Continued error 0x80070057 with Windows Update after in place update

Question

I receive error Download error - 0x80070057 with Windows Update. If I do an in place install of Windows it will then pull and install those updates, but the next time Microsoft puts out a large update the same error happens again. I can always download and install the KB files manually but should not have to do that. Contacting Microsoft now, the tech wanted to do a clean install of Windows. I said no. Why can't they look at the log? I deleted all update logs, attempted the update, and produced a clean update log for this issue, running the ETL conversion to make a text file. I do all the steps, stop update service and delete folders, sfc /scannow, dism, etc., so please don't suggest that. Can anyone read the update log and say why it doesn't work?

Answer 1

I finally solved this issue! The error in the windows update log associated with 0x80070057 was permission. Doing some research, the Windows Update process examines each disk on the system to determine where to download updates. Normally that simply stays at \WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution. In my case I have a 20 terabyte drive used for backups, and, each day for backup of working folders changed throughout the week, a new folder is created on the 20 terabyte drive and the drive letter B: is mapped to it. Stuff is copied to the folder, and the cloud backup always reads from the B: drive. Examining the windows update process, when it goes to determine where to put downloads, it hangs on the B: drive. I don't know if B: still has a residual effect of being a reserved drive letter for floppy disks. Probably not but I will see. Anyway, deleting that drive mapping allows Windows Update to complete without issue and without having to do an in place upgrade, which is what I did each time to fix it. Thinking back, the problem did begin happening around about the time I began using the 20 terabyte drive with B: drive mapping.

Answer 2

Hello there,

The error code 0x80070057 indicates a common Windows Update error that can occur due to various reasons. If you are encountering this error consistently after an in-place update, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:

Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter: Windows provides a built-in troubleshooter that can help identify and fix common Windows Update issues. Open the Settings app, go to "Update & Security," and select "Troubleshoot." Run the Windows Update troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions.

Clear Windows Update cache: Corrupted or outdated Windows Update cache files can cause issues. Open a Command Prompt with administrative privileges and run the following commands one by one:

net stop wuauserv

net stop cryptSvc

net stop bits

net stop msiserver

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old

net start wuauserv

net start cryptSvc

net start bits

net start msiserver

Check disk space: Ensure that you have sufficient free disk space on your system drive (usually the C: drive). If the drive is low on space, free up some disk space by deleting unnecessary files.

Disable third-party antivirus software: Temporarily disable any third-party antivirus or security software as they can sometimes interfere with Windows Update. Restart your computer after disabling the antivirus and check if the issue persists.

Manually reset Windows Update components: If the above steps don't resolve the issue, you can try manually resetting the Windows Update components. Microsoft provides a script called "Reset Windows Update Agent" that can automate this process. You can download the script from the Microsoft website and follow the instructions provided.

Seek further assistance: If the issue persists, you may need to seek further assistance from Microsoft support or a qualified IT professional who can analyze your specific system configuration and provide additional guidance.

Remember to create a backup of your important data before attempting any significant changes to your system.

I used AI provided by ChatGPT to formulate part of this response. I have verified that the information is accurate before sharing it with you.

Hope this resolves your Query !!

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