloads the servicing services. After signing in, try the same update or operation once.
- Run the built-in troubleshooter. In Windows 7, open Control Panel > System and Security > Find and fix problems, choose Fix problems with Windows Update, and allow the diagnostic to apply its proposed repairs. The labels in Microsoft’s current support pages may reflect newer Windows versions, so use the equivalent Control Panel entry on Windows 7.
- Check free space. In Computer, right-click the system drive, usually
C:, and select Properties. Microsoft Support states that an upgrade requires at least 16 GB free on a 32-bit system or 20 GB on a 64-bit system; those figures are upgrade requirements, not a guarantee that every individual update will install. The figures are from Microsoft’s support page accessed in 2026. - Retry once and record the result. If the same code returns, preserve the exact number and the update name from View update history. Do not jump to permission changes merely because the prefix begins with
0x800700.
Fix update-cache corruption for 0x8007000d
Microsoft’s documented cache branch for 0x8007000d stops the Windows Update service, removes the downloaded contents of C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution, and starts the service again. This does not remove your personal documents. It discards the local update download so Windows can obtain a fresh copy.
- Sign in with an administrator account. Open Start > All Programs > Accessories, right-click Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator. Approve the User Account Control prompt.
- Stop Windows Update by running:
net stop wuauserv
Wait for the confirmation that the service has stopped. If Windows says it is not running, continue. - Open Computer, browse to
C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution, and delete the contents inside that folder. Leave theSoftwareDistributionfolder itself in place. If a file is in use, close Windows Update windows, restart, and repeat the stop-and-clear step. - Return to the elevated Command Prompt and run:
net start wuauserv - Run Windows Update again and note whether the complete code changes. A new code means the cache was not the only issue; switch to the procedure for that new code instead of repeating the deletion indefinitely.
Clearing this cache is a separate branch from resetting access permissions. Use it when the full code is 0x8007000d or when Microsoft’s update guidance points to corrupted downloaded files; it is not a general remedy for every 0x800700 message.
Rank #2
- Emergency Boot Disk for Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista, 7, and 10. It has never ben so easy to repair a hard drive or recover lost files
- Plug and Play type CD/DVD - Just boot up the CD and then follow the onscreen instructions for ease of use
- Boots up any PC or Laptop - Dell, HP, Samsung, Acer, Sony, and all others
- Virus and Malware Removal made easy for you
- This is your one stop shop for PC Repair of any need!
Repair 0x80070005 (E_ACCESSDENIED)
Microsoft identifies 0x80070005 as E_ACCESSDENIED. Documented causes include incorrect permissions on %windir%WinSxS or %windir%SoftwareDistribution, incorrect servicing-registry permissions, interference from third-party security software, and restricted access for the SYSTEM account. Confirm the complete code before using this branch.
Permission changes affect operating-system folders. Create a backup of the system disk, or at minimum a restore point and a copy of important files, before proceeding. Do not modify individual ACL entries at random; the commands below are recursive and can affect many files.
Reset the documented folder permissions
- Open an elevated Command Prompt using Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt > Run as administrator.
- Run each command and wait for it to finish:
icacls "%windir%WinSxS" /reset /t /c /q
icacls "%windir%SoftwareDistribution" /reset /t /c /q
icacls "%windir%WinSxS" /setowner "NT SERVICETrustedInstaller" /t /c /qThe first two commands reset inherited access-control settings recursively. The third restores ownership of the component-store folder to the Windows servicing account. The /c option lets the command continue if it encounters an individual error; read the final output rather than assuming every item succeeded.
Rank #3
- [MISSING OR FORGOTTEN PASSWORD?] Are you locked out of your computer because of a lost or forgotten password or pin? Don’t’ worry, PassReset DVD will reset any Windows User Password or PIN instantly, including Administrator. 100% Success Rate!
- [EASY TO USE] 1: Boot the locked PC from the PassReset DVD. 2: Select the User account to reset password. 3: Click “Remove Password”. That’s it! Your computer is unlocked.
- [COMPATIBILITY] This DVD will reset user passwords on all versions of Windows including 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, Server. Also works on all PC Brands that have Windows as an operating system.
- [SAFE] This DVD will reset any Windows User password instantly without having to reinstall your operating system or lose any data. Other Passwords such as Wi-Fi, Email Account, BIOS, Bitlocker, etc are not supported.
- [100% GUARANTEED] Easily reset recover any Windows User password instantly. 100% sucess rate!
Reset Windows Update components if access is still denied
In the same elevated window, stop the update services, rename their working folders, and start the services again:
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptSvc
ren %windir%SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren %windir%System32catroot2 catroot2.old
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start wuauservRenaming preserves the old folders as a fallback while forcing Windows to create clean working folders. If a name ending in .old already exists, use a different suffix, such as .old2, in both the rename and any later cleanup you perform. If a service refuses to stop, restart Windows and run the commands before opening Windows Update.
Repair the component store and protected files
Microsoft’s escalation path then uses the Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool followed by System File Checker:
Rank #4
- Install, repair recover or restore your operating system.
- Perfect for installs that are corrupted or full of viruses. Works on any make or model computer.
- Repair boot manager is missing, NTLDR is missing, Blue Screens of Death (BSOD) and more.
- Install, repair or restore your operating system.,Perfect for installs that are corrupted or full of viruses.,Repair BOOTMGR is missing, NTLDR is missing, Blue Screens of Death (BSOD) and more.,Works on any make or model computer, as long as you have a valid product key code to install,Does not include a key code or a license. You must have a key code to use the install option otherwise you will get a non-genuine message.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannowRun the commands from an elevated prompt, one at a time, and allow each to reach completion. Reboot after they finish, then retry the operation that produced 0x80070005. The current Microsoft command is documented primarily for newer Windows servicing environments; Windows 7 may show that an option is unavailable or behave differently. If DISM rejects the command on your installation, record the exact message and use Windows 7-specific servicing guidance rather than substituting unrelated switches.
Check security software without weakening the system permanently
Microsoft lists third-party security software as a possible interference source. Check the product’s documented update or maintenance mode and, only if your organization’s policy allows it, pause protection briefly while testing the update. Re-enable protection immediately after the test. Do not leave security features disabled, and do not treat this step as proof that the software is defective unless the failure can be reproduced with it enabled and disabled under the same conditions.
Recommended Free Tools
When the failed operation was not Windows Update
A complete code can appear during activation, setup, a file copy or another workflow. In those cases, the Windows Update cache and service procedures may not address the failing component. Use the message text and the operation name to choose a procedure:
Best Value
- FOR FULL INSTRUCTION PLEASE READ DESCRIPTION
- Step 1: Boot from the USB Flash Drive - Insert the USB flash drive into an available USB port on your computer. - Turn on your computer or restart it if it’s already on. - As the computer starts, press the key that opens the boot menu. This key varies by manufacturer and model, but it’s often F2, F10, Esc, or Delete. - In the BIOS/UEFI setup menu, locate the Boot Options or Boot Order section. - Use the arrow keys to select your USB drive and move it to the top of the boot priority list. - Save your changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI setup. Your computer will now boot from the USB flash drive.
- After that its will take few minutes to reset Windows login password
- Package includes instruction how to use "Password reset USB" software
- Setup or upgrade: verify the required free space for the system type, disconnect unnecessary peripherals, restart, and rerun setup. Keep the complete code and setup phase if it fails again.
- File copy or application launch: “access denied” points toward the account or folder permissions involved in that specific operation, while “file not found” points toward a missing or moved path. Do not reset
WinSxSmerely because the prefix matches. - Activation: record the activation message and the complete HRESULT. Activation has a different service path from Windows Update, so use activation-specific Microsoft guidance.
The prefix alone cannot establish which of these cases you have. The failed operation is part of the diagnosis, not optional background information.
Verify the result and recover safely
- Restart Windows after any permission, service, DISM or SFC change.
- Repeat only the original operation and capture the complete result. A changed code is useful evidence; it means the first condition may have been corrected while another remains.
- Open Windows Update > View update history and check whether the same update now succeeds or whether a different update is failing.
- If Windows becomes unstable after an ACL change, use the restore point or backup created beforehand. Do not delete the renamed
SoftwareDistribution.oldorcatroot2.oldfolders until the update process has worked normally and you no longer need them for recovery. - If the error returns after all applicable steps, document the full HRESULT, message, operation, system type, free space and the commands already run. That record prevents support personnel from repeating an incompatible branch.
Microsoft’s support pages are current, but some interface steps describe newer Windows releases. On Windows 7, look for the equivalent Control Panel and service-management labels, and keep the backup requirement especially important before recursive permission changes.
Quick Recap
As an optional shortcut after the manual checks, Outbyte PC Repair can look for more than 100 common Windows issues where possible, including broken system elements and shared DLL problems, while also offering cleanup and diagnostic features. It runs on Windows 7, 8, 10 and 11; results vary, it complements antivirus rather than replacing it, and no utility repairs every crash. A free trial by category of at least two days is available before a paid subscription.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
