Не найден файл c windows system32 catroot2

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  • Unable to Rename Catroot2 and SoftwareDistribution? Fix It in 4 Ways!

By Aurelie | Follow |
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When troubleshooting Windows update installation issues, resetting Catroot2 and SoftwareDistribution might save your day. If you are unable to rename Catroot2 and SoftwareDistribution, follow this post from MiniTool to get some solutions now!

Unable to Rename Catroot2 and SoftwareDistribution

When you have trouble updating your Windows 10/11, it’s a good option to delete or rename Catroot2 and SoftwareDistribution. The former stores the signature data for Windows updates and the latter serves as a temporary repository of the update files. By resetting them, it will remove the corrupted data and then rebuild them. However, some of you might fail to rename the two folders. When you are unable to rename Catroot2 and SoftwareDistribution, the following factors might be blamed:

  • Related services are not stopped.
  • The 2 folders are hidden or open in another program currently.
  • You have no permission to rename Catroot2 and SoftwareDistribution.

Tips:

Before proceeding, please make sure everything important on your computer is backed up with MiniTool ShadowMaker. This Windows backup software can help you perform a recovery in the event of hard drive failures or other severe system errors.

MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Before renaming these files, please disable related services to ensure they are not utilizing files in them. Otherwise, you will fail to rename Catroot2 and SoftwareDistribution. Here’s how to stop these services via Command Prompt:

Step 1. Press Win + R to open the Run box.

Step 2. Type cmd and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter to launch Command Prompt with administrative rights.

Step 3. Type net stop wuauserv and hit Enter to stop Windows Update Service.

run net stop wuauserv in Command Prompt to stop Windows Update Service

Input net stop cryptsvc and hit Enter to stop Cryptographic Service.

Type net stop bits and hit Enter to stop Background Intelligence Transfer Service.

Type net stop msiserver to stop Windows Installer Service.

If you are not familiar with Command Prompt or afraid of running wrong commands, you can try stopping these services manually. To do so:

Step 1. Right-click on the Start menu and select Run.

Step 2. Type services.msc and hit Enter.

Step 3. In the service list, right-click on the following services and then select Stop from the drop-down menu.

  • Windows Update
  • Windows Installer
  • Cryptographic Services
  • Background Intelligence Transfer Service
right-click on Windows Update and select Stop

Solution 3: Make the 2 Folders Visible

Some files in the System32 folder are protected by the operating system to prevent accidental deletion or modification, so you can’t rename Catroot2 and SoftwareDistribution. To show these hidden files, you can modify your folder settings. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Press Win + E to open File Explorer.

Step 2. Go to the View section and check Hidden items.

check Hidden items to show all the hidden files

Step 3. Locate Catroot2 and SoftwareDistribution to rename them again.

Solution 4: Grant the Permission

There is a possibility that you don’t have the permission to rename Catroot2 and SoftwareDistribution. As a result, you can grant full access to the two folders. Here’s how to do it:

Tips:

Permissions cannot be modified for files currently in use, so please make sure the 2 folders are closed before proceeding.

Step 1. Locate the catroot2 folder in File Explorer and right-click on it to choose Properties.

Step 2. In the Security tab, click on Advanced.

Step 3. On the right side of Owner, hit Change.

Step 4. Type the object name, hit Check Names, and then tap on OK to save the change.

grant full permission to the catroot2 folder

Step 5. Repeat these steps to the SoftwareDistribution folder.

Final Words

That’s an end for unable to rename Catroot2 and SoftwareDistribution. Hopefully, after applying one of these solutions above, you can fix Windows update errors and optimize your system performance. Appreciate your time!

About The Author

Position: Columnist

Aurelie is a passionate soul who always enjoys researching & writing articles and solutions to help others. Her posts mainly cover topics related to games, data backup & recovery, file sync and so on. Apart from writing, her primary interests include reading novels and poems, travelling and listening to country music.

  1. I woke up this morning to find the family computer turned off. It seems while my cousin was online the processor went to 100% usage and pretty much froze on him. So he had turned it off. When I went to load windows it was taking a minute and finally when I was prompted at the user screen it hung for another minute or so. When windows finally loaded I discovered my sound had gone out and and everything was greyed under the hardware settings. I had also recently had a problem with the machine shutting down due to some NT AUTHORITY Error and sub spooler app trying to connect. So I tried to install AVG to see if it was a worm. AVG cameback with an error because windows RPC wasn’t enabled. So I went into services.msc to turn it on. Only the extended tab was goofed. So I select the standard tab and try to open the RPC properties to find that enabling was greyed. So at this point I decide I’m just going to wipe the entire thing. So I restart and set the bios to boot from xp off the cdrom. But instead of formating the disk I opt to see if windows repair would be of any help. After it checks the disk it restarts and up comes the windows installation screen. It does its thing until I get a fatal error. Error code 426. I do some googling and it’s telling it has to do with the catroot2 file not being completely removed during installation. So at the error screen during installation I should open the dos prompt with shift+F10 and change the directory to C:\windows\system32 and then type rename catroot2 to catold. Though when I do I get «a duplicate file name was found and or the file cannot befound. So I try to delete the file altogether. That didn’t work so I tried to delete the contents of the file as well and again nothing. I restarted to only get the same problem. So now it’s just looping back to the error code 426 everytime I boot and there doesnt seem to be a way into windows.

    System specs as follow:

    AMD 3200+ Barton core
    Asus A87NE deluxe
    1GB DRR
    Antec 350w atx
    ATI 9800 pro

  2. At the Recovery Console enter the following commands followed by enter:

    CD \windows\system32\catold

    del *.*

    CD \windows\system32

    rd \windows\system32\catold

    ren C:\windows\system32\catroot2 C:\windows\system32\catold

    exit

    System will reboot

    Now try a Repair Install

  3. Thank you for the suggestion but nothing seems to be working. I received the following errors for each command. I understand I need to specify c:\windows.

    CD \windows\system32\catold

    the system cannot find the path specified.

    del *.*

    ‘del *.* is not a recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.

    rd \windows\system32\catold

    the directory is not emptey

    ren C:\windows\system32\catroot2 C:\windows\system32\catold

    the syntax of the command is incorrect

    ________________________________________

    I am trying to put the following into the cmd console from installation screen where I am getting the error? Is the recovery console something else?

  4. Try these

    erase c:\windows\system32\catold\*.*

    rd \windows\system32\catold

    exit


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Solved Windows 11 Home — BSOD Critical service died, Deleted Catroot folder

  • Thread starter
    Thread starter

    GamerMan

  • Start date
    Start date

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11
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Windows 11 Home




  • #1

Hello i deleted the CatRoot folder in system32 on 10-3-2022 as a cumulative update failed that day, now i have the blue screen «Critical Service Died». I have some Games For Windows Live games that have no remaining key activations and i do not want to lose my installed windows apps and settings, so i do not want to do a reset or refresh. I tried all things like sfc etc with no luck. I found this thread: BSOD reboot loop «CRITICAL SERVICE FAILED» — Windows 10 Help Forums that says that you can boot with driver signatures disabled if you copy the files from a working system with the same OS and do an inplace upgrade. I tried copying the CatRoot folder from a windows 10 home pc, windows 8.1 pro pc and the X:\windows\system32 folder but i get BSOD error 0x0000021a when i try to boot with signatures disabled. I do not have another pc that can install windows 11 and recuva did not see my old catroot files since overwrote them. Is there any way to fix this without losing my apps and settings?
Windows Build/Version
Windows 11 Home latest version from 10-3-2022 except for the cumulative update from that day.


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  • #2

Could someone send me the default Catroot folder of windows 11 home please?


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  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
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    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCentre 510-15ICB 90HU005EMH
    CPU
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    1050 TI
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080




  • #3

You cannot just copy a catroot folder from one PC to another. First of all, if you were having trouble with an update, the normal route is to rename that folder rather than delete it and then windows update would establish it again. When you deleted it, did the troublesome update then apply? If so, then the catroot folder was re-established at that time.

If you deleted this folder in Oct. and your system has been running ever since, it is doubtful it has anything to do with your current blue screen. The blue screen can be caused by your software as well as defective hardware and drivers. I suggest you enter this thread into the BSOD Analysis category of this forum along with the applicable logs.

As far as installing windows and retaining your games, if you can boot into Windows, you can do a repair install. Repair Install Windows 11 with an In-place Upgrade Tutorial

If you cannot boot into windows, you can do a system reset using the «keep personal files and folders» option which should retain everything you downloaded from the Windows store.

I would like to suggest that once you get this worked out that you establish some sort of backup plan to protect you in the future. When it comes to software failure, backups can save you.


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    DELL 0J37VM
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    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
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    i7-4770
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  • #4

You cannot just copy a catroot folder from one PC to another. First of all, if you were having trouble with an update, the normal route is to rename that folder rather than delete it and then windows update would establish it again. When you deleted it, did the troublesome update then apply? If so, then the catroot folder was re-established at that time.

If you deleted this folder in Oct. and your system has been running ever since, it is doubtful it has anything to do with your current blue screen. The blue screen can be caused by your software as well as defective hardware and drivers. I suggest you enter this thread into the BSOD Analysis category of this forum along with the applicable logs.

As far as installing windows and retaining your games, if you can boot into Windows, you can do a repair install. Repair Install Windows 11 with an In-place Upgrade Tutorial

If you cannot boot into windows, you can do a system reset using the «keep personal files and folders» option which should retain everything you downloaded from the Windows store.

I would like to suggest that once you get this worked out that you establish some sort of backup plan to protect you in the future. When it comes to software failure, backups can save you.

Hello, thank you for responding. I deleted catroot this week on March 10th, and when i restarted i got this blue screen. I am not able to boot into windows sadly so i do not think it is possible to do an inplace upgrade. Will resetting while keeping my apps restore the catroot files? And from the thread i posted it seemed that copying the catroot folder from a different pc would let your pc get to windows while driver signature check is disabled which is a sacrifice i am willing to make lol.


My Computer



  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
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    Lenovo IdeaCentre 510-15ICB 90HU005EMH
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    Intel I5
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  • #5

Deleting catroot folder should not cause Windows 11 have BSoD error. Catroot is Windows system folders required for Windows Updates. Deleting this folder has been known to fix Windows Update errors or problems.

Post a picture of the blue screen error message.

If there are any attached memory dumb files (.dmp) created by BSOD you can find the dump files at C:\Windows or C:\Windows\MiniDump folder.

You can open File Explorer by typing notepad.exe command at Command Prompt and from Notepad click File —> Open.

Last edited by a moderator:


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    Windows 11
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    HP Pavilion
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    AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
    Motherboard
    Erica6
    Memory
    Micron Technology DDR4-3200 16GB
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    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC671
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    3840 x 2160
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  • #6

It says «File too large» but the code is CRITICAL_SERVICE_FAILED

I do not see any dump files even after setting save as to «all files» instead of just .txt files.
I have deleted the catroot2 folder in the past, but this time i deleted the catroot folder aswell and apparently deleting that one makes your pc bluescreen while catroot2 will not.


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  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
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    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCentre 510-15ICB 90HU005EMH
    CPU
    Intel I5
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    1050 TI
    Monitor(s) Displays
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  • #7

Deleting catroot folder should not cause Windows 11 have BSoD error. Catroot is Windows system folders required for Windows Updates. Deleting this folder has been known to fix Windows Update errors or problems.

Deleting catroot2 is used for troubleshooting Windows update.
Deleting catroot often causes failure to boot.

See this link:

if exist "%SYSTEMROOT%\system32\Catroot2.bak" rmdir /s /q "%SYSTEMROOT%\system32\Catroot2.bak"
if exist "%SYSTEMROOT%\system32\Catroot2" (
    attrib -r -s -h /s /d "%SYSTEMROOT%\system32\Catroot2"
    ren "%SYSTEMROOT%\system32\Catroot2" Catroot2.bak

Last edited:


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  • OS
    Windows 10
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    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4800MQ CPU @ 2.70GHz
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    Product : 190A Version : KBC Version 94.56
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    16 GB Total: Manufacturer : Samsung MemoryType : DDR3 FormFactor : SODIMM Capacity : 8GB Speed : 1600
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    NVIDIA Quadro K3100M; Intel(R) HD Graphics 4600
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  • #8

To answer your question, Yes, a reset will restore catroot


My Computers



  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26100.3775
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560×1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 nvme+256gb SKHynix m.2 nvme /External drives 512gb Samsung m.2 sata+1tb Kingston m2.nvme+ 4gb Solidigm nvme
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I’m too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    #1 Edge #2 Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
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    Dell Optiplex 9020
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    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560×1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
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    500w
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  • #9

A reset save files if it can be performed will result in the loss of drivers and applications.

A custom install will also result in the loss of drivers and applications.

Boot to a Windows 10 iso > perform a system restore to the oldest restore point


My Computer



  • OS
    Windows 10
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4800MQ CPU @ 2.70GHz
    Motherboard
    Product : 190A Version : KBC Version 94.56
    Memory
    16 GB Total: Manufacturer : Samsung MemoryType : DDR3 FormFactor : SODIMM Capacity : 8GB Speed : 1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Quadro K3100M; Intel(R) HD Graphics 4600
    Sound Card
    IDT High Definition Audio CODEC; PNP Device ID HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_76E0
    Hard Drives
    Model Hitachi HTS727575A9E364
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
    Other Info
    Mobile Workstation

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Posts
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OS
Windows 11 Home




  • #10

Maybe the Cryptographic does not work, is there a way to run services.msc from the windows pe cmd? Currently it says interface not supported.


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  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCentre 510-15ICB 90HU005EMH
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    Intel I5
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    1050 TI
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    1
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  • #11

It won’t work because you’ve deleted the CatRoot folder, this is where all your cryptographic hash information is stored for the signed files on your system. The operating system isn’t able to verify the integrity of any of files on your system now and therefore will refuse to run anything. You’ll going to have to either attempt a repair install using an .ISO of the same build or do a complete clean install. Those are your only options I’m afraid.

Deleting catroot folder should not cause Windows 11 have BSoD error. Catroot is Windows system folders required for Windows Updates. Deleting this folder has been known to fix Windows Update errors or problems.

That’s simply incorrect. The CatRoot folder is one of the most important directories and should not touched under any circumstances unless you have a strong understanding of what should be there and what shouldn’t. The catroot2 folder is one which many people suggest people delete to resolve Windows Update problems, even though there is very little reason to do so.


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  • #12

I don’t know if copying CatRoot folder from Windows 11 Pro will help your problem but it won’t hurt to try it out.

Here is the download link for CatRoot: CatRoot.zip


My Computer



  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
    Motherboard
    Erica6
    Memory
    Micron Technology DDR4-3200 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC671
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster U28E590
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG MZVLQ1T0HALB-000H1

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  • #13

You can’t copy a CatRoot folder from another system; you’re going to have completely different packages.


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  • #14

You can’t copy a CatRoot folder from another system; you’re going to have completely different packages.

That is why i said i don’t know it will work.


My Computer



  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
    Motherboard
    Erica6
    Memory
    Micron Technology DDR4-3200 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC671
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster U28E590
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
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  • #15

It’s a protected folder; you can’t just copy packages over even if they were the exact same. The user has to either attempt a repair install (highly doubt it will work) or do a complete clean install.


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Windows 11 Home




  • #16

I don’t know if copying CatRoot folder from Windows 11 Pro will help your problem but it won’t hurt to try it out.

Here is the download link for CatRoot: CatRoot.zip

I copied these to my system32 folder and now my system works again thank you so much! I didn’t even have to disable driver signature checks. Also thanks to everyone else, i am very happy my PC is working again!


My Computer



  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCentre 510-15ICB 90HU005EMH
    CPU
    Intel I5
    Graphics Card(s)
    1050 TI
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080

Local time
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OS
Windows 11 Home




  • #17

Btw when it started it said «updates are installing» and then it just loaded up normally.


My Computer



  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCentre 510-15ICB 90HU005EMH
    CPU
    Intel I5
    Graphics Card(s)
    1050 TI
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080




  • #18

This is hard to believe since it is a protected OS file and even a different version of Windows. But, weird things sometimes work. I would certainly followup with sfc /scannow from command prompt and a manual ‘check for updates»


My Computers



  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26100.3775
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560×1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 nvme+256gb SKHynix m.2 nvme /External drives 512gb Samsung m.2 sata+1tb Kingston m2.nvme+ 4gb Solidigm nvme
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I’m too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    #1 Edge #2 Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560×1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium

Local time
6:02 PM
Posts
870
OS
Windows 11, Windows 10, Linux Fedora Cinnamon




  • #20

This is hard to believe since it is a protected OS file and even a different version of Windows.

I agree, I assume that the user has taken ownership of the directory? DISM will probably be better than SFC in this circumstance. I would be curious to see what happens when the next cumulative update is released, however, they may get lucky and experience no problems for some time.

I still firmly stand on my point that a repair install or a clean install were the safest options.


My Computer



  • OS
    Windows 11, Windows 10, Linux Fedora Cinnamon

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Windows 10: Command prompt ren c:\windows\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old failed

Discus and support Command prompt ren c:\windows\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old failed in Windows 10 Software and Apps to solve the problem; In attempting to fix update and other issues I was in the middle of commands with this command returned «access denied». The video I was learning from…
Discussion in ‘Windows 10 Software and Apps’ started by JeffKrieble, Apr 6, 2022.

  1. Command prompt ren c:\windows\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old failed

    In attempting to fix update and other issues I was in the middle of commands with this command returned «access denied». The video I was learning from indicated this a problem and not the normal return.

    :)

  2. I get error when I try to execute the following: «Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old» without quotes and press ENTER.Your suggested commands will work if the system drive is visible under drive C:. This is not always the case!

  3. I get error when I try to execute the following: «Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old» without quotes and press ENTER.

    from repair environment;

    X:\windows\system32>CD /d C:\windows\system32
    C:\Windows\System32>REN catroot2 catroot.old

    C:\Windows\System32> Are you sure (Y/N)? y

    C:\Windows\System32>

    In windows should be able to delete or rename catroot2 after net stop cryptsvc

  4. Command prompt ren c:\windows\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old failed

    I get error when I try to execute the following: «Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old» without quotes and press ENTER.

    Well, this required a bit of an effort, probably because some misleading advice from various respondents.

    The subject of this thread says «I get error when I try to execute the following: «Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old». This problem is now resolved. The underlying problem of a failed automatic update isn’t. I recommend you now start
    a new thread, this time with a subject such as «Failed automatic update». In this way you will attract the attention of experts on the subject.

Thema:

Command prompt ren c:\windows\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old failed

  1. Command prompt ren c:\windows\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old failed — Similar Threads — Command prompt ren

  2. C:\Windows\system32>ren C:\Windows\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old Access is denied.

    in Windows 10 Gaming

    C:\Windows\system32>ren C:\Windows\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old Access is denied.: C:\Windows\system32>ren C:\Windows\system32\catroot2 catroot.2old Access is denied.

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/cwindowssystem32ren-cwindowssystem32catroot2/2c74cae3-eadc-480d-b624-94f26dcb4145

  3. C:\Windows\system32>ren C:\Windows\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old Access is denied.

    in Windows 10 BSOD Crashes and Debugging

    C:\Windows\system32>ren C:\Windows\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old Access is denied.: C:\Windows\system32>ren C:\Windows\system32\catroot2 catroot.2old Access is denied.

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/cwindowssystem32ren-cwindowssystem32catroot2/2c74cae3-eadc-480d-b624-94f26dcb4145

  4. C:\Windows\system32>ren C:\Windows\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old Access is denied.

    in Windows 10 Software and Apps

    C:\Windows\system32>ren C:\Windows\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old Access is denied.: C:\Windows\system32>ren C:\Windows\system32\catroot2 catroot.2old Access is denied.

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/cwindowssystem32ren-cwindowssystem32catroot2/2c74cae3-eadc-480d-b624-94f26dcb4145

  5. This command not working: ren «A *.*» «*.*»

    in Windows 10 Network and Sharing

    This command not working: ren «A *.*» «*.*»: This command is not working for me: ren «A *.*» «*.*» I don’t get an error, but file names do not change. Is this command incorrect?

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/this-command-not-working-ren-a/1cd44cf6-63ac-469d-bc41-7bbb2c21284e

  6. This command not working: ren «A *.*» «*.*»

    in Windows 10 Gaming

    This command not working: ren «A *.*» «*.*»: This command is not working for me: ren «A *.*» «*.*» I don’t get an error, but file names do not change. Is this command incorrect?

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/this-command-not-working-ren-a/1cd44cf6-63ac-469d-bc41-7bbb2c21284e

  7. This command not working: ren «A *.*» «*.*»

    in Windows 10 Software and Apps

    This command not working: ren «A *.*» «*.*»: This command is not working for me: ren «A *.*» «*.*» I don’t get an error, but file names do not change. Is this command incorrect?

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/this-command-not-working-ren-a/1cd44cf6-63ac-469d-bc41-7bbb2c21284e

  8. Command prompt ren c:\windows\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old failed

    in Windows 10 Gaming

    Command prompt ren c:\windows\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old failed: In attempting to fix update and other issues I was in the middle of commands with this command returned «access denied». The video I was learning from indicated this a problem and not the normal return….
  9. REN command is not working

    in Windows 10 Network and Sharing

    REN command is not working: I have written a simple batch file to rename all of the files with a same file extension inside a folder with consecutive number starting with one provided by the user. It works correctly when I use it with files named like «[We-now] Do It — 783 [spa]».****, but when I try to…
  10. I get error when I try to execute the following: «Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2…

    in Windows 10 Installation and Upgrade

    I get error when I try to execute the following: «Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2…: Please see the following error:

    [ATTACH]

    It seems like there is a different problem each time I try. The last time was the following:

    [ATTACH]

    And before that the following:

    [ATTACH]

    How is this possible?

    Thanks.

    Taner…

Renaming Software Distribution Folder and Catroot2: A Comprehensive Guide

When troubleshooting Windows update issues, one of the common steps recommended by support technicians is renaming certain folders related to the Windows Update process, specifically the Software Distribution folder and the Catroot2 folder. These directories often house temporary files that can become corrupted or outdated, leading to errors in the update process. Renaming these folders can force Windows to create new ones and resolve potential conflicts. In this detailed guide, we will walk you through the process, explaining both folders’ significance, how to rename them, and important considerations when performing these actions.

Understanding the Software Distribution Folder and Catroot2

To properly appreciate why you may need to rename these folders, it is important to understand their roles in Windows operations.

Software Distribution Folder

The Software Distribution folder is primarily located at C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution. This directory serves as a temporary repository for files needed during the Windows Update process. When Windows downloads updates, it stores them in this folder before installation. The folder is divided into several subdirectories, including:

  • Download: Contains all the updates that have been downloaded.
  • DataStore: Holds the database file which tracks updates and their installation status.

Over time, these files can accumulate, leading to issues such as stalled updates, update errors, or Windows Update failures.

Catroot2 Folder

The Catroot2 folder can be found at C:WindowsSystem32catroot2. It plays a crucial role in the installation of Windows updates and is involved in the signature verification process for updates. The folder contains additional files required for the installation of updates as well as a database to track the status of these updates. Similar to the Software Distribution folder, corruption or other issues in this directory can lead to problems with Windows Update.

Why You Should Rename These Folders

Renaming the Software Distribution and Catroot2 folders effectively resets them, prompting Windows to recreate them automatically. This can resolve issues stemming from:

  • Corrupted files that prevent updates from installing correctly.
  • Stale data causing the update process to hang or fail.
  • Other unforeseen errors that arise during the Windows Update process.

Renaming the Folders: Step-by-Step Guide

Before you begin the renaming process, it is crucial to ensure that you are performing these steps with administrator privileges to avoid any permission issues. Additionally, consider creating a backup of your important data as a precaution.

Step 1: Stop Windows Update Services

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

    • Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu.
    • Select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
    • If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes to allow.
  2. Stop the Windows Update Services:
    You will need to stop services related to the update process. Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each one:

    net stop wuauserv
    net stop cryptSvc
    net stop bits
    net stop msiserver

    These commands halt the Windows Update service (wuauserv), Cryptographic service (cryptSvc), Background Intelligent Transfer Service (bits), and the Windows Installer service (msiserver).

Step 2: Rename the Software Distribution Folder

  1. Navigate to the Software Distribution Folder:

    • In the Command Prompt window, type the command:
      ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

    This command will rename the SoftwareDistribution folder to SoftwareDistribution.old.

Step 3: Rename the Catroot2 Folder

  1. Navigate to the Catroot2 Folder:

    • Similarly, type the following command in the Command Prompt:
      ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 catroot2.old

    This renames the catroot2 folder to catroot2.old.

Step 4: Restart Windows Update Services

Once you have renamed both folders, it is crucial to restart the stopped services so the update process can function correctly again.

  1. Start the Windows Update Services:
    Type the following commands in the Command Prompt, pressing Enter after each:

    net start wuauserv
    net start cryptSvc
    net start bits
    net start msiserver

Step 5: Verify Update Process

With the new folders in place, it is time to check for updates and ensure everything is functioning correctly.

  1. Open Windows Update Settings:
    • Press Windows + I to open the Settings.
    • Go to Update & Security and click on Windows Update.
    • Click on Check for updates to see if your system can now successfully fetch and install updates.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes users may still encounter issues even after renaming the folders. Below are some common problems and solutions associated with the Windows Update process:

Windows Update Failures

If updates fail to install despite resetting the folders, consider these steps:

  1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter:

    • In the Windows Update settings, scroll down and click on Troubleshoot.
    • Select Additional troubleshooters, then click on Windows Update and run the troubleshooter.
  2. Check for Corrupted System Files:
    Use the System File Checker (SFC) tool to repair any corrupted files.

    • In Command Prompt (Admin), run:
      sfc /scannow
  3. Use DISM Tool:
    If SFC fails to repair issues, you can use the DISM (Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool):

    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  4. Manual Update Installation:
    If specific updates continue to fail, visit the Microsoft Update Catalog website and manually download and install the updates.

Best Practices to Avoid Issues with Software Distribution and Catroot2

  1. Regular System Maintenance: Perform regular cleaning and maintenance on your system to prevent accumulation of outdated files.

  2. Use a Reliable Antivirus: Ensure that you have a reputable antivirus solution installed to prevent malware that may corrupt update files.

  3. Backup Your System: Regularly back up your system to create restore points that you can revert to in case of failure.

  4. Keep Windows Updated: Regularly apply updates to your operating system to ensure stability and security in your system.

  5. Check Disk Health: Use native tools like chkdsk to scan and repair disk-related issues that can impact the Windows update process.

Conclusion

Renaming the Software Distribution folder and Catroot2 can be an effective remedy for resolving persistent Windows Update issues. It allows Windows to reset its update mechanisms by creating fresh folders, avoiding problems related to corruption and outdated files.

By following the outlined procedures and best practices, users can have a smoother experience with the Windows Update process. Regular troubleshooting and maintenance will not only enhance system performance but also contribute to ongoing stability and security for the operating system.

This comprehensive guide should equip you with the knowledge and confidence to address issues related to Windows updates on your own. If problems persist despite these efforts, consider seeking further assistance or engaging with the Microsoft community support for advanced troubleshooting. Remember that keeping your system updated and well-maintained is key to a seamless computing experience.

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