How to easily fix error code 80072f8f

Error Code 80072f8f – What is it?

Error Code 80072f8f is a specific Windows Vista error that often appears when a user attempts to connect to the Windows Update server but the connection fails. Whilst users can still connect to the internet, this error will stop a user from updating his or her version of Windows. With outdated versions of Windows being a big target for malicious activity and viruses, it’s important that the issue is resolved quickly.

Common symptoms include:

Updates cannot be downloaded or installed
Without the latest updates, security holes can be exploited in outdated versions of Windows
Firewall and Windows security may become compromised

Error Code 80072f8f can be resolved but there are a number of methods that a user must attempt to resolve the issue. Because of the variety of causes, including anti-virus mishandling, incorrect date/time settings and corrupted DLL files, the best bet is to try to fix the issue below with the information we have provided.

Solution

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Error Causes

Error Code 80072f8f can be caused by a number of issues, but the most obvious ones are related to incorrect date/time settings or an issue with your anti-virus software. In some cases, your PC files may have been corrupted and this can cause the error code too.

Further Information and Manual Repair

If you would like to resolve error code 80072f8f manually, you must follow the steps we have provided below. Each of the listed methods can be used to resolve a different cause for the issue, so we’d suggest starting on method one, then moving through the rest of the available methods one-by-one until the issue is resolved. If you feel uncomfortable with going through with some of the steps, especially in the case of method three, you may want to consider hiring a certified Windows repair professional to assist you during the process.

Method one will first ensure your date and time is set correctly, method two will help you to test Windows update without any anti-virus interruptions and method three will help you to resolve any potential corrupted files.

Here are the top methods for addressing Error Code 80072f8f:

Method One: Check Date & Time Settings

If your date & time settings are incorrect, you fortunately have a quick fix on your hands. To fix your date and time, click the time/date at the bottom right corner of your display. Next, click ‘date and time settings.’ From here you have the option to update your time manually to the current time, or you can click the ‘internet time’ tab and choose to sync up your time with one of the available servers. We’d suggest choosing time.windows.com. If method one does not fix error code 80072f8f, or if your time is already up-to-date, refer to method two.

Method Two: Temporarily Disable Anti-Virus

It could be possible that your anti-virus is causing issues with the Windows Update servers. Because of this, it’s important to check whether the update will be able to install onto your Windows Vista machine without any interruptions from your anti-virus. You will need to temporarily disable all of your anti-virus functions.

You should disable your anti-virus, install the Windows updates and then re-enable the anti-virus once the Windows updates have had time to download and install. Because third party anti-virus software varies so significantly, you should Google how to temporarily disable your own anti-virus software to find the relevant step by step help guides.

Method Three: Fix Corrupt DLL files

Still no luck? If at this point your PC is still not installing the latest Windows Updates, you may need to resolve any potentially corrupted DLL files. This method is more complicated than the previous two so if you’re not comfortable with following the steps, you can find a certified Windows technician to help. To fix the corrupt DLL files and resolve error code 80072f8f, follow the steps below.

Click the Start button
Search for Command Prompt
Right Click the Command Prompt in the search menu
Click ‘Run as Administrator’
Click Continue
In the Command Prompt, type ‘regsvr32 Softpub.dll /s’ and press enter
Next, type ‘regsvr32 Initpki.dll /s’ and press enter
Now type ‘regsvr32 Wintrust.dll /s’ and press enter
Finally, ‘type regsvr32 Mssip32.dll /s’ and press enter
Restart your PC
You can now attempt to install the Windows updates

Method Four: Use An Automated Tool

Your final option to resolve errors like error code 80072f8f is to install a utility tool to fix the issues automatically. You can download and install a powerful automated tool by clicking the link.