Unable to update since 1903 - Error 0x80070002

Hi, given that you're on 1903, have you ever done anything to disable Windows Update, whether by a 3rd party tool or using 'target feature update', for example? I.e. how is it you've been on 1903 for so long?

Have you ever disabled any services or applied relevant tweaks?

That, if so, must be dealt with first.

Then as a matter of routine,
a. check your disk(s) (Hard Disk Sentinel- result right on GuI good for SSDs too- excellent)
b. If ok, from an admin command prompt run
chkdsk c: /scan
c. If ok, similarly from an admin command prompt run
SFC /SCANNOW
and chekc it passes

No specs for your PC. Tablet? Desktop? Laptop? Age? - no idea.
Please complete these including disk(s) - tutorial available in the huge searchable Tutorials section.
Click 'My computers' below my post for examples.

Many things can prevent an upgrade, even where nothing has been done to disable Windows Update.

Let's start there. Thanks.

I cannot find the Windows Remediation Service

- there is no such thing running normally. I guess you're referring to KB4023057 itself.
What is Windows Setup Remediation in Windows? Can I remove it?

I would like to avoid formatting the PC for a series of settings applied to the PC,

- I assume therefore you've been in the habit of using disk imaging regularly and routinely which potentially helps you recover from problems and avoid a clean install, and can be used to transfer your accounts or complete build to a new PC or installation of Windows.

Normally disabling the Windows Update service is too trivial and defeated by MS. When I wanted to stay on 1903 I used Sledgehammer - a script.

Please confirm the Windows Update troubleshooter passes (post a screenshot).

I will assume no other services were disabled, or blocking methods were applied.

Reset Windows Update in Windows 10
would include much of what you've done, probably more.

The easiest and most routine way to deal with this is likely to be an in-place upgrade repair install which like any upgrade keeps all progs and data and most settings.

You could try the Windows Update Assistant.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/...a-fba2ac36fb3f

Ok, assuming there is nothing set to block updates, please proceed to an in-place upgrade repair install - for which you'll need a 1903 iso file (freely downloadable- see tutorial) (or a 1903 install disk would do).

Tutorials available if needed. Short form instructions posted in multiple threads.

Note that if there is significant corruption or particular issues an in-place upgrade repair can also fail - if so, that can be near impossible to diagnose.

When you uninstalled AVG did you use their cleanup/removal tool or just uninstall the usual way? You may need to use their tool to cleanup any leftovers which may be preventing wu from running.
However if wu has been blocked by a script then you may need to find the registry entry it blocked & undo this.
Have you tried resetting the update components?
Open cmd prompt/powershell with admin & enter:
Net Stop bits
Net Stop wuauserv
Net Stop appidsvc
Net Stop cryptsvc
Ren %Systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore DataStore.bak
Ren %Systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution\Download Download.bak
Ren %Systemroot%\System32\catroot2 catroot2.bak
Del "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\qmgr*.dat"
Net Start bits
Net Start wuauserv
Net Start appidsvc
Net Start cryptsvc
Restart the PC & try updating again.


And/or:
Search for services.msc & find Windows Update & ensure it is set to Automatic.

Good point on AVG which could be significant for upgrade failures.

The rest is included - and more- in the script in the tutorial I cited in post #4.

dalchina said:

Good point on AVG which could be significant for upgrade failures.

The rest is included - and more- in the script in the tutorial I cited in post #4.