How to Fix Error Code 0x80004005: Unspecified Error?

In simple words error code 0x80004005: Unspecified error on Windows 10 is seen when the user cannot access the shared folders, files, drives, virtual machines when the Windows update fails to install. In order to solve the issue first, one has to know its orientation what it means exactly because in Microsoft books also it is defined as an unspecified error.

What is Unspecified Error [Code 0x80004005]?

Many of the Windows 10 users always complain that error code 0x80004005 normally occurred while downloading KB3087040 update. All of us know that Windows 10 was officially released in the second half of the year 2015, and recently a new update was released to make up flaws and fix bugs. Microsoft works hard to push the updates to all of its users by the mandatory update, while this time it ended up with an error for lots of users.

KB3087040 update was provided to rectify issues related to security present in the Internet Explorer Flash player. However, thousands of the users reported on online forums or other social communities that the process of downloading the updates failed, and here is the error message: “There were problems installing some updates, but we’ll try again later”. If you keep seeing such type of message and want to search the web or contact support for information, this may help you definitely: Security Update for Internet Explorer Flash Player for Windows 10 for x64/x32 based Systems (KB3087040)–Error Code 0x80004005″

Why the error code 0x80004005: Unspecified Error occurs?

This is an unspecified Error code 0x80004005 typically occurs when you use a specific program, try to access shared folders or drives, or while installing Windows updates. There are various reasons responsible for this error. However, the most common causes of this error code 0x80004005 are listed as under:

Virtual Machine Error

Any problem in the registry key affects many programs. This can be resolved by fixing

• Delete Registry Key or
• Modify Registry Values

Windows Update error

Sometimes Windows Updates could be the reason. You can fix error code 0x80004005 by

• Automatic Troubleshooter or
• Cleaning the Download Folder or
• Installing the update manually

MS Outlook error

This can be the reason for causing conflict in the system. In order to fix it try using this method

• Disable New Mail Notification
• Disable Anti-virus

Corrupt.dll file

Corrupt.dll file is a pool of codes which is used to run many programs at a time. If these files are corrupted it’s obvious to get a 0x80004005 an unspecified error.

How to Fix Unspecified Error [Code 0x80004005]?

Basically, there are many reasons for experiencing error 0x80004005 in Window 10 the above-listed causes are the possible reasons. Devicetricks is assisting with some practical solutions to fix it let’s study each one of them in details.

[Case-I] Virtual Machine Error

As we have already discussed that the error code 0x80004005 is an unspecified error. Many times this particular error code is the result of virtual machine error or when you try to access the shared folders. If you are experiencing this unspecified error on a virtual machine, then there might be issues with the registry key. To fix this error you can follow these steps:

Delete Registry Key

• Press Windows + R key and type regedit and click on OK.

• In the Registry Editor, go to the below-given location and search for the particular key inside the layer’s index. If it exists, delete it and check if the error code 0x80004005 is gone or not.
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsNT/Current Version/App Compact Flags.

Modify Registry Values

• Open the Registry Editor by opening the RUN program and typing regedit in it and pressing OK.

• Now navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\ CurrentVersion\Policies\System

• Right-Click on the System category and create a new DWORD value for a 32-bit system called Local Account Token Filter Policy and set the numeric value to 1.

• Or create a new QWORD value for a 64-bit system called Local Account Token Filter Policy and set the numeric value to 1.

• After setting the values to restart the computer.

[Case-II] Windows Update Error

Many Windows 10 users reported that while downloading KB3087040 update they are facing an unspecified error 0x80004005. As Microsoft push the update to users by mandatory update, while it ended up with a new error for various users. To fix this error follow these steps:

Run Automatic Troubleshooter

• Go to the Start menu, type Control Panel in the search box and click on it to open.

• Search for troubleshooting in the search box and select it to open it.

• Now click on View All in the left part of the window.

• Click on Windows Update. And then click on Advanced.

• After clicking Advanced check the Apply remains automatically and press the next button to follow some instruction to complete the troubleshooting.

Cleaning the Downloaded Folder

• Double click This PC and navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download.

• Press Ctrl + A to select all files and folder and delete all by pressing the delete key on the keyboard.

• Allow your computer to delete the files and folder when asked for permission.

• Empty the recycle bin and restart the computer to check whether the error 0x80004005 unspecified error has resolved or not.

Install Windows Update manually

• Open the browser and search for Microsoft Windows Update KBXXXXX download. Remember to replace KBXXXXX with KB code you want to update.

• Download the Windows Update from the official Microsoft Site. Once the download is complete double click on it and follow the instruction to complete the procedure.

[Case-III] MS Outlook Error

While sending and receiving mails many users are receiving this “unspecified error code 0x8000405: the operation failed”. Apart from this, some are receiving “0x800cc0d” while sending any mail. This issue is caused by antivirus. If you will not fix this error then your Outlook may prevent from receiving or sending emails properly, hampering you to communicate with your contacts. Moreover, you can resolve this error on your own by executing these easy steps:

Disable New Mail Notification

• Open MS Outlook and go to the File tab in the menu bar and then select Options to choose a preference.

• Select email options and uncheck the display notification for new mail arrivals followed by the OK button. After that restart your computer to save the changes.

Disable Anti Virus

• Open the Anti-Virus program installed on your PC.

• Go to settings and select Disable option from the list.

• After disabling anti-virus software, check whether the error is gone.

[Case-IV] Corrupt .dll Files or Corrupt registry Error

This error code may occur due to some corrupt .dll files or corrupt registry values. If we repair these corrupt .dll files or corrupt registry values then it can be fixed. To do so follow these steps:

• Open the Run program by pressing Windows + R key altogether and type %temp% to clear all the temp files.

• Select all the files and folders from the list by pressing Ctrl + A key and right-click to select the delete option.

• Empty the recycle bin and restart the PC.

Conclusion:

These were some possible causes with their solution to fix it. Let us know in the comment section which method worked for you? Wanna some more DeviceTricks? Stay tuned to this space to get the latest updates on errors related to Windows, macOS and Android.

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