What is error code 0x80073712 in Windows Server?

The error code 0x80073712 in Windows Server, often encountered during Windows Update, indicates that a file needed by Windows Update is damaged or missing. This issue typically prevents updates from installing correctly, signaling a problem with the Windows Component Store or system files crucial for the update process.

Understanding Error Code 0x80073712

Error 0x80073712 is a common Windows Update error that signifies corruption within the Windows Component Store (WinSxS folder) or other critical system files. When Windows Update attempts to install updates, it relies on these files. If they are corrupted or missing, the update process fails, and this specific error code is returned.

Error Code	Description	Common Cause	Impact
0x80073712	CBS_E_INVALID_WINDOWS_UPDATE_SOURCE	Damaged or missing system files required for Windows Update operation.	Prevents installation of new updates, security patches, and feature updates.

Common Causes of 0x80073712

Several factors can lead to corrupted or missing files, triggering error 0x80073712:

• Corrupted Windows Component Store: The WinSxS folder, which stores components for Windows functions and updates, can become corrupted.
• Damaged System Files: Essential system files used by Windows Update may be compromised due to disk errors, software conflicts, or malware.
• Incomplete or Failed Updates: Previous update attempts that did not complete successfully can leave system files in an inconsistent state.
• Hard Drive Issues: Bad sectors or other disk problems can prevent Windows from reading or writing necessary files correctly.

Practical Solutions for 0x80073712

Addressing error 0x80073712 typically involves repairing the Windows Component Store and verifying system file integrity. Windows provides built-in troubleshooting tools that can help you address this problem effectively.

1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

The first step is always to run the built-in troubleshooter, which can often automatically detect and fix common update issues.

• On Windows Server 2016/2019/2022:
  1. Open Settings > Update & Security (or System > Troubleshoot in newer versions) > Troubleshoot.
  2. Select Additional troubleshooters.
  3. Choose Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.

2. Utilize System File Checker (SFC)

The System File Checker tool scans for and repairs corrupted Windows system files.

• Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
• Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
• Allow the scan to complete. It may take some time.
• Restart the server after the scan finishes, even if no violations were found or repaired.

3. Deploy and Imaging Servicing and Management (DISM) Tool

If SFC fails to resolve the issue, the Windows Component Store itself might be corrupted. The DISM tool can repair this underlying corruption.

• Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
• Run the following commands in order:
  1. Check for corruption: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  2. Scan for corruption: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  3. Repair corruption: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
• For the RestoreHealth command, Windows will attempt to download repair files from Windows Update. If the server cannot access Windows Update (e.g., due to proxy issues or if the error prevents it), you might need to specify a source for the repair files using a mounted Windows ISO or a network share containing the install.wim file:
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:WIM:X:\Sources\Install.wim:1 /LimitAccess
  (Replace X: with the drive letter of your mounted ISO or the path to your source files).
• After running DISM, run sfc /scannow again.
• Restart the server.

For more details on DISM, refer to Repair a Windows Image.

4. Reset Windows Update Components

In some cases, resetting the Windows Update components can clear temporary glitches. This involves stopping related services, clearing the update cache, and then restarting the services.

• Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
• Stop Windows Update services:
  • net stop wuauserv
  • net stop cryptSvc
  • net stop bits
  • net stop msiserver
• Rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders:
  • ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  • ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
• Start Windows Update services:
  • net start wuauserv
  • net start cryptSvc
  • net start bits
  • net start msiserver
• Attempt to run Windows Update again.

5. Check Disk for Errors

Disk corruption can cause file damage. Running chkdsk can help identify and fix logical and physical errors on the hard drive.

• Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
• Type chkdsk /f /r and press Enter.
• You will likely be prompted to schedule the check for the next restart. Type Y and press Enter.
• Restart the server. The check will run before Windows boots.

By systematically applying these solutions, administrators can typically resolve error 0x80073712 and ensure their Windows Server systems remain up-to-date and secure.