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17 May 2024  Ashley S. Miller  Specialist of Customer Service Dept.
 

Summary
Discover proven solutions for resolving the 0x80080008 Windows update error, and ensure data safety by backing up files before attempting repairs.



Table of contents

table iconI. What is the 0x80080008 error, and what is the reason for this error?
table iconII. Use Renee Becca to back up data before repairing the fault
table iconIII. How to fix the 0x80080008 error when updating Windows?
0x80080008 error

I. What is the 0x80080008 error, and what is the reason for this error?

When you attempt to manually check for or install updates, you may encounter the Error code 0×80080008. This usually stems from the incorrect installation or unregistration of certain files in the latest Windows Update. Furthermore, this error code could be a result of a stuck Windows update process or an unsuccessful download or installation of Windows update files.
Once you’ve understood the critical aspects of the 0×80080008 error, we can move ahead with its resolution. Nevertheless, it’s highly recommended to utilize a proficient data backup tool to protect your data from potential loss during the rectification process.

II. Use Renee Becca to back up data before repairing the fault

1. What is Renee Becca?

Renee Becca is a dedicated tool for system and hard disk data backup and restoration. It assists in backing up and restoring vital data such as programs, system configuration, emails, photos, videos, documents, and bookmarks. Utilizing leading incremental/differential backup technology, it saves time and disk space. It supports system backup, partition backup, hard disk backup, file backup, and disk cloning for versatile needs.
Renee Becca - Quickly and safely back up SD card data

Fast backup Backup speed up to 3 000MB/minute

Support multiple SD cards Backup data of SD card, SDHC card and SDXC card

Incremental/differential backup technology Automatically analyze data differences between source files and backup files to save disk space

Multiple backup schemes Support system backup/partition backup/hard disk backup/file backup/disk cloning

Easy to use Even newbie can handle it in seconds

Fast backup Backup speed up to 3 000MB/minute

Support multiple SD cards Backup data of SD card, SDHC card and SDXC card

Easy to use Even newbie can handle it in seconds

Free TrialFree TrialAlready 2000 users have downloaded and try Renee Becca

2. How to backup data with Renee Becca?

Step 1: Download, install, and run Renee Becca on the computer, and select the (File Backup) option in the main interface.
click to back up files in renee becca
Step 2: Select all the files that need to be backed up in (source), and select the hard disk partition to store the backup in (destination).
how to back up files in renee becca
Using the (Scheduler), you can make a daily/weekly/monthly automatic backup plan and click (OK) to enable the automatic backup.
file backup schedule on Renee Becca
In (Backup Scheme)-(Scheme Type), you can choose a suitable backup scheme mode according to your personal needs. Renee Becca has 5 backup schemes, including version chain mode, single version mode, full mode, incremental mode, and differential mode.
backup mode of file backup on Renee Becca
Renee Becca provides 5 backup plans:

  • Version chain mode: Only the latest 5 versions are kept, and useless old versions are automatically deleted after the backup is completed.
  • Single version mode: Only the latest version is kept, and the previous version is automatically deleted after the backup is completed.
  • Full mode: Creates a full backup.
  • Incremental mode: After the initial full backup, only incremental backups are created.
  • Differential mode: After the initial full backup, only differential backups are created.
Step 3: Initiate the backup process by clicking the Backup button as per your configured settings. Keep an eye on the task bar to monitor the backup’s progress. Once the backup is complete, you can retrieve your files to the designated hard disk by using the Recovery button, if necessary.
recover backup files from renee becca
Step 4: Select the location where the files are to be restored, and click the (Recovery) button.
files recovery location
After understanding the method of backing up data, let’s continue to learn how to fix the 0×80080008 error.

III. How to fix the 0x80080008 error when updating Windows?

1. Disable antivirus software

Commonly, Windows update errors are caused by antivirus software settings. These issues transpire when the antivirus software incorrectly flags the Windows Update process as potentially damaging. To rectify this, temporarily disabling your antivirus software can help overcome Windows update problems.

2. Rename the SoftwareDistribution folder

The Software Distribution folder, utilized by Windows for temporarily storing files required for update installations, can occasionally lead to update complications. Rename this folder to potentially eliminate these issues.
Step 1: Run the computer, press the (Windows+R) key at the same time to open the run window, then enter (CMD) and click the (OK) button to open the command prompt.
windows Key + R
press win and r to run cmd
Step 2: Type the following command: net stop wuauserv and press Enter. After the command has successfully executed, restart your computer. If the system does not recognize the command, proceed as follows: right-click the Start button, navigate through to Computer Management > Services and Applications > Services. Locate and double-click on ‘Windows Update’, choose ‘Disable’ under the Startup Type, and click ‘OK‘ to confirm changes.
Disable Windows Updates
Step 3: Restart the computer, after Windows restarts, right-click the Start button, and find (Computer Management)-(Services and Applications)-(Services) in turn, make sure that Windows Update is disabled.
Step 4: Next, under the (C:\windows) installation directory, look for a folder named (SoftwareDistribution) and rename it to (SoftwareDistribution.old).
delete the files of software distribution
Step 5: Then return to the Windows Update service interface, and double-click to select the (Windows Update) service. Next, select (Manual) in (Startup Type), then click (OK).
enable windows update
Step 6: Click the Start icon – Settings (small gear icon) – (Update & security). Download the update under the “Windows Update” option.
Click the settings button

3. Run SFC and DISM scans

SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) are integral utilities in Windows that automatically scan and rectify drive errors. The former scans all shielded system files and promptly corrects detected issues, whereas the latter explores the system for damaged files and endeavors to mend recognized issues. The detailed usage methods are as follows:
Step 1: Type (cmd) in the search box on the taskbar in the lower left corner, right-click the search result, and select (Run as administrator) to open the command prompt tool.
run as administrator
Step 2: Launch the Command Prompt window and input SFC /scannow, followed by pressing the Enter key. This action triggers the System File Checker, which begins a thorough scan of the system and fixes any corrupted system files. If the problem remains even after the repair, you should move on to the succeeding step.
Enter the SFC command
Step 3: Enter the command dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth into the Command Prompt window and press the Enter key to repair corrupt system files. After completion, restart your computer to check if the problem has been resolved.
Run the dism command

4. Restart the components of Windows Update

Since the interruption of the Windows update process will cause the 0×80080008 error to occur, you can reset the Windows update process to solve the current problem. The specific steps are as follows:
Step 1: Run the computer, press (Windows+R) keys at the same time to open the run window, then type (cmd) and click (OK) to open the command prompt window.
press win and r to run cmd
Step 2: Input the following instructions sequentially, hit the (Enter) button after each one. Once all instructions have been executed, reboot the computer and attempt the update once more to verify if the issue has been resolved.

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

Type net stop wuauserv

net start wuauserv

net start cryptSvc

net start bits

net start msiserver

Type net start wuauserv