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
    2015-04-03T00:37:54+00:00

    Split from this thread.

    Hello

    I run Windows 8.1.  I tried all the steps listed, 1 thru 7 in the Wiki article Problems starting Windows Defender in Windows 8/8.1, except the Run the System File Checker tool (SFC.exe)  I tried to run it as listed but when the elevated command prompt came up rather than seeing C:/Windows/system32> I see C:/Users/rharris49.  When I try to enter sfc/scannow it does not recognize it.  I also tried

    C:/Users/rharris49Windows/system32>sfc/scannow but it would not accept it. 

    Can you give me another way to start the SFC so that I may try that?

    Also why can I not find Windows Defender anywhere?

    Thanks

    Ron

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  2. Anonymous
    2015-04-03T17:36:23+00:00

    [withdrawn]

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  4. Anonymous
    2015-05-07T19:52:23+00:00

    hi i have recently had the same problem. try going into settings check for update view the details and be sure to download the windows defender update

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  5. Anonymous
    2015-05-16T01:33:21+00:00

    I have done all of the steps you mentioned and now when I open my Action Center and attempt to "turn on" Windows Defender, it immediately takes me to the OS (C:) \WINDOWS\win32 folder in the File Explorer which has 3,410 items in it.  I am stumped at this point.  Have done quick scan, full scan, and searched for updates.

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