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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

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sysnative.com
Sep 9, 2017 6:04PM PDT

I will assume you have been through:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/910336/windows-update-error-0x80070002-or-0x80070003

with no success. If that is the case, I refer you to the forum at

https://www.sysnative.com/forums/windows-update/

the EXPERTS there rely on a utility SFCFIX and offer FREE expert assistance for problems such as yours.

Do not run SFCFIX unless instructed to do so.

You CAN mention the troubleshooter failure and the error code(s) you get from W Update AND the results of "sfc /scannow" from an administrators command prompt.

You will be assigned a trained moderator to take you step by step to a solution. THIS IS A FREE and legitimate (TECHNICAL) support site. Good luck to you.

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Might be free but what's up with that site and errors?
Sep 9, 2017 6:18PM PDT
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RE: Might be free
Sep 9, 2017 7:37PM PDT

Nothing is wrong with that site that I know of. You could ask the site checking site about the 'errors'. Try www.sysnative.com and find your way to the right forum for the help you need. I guarantee they can fix your problem.

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Seems the web master has some work to do.
Sep 9, 2017 9:09PM PDT

If they can't take the time to fix site errors, how could they fix my issues?

While I have few issues the ones I can't solve are well outside the norm. But as a moderator, programmer, electronics designer and more, you would expect when I have an issue it's not one I take to forums.

Example. Recently I was updating our app to update firmware in a motor controller. It only took a few days to fix it but nothing I'd expect support from that site.

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RE: what's up with that site and errors?
Sep 9, 2017 7:35PM PDT

Nothing is wrong with that site that I know of. You could ask the site checking site about the 'errors'. Try www.sysnative.com and find your way to the right forum for the help you need. I guarantee they can fix your problem.

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Install a Linux Operating System
Sep 10, 2017 6:48AM PDT

Microsoft doesn't do anything for free. Unless you have pirated their software,you have already paid for it. A GNU / Linux operating system will fix this problem for free without Microsoft's spyware.

1) Download an .iso file of a GNU / Linux operating system such as PClinuxOS. ( I recommend the LXDE community edition of PClinuxOS. ) Maybe RedCore Linux 17.08 or any future editions if you are willing to read the "Emerge" software package management manual page. Maybe FatDog 64 (runs blazing fast in RAM) or Linux Lite or Mageia for people who are not very technically inclined.

2) To burn the .iso file to a USB stick under Windows,install a software program for Windows called "Rufus". Or,to burn the .iso file to a blank DVD-R under Windows ..... use Active@ISO Burner or perhaps IMG Burn.

3) Reboot your computer and before Windows starts loading .... boot from either the USB stick or the DVD which you created.

4) Try the operating system without installing it. In most cases,It will run more slowly than it will once it is installed.

5) If you like it,then install it. You could even partition your hard drive to have both Windows and Linux on the same machine

A side note,if you still need some Windows only software,you can run a full retail copy of Windows (with its serial key) from inside of Linux running inside of VirtualBox software from Oracle. This is a better way to use Windows if you need it. Most people don't actually need Windows. They just need to find the GNU / Linux equivalents of the Windows software which they use.

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some added info
Sep 10, 2017 8:44AM PDT
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Why Trust Linux?
Sep 10, 2017 10:58AM PDT

I am not trying to be combative here, but I always want best data before I do anything, so please understand that is the basis of these questions:

1. How would a user confirm that Linux has no spyware or backdoors integrated into it, other than someone saying "because I told you so"?

2. What is the history of malware directed against Linux? Has any malware remained undetected on Linux for a significant period of time (one day or more)?

3. Because our government currently has the self-appointed right to demand secret access to any system that manages internet communications (for all practical purposes., any OS) and can include in that warrant the warning that revelation of the existence of the warrant or its contents is a criminal offense, how would we ever learn of such breaches?

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That's been asked and covered before
Sep 10, 2017 3:54PM PDT
Why Trust Linux?

I also felt the question of Why Trust Windows, microsoft should be asked. Sadly, that question draws more comments on why it can't be trusted.

So then to be fair, I asked 'Linux vs Windows, who to trust?'

Since you specifically asked about virus.

https://www.theregister.co.uk/2003/10/06/linux_vs_windows_viruses/

http://www.informatics-tech.com/linux-vs-mac-vs-windows-unbiased-comparison.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_malware

https://www.pcworld.com/article/202452/why_linux_is_more_secure_than_windows.html

As for stability, you can take it from me, the only thing that knocked my Linux off was a winter storm causing power outage. Notice the number of days it was constantly active. All I had to do was sit down, wiggle my mouse and in 15-20 seconds ready to go.

http://glenburniemd.net/CNET/121_Days.png
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response from Microsoft
Sep 15, 2017 9:17PM PDT

I wasted my whole day-7-8 hours being disconnected 4-5 times the last thing they did was download a whole windows program and I went to the bathroom it finished and I was left a message to leave the download up and they would call me tomorrow between 5-7PM .I'm not sure if I can be available,but when I called back they disconnected me again.They were in India,and didn't seem to have good knowlege-even the level 2(supervisor) who downloaded a whole update. The latest tech before the last disconnect said there is a newer version than the one downloaded ,maybe tomorrow it'l be fixed, if I can get the call,but Ill be busy doing some of the things I was supposed to do today

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Windows error
Sep 19, 2017 8:07PM PDT

What's up with all this Google stuff? It's a Microsoft issue so all you have to do it go to Microsoft.com and type your question into their search line. Kind of like going through Europe to get to Hawaii isn't it?

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Hi, I was able to get them to fresh install of windows
Sep 24, 2017 10:08AM PDT

It took over 3 days and many hours/disconnections and failures of them getting back to me at certain times but I have a fresh version of windows on this laptop. What the problem was is that my computer had the first version( build) of windows ever made and updates no longer existed  I dont know why it didnt auto update.