Windows Update error 0x80070003

Question

I recently get error 0x80070003 when installed windows update.   the update keep running and start install then at almost getting to 100% it stopped, get error code 0x80070003 some update files are missing or have problem.   I tried windows update trouble, troubleshooting from windows menu.  different commands also contacted Microsoft support on chat.  still getting same error. 

any suggestion?  

Answer 1

Hi Byu. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 9 year Windows MVP and Independent Advisor, here to help you.

This recent Updates outage may apply: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft...

Most Updates will sort themselves out in a few days so I'd wait to see. If not then here are steps you can take:

1. There is a new guided walk-through from Microsoft for repairing Windows Update that leads up to resetting components if necessary: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/10164/.... Try running that first.
2. If that fails try manually resetting Windows Update Service:

Open administrative Command Prompt and type following commands one-by-one followed by Enter key.

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

Close Command Prompt and see if Windows Updates works then

3. You can also install the Updates manually that fail to install which are logged at Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Installed Update History, and then search for those to download and install from this Catalog: http://test.catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/sit...
4. If they continue to fail and interfere, then you can block them using one of these methods: https://www.howtogeek.com/224471/how-to-prevent...
5. What I'd do at this point if you haven't yet is install latest Version 1809 by installing Media Creation Tool from this link and choose Upgrade This PC Now: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

This is the most stable way to change to the newer version and because it reinstalls WIndows while keeping your files and programs in place, fixes most problems. It also brings all Windows Updates to date.

If there are any hurdles during install then these steps can overcome them: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

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.

Answer 2

Hi Byu2,

I am Vijay, an Independent Advisor. I am here to work with you on this problem.

1. Is this a feature update to 1809 or some KB update? To know this -

To verify whether these are installed or not - Windows Key+i to invoke Settings > Update & Security > See which updates are getting installed. If this information is not available here > Click View installed update history to see which updates have been installed.

Make a note of KB number of this update.

2. Right click on Windows Start > Windows Powershell (Admin)

Type following (or copy and paste following) one by one and Enter

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

3. Type following in Windows Start Search box and hit Enter %systemroot%\Logs\CBS > Rename CBS.Log to something else.

If it doesn't allow you to rename - Type services in Windows Start Search box > Click Services > Scroll down to find the Windows Modules Installer service and double-click on it > Set its startup type to Manual > Reboot your computer

Go to C:\Windows\Logs\CBS > Rename CBS.Log > Reboot your computer > Then go back into the Services App and set Windows Modules Installer Service back to Automatic Startup (Note CBS log files contain information about windows update, SFC etc)

(Source - https://partnersupport.microsoft.com/en-us/par_...)

3. If this is a normal KB update -

You can download the updates from Microsoft Catalog and update manually. Switch off your internet before you start updating. Disable any third party antivirus which you should enable after the update. Search for relevant KB in the Catalog.

Microsoft Catalog - https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Home.aspx

4. If this is a feature update to 1809 -

Uninstall any third party Antivirus (After update is successful, you can install it again)

You can go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-downlo...

You can download the latest Windows 10 package from this link (media creation tool) and follow the instructions there to upgrade. Use the very simple instructions given under Using this tool to upgrade this PC to Windows 10

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-downlo...

Do let me know if you require any further help on this. Will be glad to help you.

Answer 3

Hi Byu2

Click your Start Button, type winver and hit Enter

On the resulting dialog, what Version No. and build No. of Windows 10 are you running?

Answer 4

the current version is 1809 17763.292

i found this error since build 19320 and 18334.

I tried those these commands and microsoft walk through.  still same error.