Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

What is Windows 10 error 0x80070003, and how do I fix it?

Sep 1, 2017 4:12PM PDT

I have a HP laptop with Windows 10. When it goes to update, it goes for about 20 min and then says it can't update and goes about another 20 minutes to uninstall the incomplete updates. It gives an error code of 0x80070003. I've tried a lot of fixes and then went for this program to fix it, but backed out because they wanted a monthly fee. Can someone tell me how to fix this (in very simple language) or recommend a program that will work for a small fee? Thank you in advance.

--Submitted by Larry D.

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
you didn't answer my question
Sep 25, 2017 11:08AM PDT

no

- Collapse -
Check the recovery drive
Sep 2, 2017 9:00PM PDT

I also have an HP that originally had Windows 8. I had issues when I first went to Windows 10. With the most recent update, I again had issues. Don't remember the exact number of the error code, but it would try to download and install, but would shut itself off and then, when I turned it back on, would reinstall the old Windows 10. I made my recovery drive bigger and the update worked beautifully. Don't know if that will help you but perhaps it is worth a try.

- Collapse -
I am Concerned
Sep 2, 2017 9:46PM PDT

I am concerned about the current nature of these forums. I post here occasionally, finding myself surrounded by good, controversial, interesting, competing and useful advice. It is a climate that makes this a great place to be.

But it has always seemed to me that one thing we had in common was the best interest of the original poster.

The responses to this particular poster seem strange, almost competitive ... almost to the point of disregarding that original poster.

I have experienced the problem described by that poster, twice on the computers in my own extended household, and also on a client's computer.

None of the solutions here worked. Repair work done as an administrator (which is the only way I do repair work) did not solve the problem. Following Google's link did not lead to a solution. Trying the remedies suggested in MS literature and on the Forum's did not work. Restoring to an early time would not have worked (I learned later). Only a clean restore would possibly work -- but that would mean all third party apps would need to be reinstalled; and that might not be possible because various drivers might no longer be available, installation software might not be available, install limits might be exceeded -- it is and should be a last resort solution and not glossed over.

Yes, I know that any of the links on Google might work now. But that's not fair to the client. While anyone of ourselves might perfect be our own personal hero and solve the problem on our own rather than letting someone else do it (though I am not sure that follow another person's script really is doing it on one's own), when there is a solution that trumps all others, we should at least be making sure the original poster knows that. Or am I wrong?

Microsoft has a policy that it will help any supported Windows version user who is having Windows Update problems (and some other problems are also covered). Reaching MS is as simple as running an app called "get help", which is preloaded on Windows 10 computers. The virtual assistant it provides will suggest solutions which the user can skip and will quickly provide a live contact. Describe the problem and -- if necessary (as it is in this case) -- the agent will offer, for free to take control of your computer and fix the problem (it is a familiar one to MS). The user can lean back and actually watch the process, though it isn't easily replicated.

If this doesn't work, or if MS drops this free assist program, there is nothing stopping the user from falling back on any of the other great solutions offered here. But isn't it our responsibility to first make certain that the poster is at least made aware of the safest, cheapest, quickest solution if it is available? And then told what alternatives there are if that doesn't work out. After all, this isn't about us; it is about those we are here to help.

- Collapse -
What?!
Sep 5, 2017 8:12AM PDT
"I am concerned about the current nature of these forums. I post here occasionally, finding myself surrounded by good, controversial, interesting, competing and useful advice. It is a climate that makes this a great place to be. But it has always seemed to me that one thing we had in common was the best interest of the original poster. The responses to this particular poster seem strange, almost competitive ... almost to the point of disregarding that original poster."

I just read each post above yours and don't see that at all. If it's there in any amount though, it's probably not aimed at the OP, but frustration with windows 10 other members have faced.
- Collapse -
Could be
Sep 5, 2017 1:36PM PDT

Frustration can lead a lot of places.

- Collapse -
It is always in the best interest of the OP...
Sep 8, 2017 1:42PM PDT

I completely see your point about giving folks the swiftest direct solution to their problem--like for example your post about contacting Microsoft directly to help solve the problem -- btw thank you for your contribution. That is a great solution.

On the flip side having someone solve your problem, while easy, the bigger questions is, can they learn from it? Yes and no--it just depends on the person. The additional information provided by others is not competitive, just alternative solutions and ways to go about how one can help themselves if they are in a bind to find a solution to their problem.

These invaluable contributions to the OPs question is the complete learning package not only to the OPs but for the rest of the community to learn from. These forums not only provide people solutions to their problem, but they also serve as a place to educate, explore and discover new things to help themselves in the future. And hopefully one day they can learn enough that they can pay it forward to another in need. Just like the old adage of: you can give a person a fish and they eat for a day, but if you teach them to fish, they can eat for a life time and I will always believe in that.

Anyways I'm going to stop here as this may cause the discussion to go too off topic. Thank you mijcar for voicing your feedback. It is important topic and I just want you to know that I truly believe the people here in this community has the best interest in helping each other or they simply wouldn't bother sticking around to help.

Have a great weekend to you and everyone here!

- Collapse -
Flat Tire
Sep 9, 2017 10:23AM PDT

Man pulls into service station, tells attendant his car is running odd.

Attendant says, "It's because you have a flat tire".

The man leaps out from the driver's door, looks to the front tire, looks to the rear tire and declares,

"You Liar, My tires aren't flat!"

Attendant: "Uh sir, there's two more tires on this other side".

- Collapse -
I'm concerned about letting an unknown person take control
Sep 8, 2017 10:45PM PDT

I consider letting an unknown person working on behalf of MS take control of your computer to be a last resort (and a dangerous one at that). Therefore I would not suggest it. I would definitely reset Windows 10 and re-install my programs and backed up data before I would give control to some yahoo on the other end of a chat or phone call.

- Collapse -
Control
Sep 9, 2017 10:28AM PDT
"I consider letting an unknown person working on behalf of MS take control of your computer to be a last resort"

Some would say that with installation of windows 10 they already gave them control. If you don't "trust" MS, then why use their product? There are other operating systems, many of them for free. (Zorin, Mint, Ubuntu, Mandrake, Fedora, Mageia, Elementary OS, etc.....)
- Collapse -
I Agree and I Fixed Mine the Smart Way
Sep 9, 2017 3:29PM PDT

I found Windows 10 be worst than Vista, but not as bad as Millenium. Falling in between those two dogs of OSes is nothing to be proud of. The new CEO of Microsoft is a Smart Phone manager and knows nothing about desktop or laptop computer OSes. So after numerous problems with Win 10, I did the only thing I could. I got rid of it, found a source for Win 7 Pro and installed it. It came with Service Pack 1 so I had to spend about a day and half to download all the security files and the netserver pack files and there are a ton of both. I am now free of Windows 10 Happy . Now I enjoy using my new laptop and I stopped cursing it like I do my smartphone. I am also going to sell my smartphone and buy a dumb phone. If computer OS managers don't understand that gamers shape the world of microcomputers and not smart phone zombies, then they deserve to fail.

- Collapse -
What were the problems with Win 10?
Sep 9, 2017 3:37PM PDT

Here it's all good and I've used them all.
Dafydd.

- Collapse -
all third party apps would need to be reinstalled....
Sep 9, 2017 10:25AM PDT

... ; and that might not be possible because various drivers might no longer be available,

Too true. Sad when you find you can no longer use a favourite bit of software because of that. Good point to consider. Or you find that you have to rent the software.

- Collapse -
RE: error codes
Sep 3, 2017 1:49AM PDT

I agree do not pay for the fix. Google your code and it will come up on the Microsoft site.

HP are a nightmare. I always stay clear of their stuff, had so many problems with them. HP printers do not often work with an HP laptop or Desktop Computer which is absolutely ridiculous but true. They are an absolute nightmare of a company. Best to go elsewhere in the future.

- Collapse -
HEY!! HFORMAN!!!
Sep 5, 2017 5:04AM PDT

Not meaning to hijack this post but...

Three score and eight years ago an event that has eclipsed everything known to humankind (before and after) occurred that has baffled all disciplines of science ...You were born!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...Old Geezer!!! Wink

- Collapse -
This Worked for Me
Sep 8, 2017 6:50PM PDT
- Collapse -
HP 10 error
Sep 8, 2017 7:07PM PDT

Larry:

I had the same problem with the update norices for my HP Envy, running Windows 10.

An internet search on the error led nowhere. A search on the complete update name led to the the Microsoft "catalog." Downloading it from there took a few minutes, but once it did, it was simply a matter of opening the download folder, locating the file, and running it from there. No problems that way.

- Collapse -
Either of these approached should solve Win 10 error0x800700
Sep 8, 2017 9:22PM PDT
- Collapse -
Windows Update Troubleshooter
Sep 8, 2017 9:28PM PDT

Larry, Funny you asked this question. I subscribe to Bob Rankin's website and his current weekly article had a section in it about trouble shooting update problems. This column was at: https://askbobrankin.com/geekly_and_security_update_07_sep_2017.html

and it has a link to where you can get the Microsoft Update Troubleshooter.at https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4027322/windows-windows-update-troubleshooter

It supposedly finds the updating problem and fixes it. Check it out.

Bob Rankin's column is usually pretty informative and easy to understand. It's free to get and I've found it very helpful. You might want to sign up for it.

- Collapse -
Use Windows 10 Troubleshooter
Sep 8, 2017 9:32PM PDT

Scanning the many good responses I have not seen to use of a solution provided within Windows 10 ( if you have the Creative update installed). Click on the bottom left windows icon, then select the Settings cogged wheel icon, select the Update and Security icon, select Troubleshoot , select Windows Update and finally select Run Troubleshooter ( select Run in Administrator mode) to fix updating problems. If you do not have the Creative update open Control Panel, select View by Category, select System and Security, select Security and Maintenance, select Troubleshooting, select Fix problems with Windows Update, select Advanced, select Run as Administrator, select Next. (select is with the left mouse button).

This Windows 10 internal is the first troubleshoot to try. If it fails to fix the problem seek Help from Microsoft as advised by others.

- Collapse -
Unplug Wireless Mouse
Sep 9, 2017 6:08AM PDT

I have had the identical problem several times with Windows 10 updates. For me what worked was unplugging anything using a USB port (in my case a wireless mouse) and the updates installed correctly. I believe this anomaly was reported to Microsoft but I still have the problem with updates if my mouse is plugged in.

- Collapse -
What a great tip!
Sep 9, 2017 6:16AM PDT

Thank you.

- Collapse -
Your mouse and my WiFi adapter
Sep 9, 2017 10:07AM PDT

I had a similar problem but with my Netgear wireless WiFi adapter on my desktop!! As far as I know most if not all desktops are set up for LAN not WiFi hence the adapter, external & USB! When I went to upgrade my Dinosaur desktop from Win 8 to Win10 I'd get to 99.9% complete, then it would "die" then go back and completely uninstall the upgrade! I was upgrading via the internet. I went through this at least half a dozen times with the exact same results! Then, I don't know why, but I looked at the WiFi adapter and saw the light was no longer on ergo it was turned off by the upgrade!
The next time I tried the upgrade I noticed the "Check for updates" box on one of the first pages and Deselected it! The upgrade finished and was COMPLETELY successful! Why it checked for updates as the "LAST" thing the upgrade did is beyond me, kinda hard without WiFi!! After the last reboot, completing the upgrade, it actually turned the adapter back on!! Go figure!! I then ran Windows update manually and it did find several and installed them with no further problems! Imagine getting almost to the finish line after hour(s) to revert all the way back!

This may have been a "mine only" problem (WiFi) but between your mouse and my WiFi problem, BOTH USB related, possibly it may help someone else down the line!!!

- Collapse -
Sometimes Windows Update will not work -
Sep 9, 2017 6:58AM PDT

One thing that I have not seen mentioned here, is the fact that some PCs will not be able to upgrade to the latest version of Windows, due to processor speed/design, hard drive size, video card incompatibility, etc. .
I have found that when your PC/Tablet/Laptop tries to update to the newest version of Windows (the Creator's Upgrade - Version 1703, your unit may not upgrade as it is no longer capable of using the changes that have been included in the newest update. This is especially true of "older" tablets/laptops that have features that worked fine with the original installation of Windows 10, and, up to now, the upgrades that have came through.
MS & these manufacturers are working on figuring out if it is possible to "adapt" these older units to accept the latest upgrade, but it may not happen. So when you are running updates, and it states that it is trying to install version 1703, and then gives you this error code stating "unable to upgrade" your unit may not be compatible with the latest version of Windows.
However you can make a change wo Windows Update to stop the version update - go to settings - update & security - windows update - and select "advanced options". There, select "Defer Featured Updates". This will cause your unit to no longer receive the version upgrades. However it will still receive security and protection upgrades, so your unit will be safe and protected to use as usual.
If they are ever able to make the newest version install on your unit, you will be advised by MS to install it. (Realize that this may not ever happen, as this is a way for MS to work with makers to "weed out" older units, so that you have to buy new)

- Collapse -
Antivirus was the issue
Sep 9, 2017 7:33AM PDT

I purchased a brand new HP Laptop with Win10 pre-installed and McAfee pre-installed. The first time it tried to update (about a week or ten days after purchase in mid-2016), I had the same problem. It would take ten-fifteen minutes, hang, then give the error message and roll back, taking another twenty minutes or so. I took it back to the dealer (a friendly soulHappy ). He fiddled around. What finally succeeded with both of us trying was - remove McAfee (Uninstall it, don't just disable it), and the up dates went through smooth as butter.

Don't jump on me: I'm not suggesting you leave your system unprotected. You can use Windows Defender, or re-install McAfee (I never went back), or use one of the free programs (I use AVG) but, for some reason, the culprit in my case was McAfee refusing to let the updates / upgrades install.

I don't know what you're using your system for or how old it is or any other details, but I hope this helps. It may be that the pre-installed McAfee was still in the trial period but I don't see why they should block Win10 updates anyway. I hadn't gotten round to installing any other software (antivirus, anti-spyware, etc)

- Collapse -
Uninstalling McAfee
Sep 9, 2017 8:22AM PDT

I read, some years ago (5+?) that McAfee was almost impossible to uninstall as it dug itself so deep into the system. For that reason alone I have avoided it like the plague. Do you think W10 is not so vulnerable in this respect?

- Collapse -
MAjor Upgrades and Norton!
Sep 9, 2017 10:18AM PDT

When doing "MAJOR" Upgrades ALWAYS uninstall Norton products! Sometimes it interferes with the upgrade, other times it, Norton, gets unbelievably discombobulated!! If Norton gets trashed it #1 doesn't work properly, #2 can't be reinstalled/ repaired over, #3 can't be uninstalled via program and features!
One MUST go to the Norton website and download their Norton Removal Tool and run it! Afterwards you can reinstall Norton with no problem!!

- Collapse -
Ah yes, the antivirus issue!
Sep 9, 2017 9:26AM PDT

I've been doing this often enough that "I SHOULD" have know better but operator head-space was going full bore! I had almost a similar problem but with Norton! It's been awhile ago and I've slept since then but from what I remember I think the update went through BUT it really messed up Norton. I could NOT reinstall it nor uninstall it and had to go to Norton to get their "Norton Removal Tool"! The tool COMPLETELY removes any and all traces of Norton, does a deep cleansing of ALL files including the Registry! I always do any updates on my desktop prior to updating my wife's and daughters machines to see if there are any glitches! After my desktop was rolling along smoothly I made sure to UNINSTALL Norton on theirs BEFORE running the upgrade! Normal updates aren't bothered! Upgrades, Uninstall Norton FIRST!! I should have known better but ....................

- Collapse -
Designed for programmers use ONLY
Sep 9, 2017 8:22AM PDT

First, and foremost, Larry, you will, NEVER receive an answer, written in the same, simple, basic, English, which you and I use.

The computer programmers, who created your problem will, NEVER, allow this.

Second, most such "error" windows require computer user to contact "customer service", which keeps callers waiting, for up to an hour (while running your phone bill through the ceiling).

Third, even when you receive "answers" , NONE will be in the language which we speak. All answers will be given ONLY in computer code. If you dont understand, the computer programmers will say "Thats tough!", and "Go Away".

The only, positive suggestion, that I can make, is to use your original, programming, disc, and re-load your computers hard drive. (Make sure that you save any music, pictures, or video, to a flash drive, FIRST).

After that, I would say "IGNORE" all "updates", and "out of date" messages.

These ARE just tricks, to make computer owners spend more money, on contacting customer service.

- Collapse -
Re: programmers only
Sep 9, 2017 8:45AM PDT

Solving Windows updates errors is not for the average user, indeed, if the "fixit's" offered by Microsoft don't help. Sometimes it's even quite difficult to find those fixit's, but generally https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/help/10164/fix-windows-update-errors is a good start. It specifically mentions it might solve this error.

If the automatic fix fails you can chat with Microsoft support. That's free. And it costs them a lot of money, so it surely isn't a trick to make more money.