Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc

Anonymous
2015-03-23T22:21:12+00:00

Hi, I receive this error code when i try to open Windows Defender and it says: An error as occurred, in the program during initialization. If this problem continues, please contact your system administrator. Error code 0x80073afc. And in the Action Center it says that Windows Defender is turned off.

Please help!

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Security and privacy

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  1. Anonymous
    2015-03-28T00:37:59+00:00

    I am having the same error message.  I have followed all the steps, System Restore, McFee removal, Windows Safety Scanner etc. but the problem persists.  I cannot find Windows Defender listed anywhere.  Next I tried:

    • From an elevated command prompt, change directory to “%programfiles%\Windows Defender” (eg: c:\Program Files\Windows Defender)

    I am not sure I found the elevated command prompt;  I found the command prompt that showed C;/rharris1949 and typed in Program Files\Windows Defender at the blinking cursor but it would not accept it.  Please direct me how to find the spot to enter it.

    • In the command prompt, run:       MpCmdRun.exe -GetFiles

    Tried this command at the blinking cursor but would not accept it.  Am I entering it in the right spot?  If not please direct me more specifically where to enter it

    Thank you

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  2. Anonymous
    2015-03-26T23:58:01+00:00

    The System Restore solved the problem.

    Uh-huh...

    Have you ever run the Norton Removal Tool and/or or the McAfee Consumer Products Removal Tool?

    What Definitions version is currently displayed in Defender's Update tab?

    Figure 1: Windows Defender Update tab

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  3. Anonymous
    2015-03-26T21:03:08+00:00

    Thanks for all the help! The System Restore solved the problem.

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  5. Anonymous
    2015-03-26T18:56:58+00:00

    Hi Robynn:

    I am an engineer in the Windows Defender team. If you could get us some logs, we could investigate the issue and report back any findings on this thread.

    • From an elevated command prompt, change directory to “%programfiles%\Windows Defender” (eg: c:\Program Files\Windows Defender)
    • In the command prompt, run:       MpCmdRun.exe -GetFiles
    • The output in the command prompt will show the path to a cab file. Please share the resultant cab with us by uploading the file to your OneDrive and sharing a link to the file.

    Thank you.

    Hi, I receive this error code when i try to open Windows Defender and it says: An error as occurred, in the program during initialization. If this problem continues, please contact your system administrator. Error code 0x80073afc. And in the Action Center it says that Windows Defender is turned off.

    Please help!

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