Error message when you use the Windows Update Web site or Microsoft Update Web site to install updates: "0x80070002"

When you try to install updates from the Microsoft Windows Update Web site or the Microsoft Update Web site, you may receive the following error message:

This issue may occur if the Windows Update database on the computer is inconsistent with the database instructions in the update.

To resolve the issue, rename the Download folder. To rename the Windows Update temporary download folder, follow the steps that are appropriate for your operating system.

Important Updates that are currently downloaded but that have not yet been installed must be downloaded again by using Windows Update or Microsoft Update.

For Windows 2000, for Windows XP, and for Windows Server 2003, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, click Run, type notepad, and then click OK, or press ENTER.
2. Copy the following commands, and then paste them into the opened Notepad window:

   net stop wuauserv
   cd %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution
   ren Download Download.old
   net start wuauserv

3. On the File menu, click Save As, and then type rename.bat.
4. Click Save as type, and then select All Files.
5. Save the rename.bat file to your desktop.
6. Double-click the rename.bat file to register the Windows Update files.
7. Try to install updates again.

Notes

• If the issue is resolved, delete the rename.bat file that you created.
• When the issue is resolved, and you can successfully download and install updates, you can safely delete the Download.old folder to recover disk space.

For Windows Vista and for Windows Server 2008, follow these steps:

1. Click Start
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   , and then type notepad in the Start Search box.
2. Click Notepad in the Programs list.
3. Copy the following commands, and then paste them into the opened Notepad window:

   net stop wuauserv
   cd %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution
   ren Download Download.old
   net start wuauserv

4. On the File menu, click Save As, and then type rename.bat.
5. Click Save as type, and then select All Files (*.*).
6. Save the rename.bat file to your desktop.
7. Right-click the rename.bat file, and then click Run as administrator.
   
   If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type the password, or click Continue.
8. Try to install updates again.

Notes

• If the issue is resolved, delete the rename.bat file that you created.
• When the issue is resolved, and you can successfully download and install updates, you can safely delete the Download.old folder to recover disk space.