I have a problem with Docker Desktop

Question

I get this error when starting docker desktop:

running wslexec: An error occurred while running the command. Wsl/Service/RegisterDistro/CreateVm/MountDisk/HCS/ERROR_NOT_FOUND: c:\windows\system32\wsl.exe --import-in-place docker-desktop <home>\appdata\local\docker\wsl\main\ext4.vhdx: exit status 0xffffffff (stderr: , wslErrorCode: Wsl/Service/RegisterDistro/CreateVm/MountDisk/HCS/ERROR_NOT_FOUND)

And i've tried multiple things yet none worked if anyone could help me it would be wonderful!!
(I need this fixed for school btw)

Answer 1

The error you are encountering with Docker Desktop seems to be related to WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) not being able to find or properly register the Docker distribution. Here are some steps you can try to resolve this issue:

1. Restart WSL: Sometimes, simply restarting WSL can resolve issues. Open PowerShell as an administrator and run the following command:

      wsl --shutdown
   

   After that, try starting Docker Desktop again.
2. Check WSL Installation: Ensure that WSL is properly installed and configured on your system. You can check the status of WSL by running:

      wsl --list --verbose
   

   This command will show you the installed distributions and their status.
3. Repair Docker Installation: If the issue persists, consider repairing the Docker installation. You can do this via the Control Panel by navigating to "Programs and Features", selecting Docker Desktop, and choosing the repair option.
4. Reinstall Docker Desktop: If none of the above solutions work, you may need to uninstall and then reinstall Docker Desktop. Make sure to back up any important data before doing this.
5. Check for Updates: Ensure that both Windows and Docker Desktop are up to date. Sometimes, updates can resolve compatibility issues.

If you continue to face issues, you may want to check the Docker and WSL documentation for more troubleshooting steps or consider reaching out to community forums for additional support.

---

References:

• How to manage WSL disk space
• Troubleshoot Visual Studio development with Docker

Answer 2

My WSL version is 2.7.8, so I download WSL 2.7.8 installer(.msi file). Then I right-click the installer to show quick menu and I click "Repair". After finishing repairing, it works and my docker-desktop 4.79.0 also works.

Answer 3

Hello Izan,

The error message "Wsl/Service/RegisterDistro/CreateVm/MountDisk/HCS/ERROR_NOT_FOUND" when starting Docker Desktop indicates a problem with the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) integration, specifically related to the Hyper-V services or the WSL installation itself.

Here are steps to troubleshoot and resolve this issue:

• Ensure Virtualization is Enabled in BIOS:
  • Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, Delete, F10, or F12 during startup).
    • Navigate to the "Security" or "Advanced" settings and look for "Virtualization Technology," "Intel VT-x," or "AMD-V."
      • Ensure this setting is enabled. Save changes and exit the BIOS.
      • Verify Hyper-V Services are Running:
        • Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
          • Locate the "Hyper-V Host Compute Service" and "Hyper-V Virtual Machine Management" services.
            • Ensure both services are set to "Running." If not, right-click on them and select "Start."
            • Check and Update WSL:
              • Open PowerShell or Command Prompt as an administrator.
                • Check your WSL version:

Code

        wsl --version

• If you are not using WSL 2, set it as the default:

Code

        wsl --set-default-version 2

Update WSL to the latest version.

Code

        wsl --update

• Repair Docker Desktop:
  • Locate the Docker Desktop installer you used.
    • Right-click the installer, select "Show More Options," and choose "Repair." This can sometimes fix corrupted installations without requiring a full reinstall.
    • Restart WSL and Computer:
      • Open PowerShell or Command Prompt as an administrator and shut down WSL:

Code

        wsl --shutdown

Restart your entire computer.

• Reinstall WSL (if other steps fail):
  • Open PowerShell or Command Prompt as an administrator.
    • Uninstall existing WSL distributions:

Code

        wsl --unregister docker-desktop

Uninstall WSL entirely.

Code

        wsl --unregister <DistributionName> 

Reboot your computer and Reinstall WSL.

Code

        wsl --install

• Then, try starting Docker Desktop again.

By systematically addressing these potential causes, you should be able to resolve the "ERROR_NOT_FOUND" issue and get Docker Desktop running for your schoolwork.

Regards,

Rez