Windows update Error 0x80070005 - Need a fix? Click here.

Anonymous
2009-07-02T19:01:34+00:00

The error code 0x80070005 is also described as ACCESS DENIED. 

Please follow these instructions if you are encountering this error code when checking or installing updates via Windows Udpate. 

To correct the problem, you can try the steps below. Keep in mind that these steps are still experimental. I look forward to your feedback and results. For the long term, we hope that we can create an automated solution for all.

  1. Download and install SubInACL from the Microsoft Download Center http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&id=23510
  2. Open Notepad (Click Start, type Notepad, and then press Enter)
  3. Copy and paste the following text into Notepad

Set OSBIT=32

IF exist "%ProgramFiles(x86)%" set OSBIT=64

set RUNNINGDIR=%ProgramFiles%

IF %OSBIT% == 64 set RUNNINGDIR=%ProgramFiles(x86)%

subinacl /subkeyreg "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Component Based Servicing" /grant="nt service\trustedinstaller"=f

  1. Close Notepad, and make sure you save it. When you save the text, make sure that you set

Save as Type to “All Files (*.*)”. Very important! The file name needs end with .CMD. For example: fix.cmd. Lastly, when you save the file, make sure you save it at a location where it will be easy for you to find.

  1. Right click on the file that you just saved in step #4, and select “Run as Adminstrator”

To confirm that you have the symptoms and to validate the problem, please see the below:

The following is applicable to Windows 7 and Windows Vista .

  1. Download AccessChk (Sysinternals).  This tool allows you to evaluate the access level of specific users or groups of resources including files, directories, Registry keys, global objects and Windows services.  Here's the link to download the tool: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb664922.aspx

2. Save the zip file on your desktop, and extract the file:

  • Right click on the file, and select Extract All...
  • Click Next when prompted for the Destination.

As a result, you should see a folder called AccessChk  on your desktop.

  1. Open the folder AccessChk 
  2. Hold the shift-key and right click in the window.  Select "Open Command Prompt Here"
  3. A command prompt window should open with a similar prompt:

C:\Users<USERNAME>\Desktop\accesschk>

6.  Type the following command, and press Enter:

accesschk.exe -s -n "nt service\trustedinstaller" -k "hklm\software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Component Based Servicing" >accesskchk.txt

Tip: You should be able to copy and paste the command into the command prompt.

  1. Close the Command Prompt Window.  Open the Accesschk folder on yoru desktop (if it has been closed).
  2. Double click on Accesschk.txt (the text file), this should open Notepad.

9.  Copy and Paste your results with a new question on the Windows Update forum.  (Make sure you write 0x80070005 in the subject line).

Cheers!

Kim N. L.

Microsoft Partner Technical Technical Lead

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2011-10-13T21:55:56+00:00

Hello all,

I would like to apologize for the delayed response on this thread.  All the results (logs) that you have all posted in the thread are helpful.    Based on the various results, it’s evident that the problem has a common cause.  

Here’s a little background on the problem that you are experiencing:

When you use Windows Update to install updates for Windows Vista and Windows 7, the process relies on the Windows Module Installer (trustedinstaller.exe).  The TrustedInstaller is the online interface to the servicing stack.  To keep things simple, it’s one of the most important components when you install updates.   This method also allows Windows to be serviced (to install updates) without the need of an administrator.  In fact, when the components of Windows are being updated, it’s the TrustedInstaller that is used to update the operating system files. 

Furthermore, when you look at the security settings of certain servicing components of Windows, you would notice that the TrustedInstaller is the only item listed under the User Name and Groups with full permissions.   This is only true if the respective folder or registry key is kept at its default state.  In other words, changes to these security settings would cause the ACCESS DENIED (0x80070005).  It’s difficult to associate a culprit to the unwanted changes.   A possible cause that was previously mentioned is malware.

Awhile ago, I asked the community to run a Sysinternal Tool known as Access Check to capture the details of the problem.  The output of the tool would list all of the servicing components where the security permissions restricted the TrustedInstaller.  As a result, when you try to install updates for Windows, you would obtain the error 0x80070005 – also known as ACCESS DENIED.  In summary, it is the TrustedInstaller that has been denied of access to a component that it should have access to.

Here’s an example of the output:

HKLM\software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Component Based Servicing\Retry Agent

HKLM\software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Component Based Servicing\Sqm

HKLM\software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Component Based Servicing\Sqm\VistaSP1-KB936330~31bf3856ad364e35~x86~~6.0.1.18000

HKLM\software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Component Based Servicing\Sqm\VistaSP1-KB936330~31bf3856ad364e35~x86~~6.0.1.18000\InstallCounter

As you can see from the above, there are four registry keys with unexpected security settings.

...The Solution...

To correct the problem, you can try the steps below.  Keep in mind that these steps are still experimental.   I look forward to your feedback and results.  For the long term, we hope that we can create an automated solution for all.

1.       Download and install  SubInACL from the Microsoft Download Center http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&id=23510

2.       Open Notepad (Click Start, type Notepad, and then press Enter)

3.       Copy and paste the following text into Notepad

Set OSBIT=32

IF exist "%ProgramFiles(x86)%" set OSBIT=64

set RUNNINGDIR=%ProgramFiles%

IF %OSBIT% == 64 set RUNNINGDIR=%ProgramFiles(x86)%

subinacl /subkeyreg "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Component Based Servicing" /grant="nt service\trustedinstaller"=f

4.       Close Notepad, and make sure you save it.  When you save the text, make sure that you set

Save as Type to “All Files (*.*)”.  Very important!  The file name needs end with .CMD.  For example:  fix.cmd.  Lastly, when you save the file, make sure you save it at a location where it will be easy for you to find.

5.       Right click on the file that you just saved in step #4, and select “Run as Adminstrator”

Thanks and I look forward to your feedback.

Kim

Was this answer helpful?

700+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

128 additional answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2012-01-29T22:39:15+00:00

    The error code 0x80070005 is also described as ACCESS DENIED. 

    Please follow these instructions if you are encountering this error code when checking or installing updates via Windows Udpate. 

    To correct the problem, you can try the steps below. Keep in mind that these steps are still experimental. I look forward to your feedback and results. For the long term, we hope that we can create an automated solution for all.

    1. Download and install SubInACL from the Microsoft Download Center http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&id=23510
    2. Open Notepad (Click Start, type Notepad, and then press Enter)
    3. Copy and paste the following text into Notepad

    Set OSBIT=32

    IF exist "%ProgramFiles(x86)%" set OSBIT=64

    set RUNNINGDIR=%ProgramFiles%

    IF %OSBIT% == 64 set RUNNINGDIR=%ProgramFiles(x86)%

    subinacl /subkeyreg "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Component Based Servicing" /grant="nt service\trustedinstaller"=f

    1. Close Notepad, and make sure you save it. When you save the text, make sure that you set

    Save as Type to “All Files (*.*)”. Very important! The file name needs end with .CMD. For example: fix.cmd. Lastly, when you save the file, make sure you save it at a location where it will be easy for you to find.

    1. Right click on the file that you just saved in step #4, and select “Run as Adminstrator”

     

    To confirm that you have the symptoms and to validate the problem, please see the below:

     

    The following is applicable to Windows 7 and Windows Vista .

    1. Download AccessChk (Sysinternals).  This tool allows you to evaluate the access level of specific users or groups of resources including files, directories, Registry keys, global objects and Windows services.  Here's the link to download the tool: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb664922.aspx

    2. Save the zip file on your desktop, and extract the file:

    • Right click on the file, and select Extract All...
    • Click Next when prompted for the Destination.

    As a result, you should see a folder called AccessChk  on your desktop.

    1. Open the folder AccessChk 
    2. Hold the shift-key and right click in the window.  Select "Open Command Prompt Here"
    3. A command prompt window should open with a similar prompt:

    C:\Users<USERNAME>\Desktop\accesschk>

    6.  Type the following command, and press Enter:

    accesschk.exe -s -n "nt service\trustedinstaller" -k "hklm\software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Component Based Servicing" >accesskchk.txt

    Tip: You should be able to copy and paste the command into the command prompt.

    1. Close the Command Prompt Window.  Open the Accesschk folder on yoru desktop (if it has been closed).
    2. Double click on Accesschk.txt (the text file), this should open Notepad.

    9.  Copy and Paste your results with a new question on the Windows Update forum.  (Make sure you write 0x80070005 in the subject line).

    Cheers!

    Kim N. L.

    Microsoft Partner Technical Technical Lead

    Hi Kim,

            My third time on the above error (0x80070005). Usually it appears soon after start-up but not all the time--sometimes it doesn't appear. I don't know what 'unauthorised change was made to windows' but on clicking the link in the window I am directed to a MS website that then checks to see if my windows is genuine (which it is). When I run the diagnostic you have (above) I still get the:

    Error opening HKLM\software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Component Based Servicing:Access is denied.

    No matching objects found.

    At this stage I don't know how it is impacting on my system--the disabling of MS Security Essentials probably had no impact as enabling it doesn't always lead to the error message. When I check for windows updates there do not seem to be any problems other than the message that none are available recently.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2012-01-30T18:58:45+00:00

    The error code 0x80070005 is also described as ACCESS DENIED. 

    Please follow these instructions if you are encountering this error code when checking or installing updates via Windows Udpate. 

    To correct the problem, you can try the steps below. Keep in mind that these steps are still experimental. I look forward to your feedback and results. For the long term, we hope that we can create an automated solution for all.

    1. Download and install SubInACL from the Microsoft Download Center http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&id=23510
    2. Open Notepad (Click Start, type Notepad, and then press Enter)
    3. Copy and paste the following text into Notepad

    Set OSBIT=32

    IF exist "%ProgramFiles(x86)%" set OSBIT=64

    set RUNNINGDIR=%ProgramFiles%

    IF %OSBIT% == 64 set RUNNINGDIR=%ProgramFiles(x86)%

    subinacl /subkeyreg "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Component Based Servicing" /grant="nt service\trustedinstaller"=f

    1. Close Notepad, and make sure you save it. When you save the text, make sure that you set

    Save as Type to “All Files (*.*)”. Very important! The file name needs end with .CMD. For example: fix.cmd. Lastly, when you save the file, make sure you save it at a location where it will be easy for you to find.

    1. Right click on the file that you just saved in step #4, and select “Run as Adminstrator”

     

    To confirm that you have the symptoms and to validate the problem, please see the below:

     

    The following is applicable to Windows 7 and Windows Vista .

    1. Download AccessChk (Sysinternals).  This tool allows you to evaluate the access level of specific users or groups of resources including files, directories, Registry keys, global objects and Windows services.  Here's the link to download the tool: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb664922.aspx

    2. Save the zip file on your desktop, and extract the file:

    • Right click on the file, and select Extract All...
    • Click Next when prompted for the Destination.

    As a result, you should see a folder called AccessChk  on your desktop.

    1. Open the folder AccessChk 
    2. Hold the shift-key and right click in the window.  Select "Open Command Prompt Here"
    3. A command prompt window should open with a similar prompt:

    C:\Users<USERNAME>\Desktop\accesschk>

    6.  Type the following command, and press Enter:

    accesschk.exe -s -n "nt service\trustedinstaller" -k "hklm\software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Component Based Servicing" >accesskchk.txt

    Tip: You should be able to copy and paste the command into the command prompt.

    1. Close the Command Prompt Window.  Open the Accesschk folder on yoru desktop (if it has been closed).
    2. Double click on Accesschk.txt (the text file), this should open Notepad.

    9.  Copy and Paste your results with a new question on the Windows Update forum.  (Make sure you write 0x80070005 in the subject line).

    Cheers!

    Kim N. L.

    Microsoft Partner Technical Technical Lead

    Hi Kim,

            My third time on the above error (0x80070005). Usually it appears soon after start-up but not all the time--sometimes it doesn't appear. I don't know what 'unauthorised change was made to windows' but on clicking the link in the window I am directed to a MS website that then checks to see if my windows is genuine (which it is). When I run the diagnostic you have (above) I still get the:

     

    Error opening HKLM\software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Component Based Servicing:Access is denied.

    No matching objects found.

     

    At this stage I don't know how it is impacting on my system--the disabling of MS Security Essentials probably had no impact as enabling it doesn't always lead to the error message. When I check for windows updates there do not seem to be any problems other than the message that none are available recently.

    Hi clairestatter,

    The steps that you described to resolve the problem are odd.  Nonetheless, you shouldn't need to use multiple anti-malware software.  By using multiple anti-virus programs, this can also affect the performance of your PC.

    Kim

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2012-02-01T01:42:17+00:00

    I am windows xp my problem was data encryption protection (DEP) and the access denied. I solved my problem by following  Robert P. Forum Moderator advice.

    "If your EXE file associations are corrupted, it can be difficult to open REGEDIT, or to even import REG files.  To work around this, press CTRL-ALT-DEL and open Task Manager.  Once there, click File, then hold down the CTRL key and click New Task (Run).  This will open a Command Prompt window.  Enter REGEDIT.EXE and press Enter. (cited from http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file\_assoc.htm in previous post)

    Run the .lnk and .exe fixes from here:

     Windows® XP File Association Fixes

    http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file\_assoc.htm

    ====================================================================================================================================

    Article ID: 956703

    Keywords:KB956703

    If you are running Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, or Windows 2000, follow these steps:

        Click Start, click Run, type notepad, and then click OK.

        Copy the following commands, and then paste them into the Notepad window:

        REGSVR32 WUPS2.DLL /S

        REGSVR32 WUPS.DLL /S

        REGSVR32 WUAUENG.DLL /S

        REGSVR32 WUAPI.DLL /S

        REGSVR32 MUCLTUI.DLL /S

        REGSVR32 WUCLTUI.DLL /S

        REGSVR32 WUWEB.DLL /S

        REGSVR32 MUWEB.DLL /S

        REGSVR32 QMGR.DLL /S

        REGSVR32 QMGRPRXY.DLL /S

        On the Notepad File menu, click Save As.

        In the Save as type list, click All Files (*.*).

        In the File name box, type register.bat.

        Save the register.bat file to your desktop.

        Double-click the register.bat file to register the Windows Update files.

        Try to install updates again.

    If you are running Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008, follow these steps:

        Click Start

        Start button

        , and then type notepad in the Start Search box.

        Click Notepad in the Programs list.

        Copy the following commands, and then paste them into the Notepad window:

        REGSVR32 WUPS2.DLL /S

        REGSVR32 WUPS.DLL /S

        REGSVR32 WUAUENG.DLL /S

        REGSVR32 WUAPI.DLL /S

        REGSVR32 WUCLTUX.DLL /S

        REGSVR32 WUWEBV.DLL /S 

        REGSVR32 JSCRIPT.DLL /S

        REGSVR32 MSXML3.DLL /S

        On the Notepad File menu, click Save As.

        In the Save as type list, click All Files.

        In the File name box, type register.bat.

        Save the register.bat file to your desktop.

        Right-click the register.bat file, and then click Run as administrator.

        User Account Control permission

        If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type the password, or click Continue.

        Try to install updates again.

    Note If this method does not resolve your problem, go to Method 2.

    Method 2: Download and install the Windows Update agent

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2012-02-13T17:18:54+00:00

    Why can this not just be fixed with an update?

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments