Fix Error Code 0x80004005

Causes of Error Code 0x80004005

Error code 0x80004005 often occurs when accessing shared folders or drives, using specific programs, or encountering issues with Windows updates. Common causes include:

•  Issues with Windows Update.
• Moving or renaming files and folders.
• Windows notification problems
• Difficulties opening or extracting compressed files and folders.

Error 0x80004005 is an unspecified Windows error code that usually appears as “Error Code 0x80004005. Unspecified error.” This error may occur alone or alongside other messages. Occasionally, additional text can help identify the source of the problem.

How to Fix Error Code 0x80004005

Follow these steps in order to troubleshoot error code 0x80004005:

1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter. This error can occur when an automatic Windows Update fails or when files downloaded by Windows Update become corrupted. On Windows 7 or later, the easiest way to address update issues is to use the built-in automatic troubleshooter.

2. Delete everything in the Windows Update download folder. If the troubleshooter doesn’t resolve the issue, open Windows File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution, for Windows 11 or C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download for earlier versions, then delete all contents in the folder.

3. Run Windows Update. If the issue is linked to Windows Update, you may need to complete downloading and installing updates. After using the troubleshooter and manually deleting files in the Windows Update folder, run Windows Update again.

4. Delete temporary files. A corrupt temporary file can sometimes trigger error 0x80004005. Use the Windows Disk Cleanup tool or type %temp% in the search bar to locate the Temp folder and remove all its contents.

5. Disable Outlook mail notifications. This error can occur when Microsoft Outlook tries to notify you about new messages. If disabling notifications resolves the issue, try starting Outlook in Safe Mode. If successful, a simple reinstall might fix the problem.

6. Disable Windows Defender. Sometimes, antivirus software can flag a false positive with the Microsoft Outlook app. If error code 0x80004005 occurs while using Outlook and disabling notifications hasn’t helped, turning off antivirus software might resolve the issue. Also, disable Norton Antivirus and other third-party antivirus programs you use.

   Disabling antivirus software leaves your system vulnerable to malware. Try different free antivirus programs to find one that doesn’t conflict with your applications.

7. Use a different unzip program. If the error occurs while extracting or opening compressed files, such as .zip or .rar files, try a different extraction tool.

8. Re-register jscript.dll and vbscript.dll. If the error still appears after trying other extraction tools, re-registering these dynamic link libraries (DLLs) may help.

   Open the Command Prompt as an administrator, type regsvr32 jscript.dll, and press Enter. Then, type regsvr32 vbscript.dll and press Enter.

9. Add a key to the Windows Registry.  If you suspect error 0x80004005 is related to copying or moving files, open the Windows Registry Editor and navigate to HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System.

   • On a 32-bit system, create a new DWORD registry value called LocalAccountTokenFilterPolicy.
   • On a 64-bit system, create a QWORD registry value called LocalAccountTokenFilterPolicy.

   Set the value to numeric 1 (on), in both cases, and click OK. Afterward, restart the Windows PC to see if the problem is resolved.

   

   Don’t delete or change anything in the Windows registry unless you’re sure about the modifications.

10. Contact support. If none of these solutions work, or you prefer not to alter the Windows Registry, contact customer support for your Windows PC. The manufacturer may offer potential solutions.