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How to fix file system error -2144927439 and 0x80073cfe

Anonymous
2022-07-19T19:04:18+00:00

The other day, my PC randomly blue screened (something it's never done) and ever since I restarted it, it's been like having a new computer - in the worst way possible. From the start, Chrome didn't work and kept saying the file didn't exist, so I had to use to the new version; my start/Windows button just doesn't work, and nor does the search bar - it highlights as if though you're about to use it, but even using the search button in File Explorer doesn't work; any apps supplied by Windows, such as the calendar or even settings, are unusable, and though the PC still technically does its job, it's also doing my absolute head in.

I've been using Windows+R to get around most places, but all apps - for example, looking up Settings with ms-settings: - come up with the same file system error of -2144927439. Any DISM and SFC scans to restore health or repair corrupted files state that a package repository has been corrupted (error 0x80073cfe) .

I've run troubleshooters and diagnostics, performed all sorts of scans and tried multitudes of software designed to replace corrupted files, and still nothing seems to work. My go to would obviously be to try and update Windows, but I can't even get to the update section of Settings because it literally doesn't exist on my PC...

My best guess is that it's to do with the new Windows patch in which case I might just have to live with it until the new patch comes out, but does anyone know if there's a way to fix this without having to reset the entirety of my Windows? I have a lot of things on my PC that I would lose progress on as they'd revert back to their factory state. Thank you so much to anyone who can help.

Edit: Microsoft Office also won't let me log in, as there's an account error due to the fact that settings just aren't on my PC. Pls help.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Settings

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-07-19T19:48:37+00:00

    Hi Kit. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, here to help you.

    You don't have enough of an install left to repair from Windows, so Use whichever method works in this link to get into Repair Mode so you can do the necessary repairs or do a Reset:

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2294-advanc...

    Easiest is to force shutdown by holding in the power button. Do this twice. The third time you power on it should start into Repair Mode. Once in the Repair Mode try the numbered steps below.

    It may be necessary to create bootable media on another PC to access Advanced Startup Options to try repairs, a Reset or do the Clean install. The bootable media has it's own set of files so that repairs or Reset might work better, doesn't require a password, and you'll have it to if necessary do the vastly superior Clean Install.

    To create Windows 10 Installation Media on another PC install Media Creation Tool and follow the directions here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-US/software-downlo...

    Insert media, boot it by powering up PC while pressing the BIOS Boot Menu Key given here: https://www.sysnative.com/forums/hardware-tutor...

    If the media won't boot you may need to enter BIOS/UEFI Setup (pressing key given in chart in link above) to turn off Fast Boot or Fast Startup first.

    Choose the boot device as a UEFI device if offered, on second screen choose Repair Your Computer, then Advanced Troubleshoot Options, then:

    1. Try a System Restore, working backward.
    2. If that fails try Uninstall Updates as far back as necessary to see if this was caused by an Update. If Steps 1 or 2 get it started then immediately check Windows Update for Updates and hide them using this tool: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/8280-hide-s...
    3. Open the Command Prompt to:

    a) run System File Checker: https://www.wintips.org/how-to-run-sfc-offline-...

    and DISM: https://www.ubackup.com/windows-10/dism-offline...

    b) run a full Disk Check: https://www.windowsdigitals.com/how-to-run-chkd...

    c) trigger Safe Mode with Networking (for internet) or Safe Mode following Option 3 here: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/4-ways-boot-saf... to roll back Updates & Drivers in Windows Update History, update your drivers from the PC/Motherboard manufacturer's website and diagnose further with these steps: https://www.howtogeek.com/164876/how-to-use-saf....

    You can also create a new Local Admin account to replace yours: https://www.isumsoft.com/windows-10/3-ways-to-c...

    d) To replace the User account try to enable the built-in elevated Admin account from Option Five here:

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2969-enable...

    Boot into this emergency Admin account (leaving password box blank) to create a new Local Admin account:

    https://www.isumsoft.com/windows-10/3-ways-to-c...

    Sign into the new Account, make sure it works correctly, if so move your files over via C:\Users, when ready delete the old account and change the new one to your MS Account if desired in Settings > Accounts > Your Info > Sign in with a MS Account instead.

    1. If those fail then go back to Troubleshoot Options to do a Reset. Make it a deep clean reset to set up a new account, with Cloud option to download fresh installation files so it doesn't use old onboard files that may be corrupted.
    2. If that fails choose Install Now, then Custom Install, then at the drive selection screen delete all partitions down to Unallocated Space to get it cleanest, click Next to let it create needed partitions and start install - this makes it foolproof. Everything needed to Clean Install is here: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...
    3. If you have files that aren't backed up you can use the same bootable media to try to rescue your files using these methods: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

    Your files should be backed up at all times if you value them at all. In the Clean Install tutorial in Step 5 I give the best methods to back up.

    I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

    ________________________________________________________

    Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

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