Error code 0x80004005 on Windows 10 or 11 is a frequent problem with several potential causes and solutions. It is not an unusual occurrence and can be fixed by making an effort to address the following problems.
What Causes Error Code 0x80004005?
Error code 0x80004005 often arises when Windows is unable to access a file or folder.
The following could be the reason for such an error to appear:
- Your Windows user account appears to lack the necessary ownership or permissions to access the file or folder.
- You are using a program that is not designed to open or extract encrypted data, such as ZIP files, from an encrypted archive.
- The files cannot be accessed because of the antivirus program on your device
- The network connection is hindered by an incorrect network configuration option or an unresponsive service.
- File corruption is the cause of the faulty Windows Update.
How to fix Error code 0x80004005?
Fix 1: Archive File Errors Fix
File Explorer is a tool that can extract ZIP files but is not compatible with other archive file formats like RARs, 7Zs, and Tarballs. These files often have encryption features that require a password. File Explorer does not support these sophisticated capabilities, causing errors like “Error 0x80004005: Unspecified Error”.
The solution is simple: Use a different program that supports encrypted files.
Applications for managing archive files include the free programs 7-Zip and PeaZip. Although neither WinZip nor WinRAR are completely free, they are still great options.
Fix 2: Windows Update Issues
When a Windows update is launched following a power loss or internet outage, error 0x80004005 is encountered. To fix the problem, use the built-in troubleshooter. If that doesn’t work, then restart the service and manually delete the update file or if a faulty download is the cause of the problem, restarting the service should fix it.
Fix 3: Network-Related Issues
Error Code 0x80004005 can appear in several situations and is generally experienced while attempting to connect to Network-Attached Storage (NAS). Although the nature of the problem is unknown, it is advised to verify all settings on your computer
Fix 4: Check the SMB (Server Message Block) Settings.
SMB is a protocol for client-server communication between machines on a network, primarily used for computer-to-printer or network area system communication. Currently, SMBv2 and SMBv3 are widely used due to security concerns.
SMB Error Causes:
• SMB service not running.
• AllowInsecureGuestAuth disabled.
• NAS requires SMBv1.
The SMB service’s performance can be monitored by running the following command in an elevated command prompt, PowerShell, or Windows Terminal:
sc.exe qc lanmanworkstation
Fix 5: Fix Local File Errors
When trying to read or alter a file or folder locally on Windows, PCs or networked devices, Error Code 0x80004005 may appear for several reasons.
Fix 6: Permission or Ownership Issues
The 0x80004005 error may be due to permissions or ownership issues with local files. To resolve this issue, check if your user account has ownership of the file or folder causing the issue, and if not, take ownership of the file or folder.
The next thing you should do after taking ownership of the file is to manually change the permissions. To do that-
Right-click the file or folder and click “Properties.”
Fix 7: Disable Antivirus
Antivirus software can be configured to protect against specific files and folders, but this can sometimes cause issues when using a PC.
Disabling the antivirus is the easiest way to resolve the issue, with instructions provided on the software’s website. Although Microsoft Defender Antivirus is not likely to be the root cause, checking the same is always recommended.
Fix 8: Issue with Your Hard Drive, SSD, or Windows
Identifying if the issue is due to Windows corruption or hardware is challenging. Attempting to resolve the problem is the most practical diagnostic tool, as it won’t worsen the situation.
To resolve Error 0x80004005, execute three commands: Chkdsk, DISM, and SFC.
- Start PowerShell or Command Prompt as administrator.
- Scans may take time, so don’t rush.
- After scanning, restart your computer and check if Error 0x80004005 is still present.
Other Troubleshooting Steps
Error 0x80004005 is a common error code that indicates that a file or folder cannot be opened correctly, which can appear in less obvious situations involving specific programs, making it difficult to prescribe a precise solution due to the wide variety of programs involved.
When debugging a program, ensure it can access necessary files and directories, operate as intended, and doesn’t damage any files. To do this, turn off antivirus software, execute the program as administrator, and then completely remove and reinstall the program.
