Solution to Windows Update Error 0x80072EFD

 

Windows Update error 0x80072EFD means that there are Windows ‌registry values that are blocking the update from being downloaded and installed. This error usually occurs on Windows XP system and is most likely to be caused by incorrect host file.

 

To trouble shoot this issue:

 

Method1: Repair the host file

To remove Windows Update entries from the HOSTS file, follow these steps:

-Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Notepad
-On the File menu, click Open.
-In the Files of type box, click All Files.
-In the Look in box, locate the following folder:

C:\Winnt\system32\drivers\etc\

-Double-click to open the hosts file.
-Remove any lines that contain entries for Windows Update (http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com).
-On the File menu, click Save.
-Close Notepad.

 

Method 2:  Rename the Windows Update Software distribution folder

 

1. Stop the Windows Update service (make sure you are logged on as an Administrator)

Start button || Control Panel ||System and Maintenance ||Administrative Tools
Double-click Services 
(Provide the Administrator password or confirmation if prompted to do so.)
Right-click the Windows Update service and click Stop.

2. Click Start, type %windir% in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.

Locate and rename the SoftwareDistribution folder.  You can rename it to softwareDistribution.old.

 

Method 3: Download a registry cleaner to fix the registry problem.

 Windows update error 0x80072EFD is easy to solve if you have enough knowledge about registry and computer system. We will not suggest you do a manual fix if you are a computer beginner because editing registry and system can cause serious damage which you can never expect. In such case, a registry cleaner will be needed to solve error 0x80072EFD effectively and safely for you.