How to Fix Windows Error 0x80004005 (Unspecified Error)
Quick Fix Summary
TL;DRRun the System File Checker (SFC) and DISM tools to repair corrupted system files.
Error 0x80004005 is a generic COM+ or Windows Update failure indicating a permissions, registry, or system file corruption issue. It often blocks critical operations like software installation, updates, or system restore.
Diagnosis & Causes
Recovery Steps
Step 1: Run System File Checker (SFC)
Scans and repairs corrupted or missing protected system files.
sfc /scannowStep 2: Run DISM Tool
Repairs the Windows image that SFC uses. Run this if SFC fails.
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /RestorehealthStep 3: Reset Windows Update Components
Stops services, renames cache folders, and restarts the Windows Update stack.
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserverStep 4: Re-register Windows DLLs
Re-registers common DLLs associated with COM+ and system operations.
for %i in (mshtml.dll, urlmon.dll, msjava.dll, shdocvw.dll, browseui.dll, jscript.dll, vbscript.dll, scrrun.dll, msxml.dll, msxml3.dll, msxml6.dll, actxprxy.dll, softpub.dll, wintrust.dll, dssenh.dll, rsaenh.dll, gpkcsp.dll, sccbase.dll, slbcsp.dll, cryptdlg.dll) do regsvr32 /s %iStep 5: Check and Repair Registry Permissions (Advanced)
Resets permissions for the COM+ Catalog registry key, a common root cause.
secedit /configure /cfg %windir%\inf\defltbase.inf /db defltbase.sdb /verbose
icacls "HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID" /grant "SYSTEM":(F) /T /C
icacls "HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID" /grant "Administrators":(F) /T /CStep 6: Perform a Clean Boot
Boot with minimal drivers and startup programs to isolate software conflicts.
msconfigArchitect's Pro Tip
"If the error occurs during a specific app install, run the installer as Administrator with the `/log` switch and check the verbose log for the exact failing COM call."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is error 0x80004005 a virus?
No, it's a system error. However, malware can corrupt files causing it. Run a full antivirus scan after applying the fixes.
Which solution fixes it the most often?
The combination of SFC, DISM, and resetting Windows Update components (Steps 1-3) resolves over 80% of occurrences.
Do I need to restart after each step?
Yes. A restart is required after Steps 1, 2, 3, and 5 for changes to take full effect. Always restart before moving to the next step if the error persists.