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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.
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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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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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 -
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
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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?
-
Try these
erase c:\windows\system32\catold\*.*
rd \windows\system32\catold
exit
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BSOD Crash Analysis
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Solved Windows 11 Home — BSOD Critical service died, Deleted Catroot folder
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Thread starter
Thread starterGamerMan
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Start date
Start date
- Local time
- 7:02 PM
- Posts
- 11
- OS
- Windows 11 Home
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#1
- Windows Build/Version
- Windows 11 Home latest version from 10-3-2022 except for the cumulative update from that day.
My Computer
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- OS
- Windows 11 Home
- Computer type
- PC/Desktop
- Manufacturer/Model
- Lenovo IdeaCentre 510-15ICB 90HU005EMH
- CPU
- Intel I5
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- Windows 11 Home
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#2
My Computer
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- OS
- Windows 11 Home
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- PC/Desktop
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- Lenovo IdeaCentre 510-15ICB 90HU005EMH
- CPU
- Intel I5
- Graphics Card(s)
- 1050 TI
- Monitor(s) Displays
- 1
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- 1920 x 1080
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#3
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.
My Computers
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- 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
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- 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
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- Defender+MWB Premium
- Local time
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- Windows 11 Home
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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
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- OS
- Windows 11 Home
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- PC/Desktop
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- Lenovo IdeaCentre 510-15ICB 90HU005EMH
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- 1050 TI
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- 1920 x 1080
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#5
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:
My Computer
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- 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
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#6
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.
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
- 12:02 PM
- Posts
- 5,459
- OS
- Windows 10
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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:
My Computer
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- 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
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- Antivirus
- Microsoft Defender
- Other Info
- Mobile Workstation
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#8
My Computers
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- 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
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#9
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
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- Computer type
- Laptop
- Manufacturer/Model
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- 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
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#10
My Computer
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- OS
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- Lenovo IdeaCentre 510-15ICB 90HU005EMH
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- 870
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- Windows 11, Windows 10, Linux Fedora Cinnamon
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#11
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
Here is the download link for CatRoot: CatRoot.zip
My Computer
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- 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
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- 3840 x 2160
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- SAMSUNG MZVLQ1T0HALB-000H1
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#13
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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
- SAMSUNG MZVLQ1T0HALB-000H1
- Local time
- 6:02 PM
- Posts
- 870
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- Windows 11, Windows 10, Linux Fedora Cinnamon
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#15
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#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
- 7:02 PM
- Posts
- 11
- OS
- Windows 11 Home
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#17
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
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
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- Posts
- 870
- OS
- Windows 11, Windows 10, Linux Fedora Cinnamon
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#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
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- OS
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Similar threads
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Windows Support Forums
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BSOD Crash Analysis
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.
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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.
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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!
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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.oldC:\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
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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.
Command prompt ren c:\windows\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old failed
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Command prompt ren c:\windows\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old failed — Similar Threads — Command prompt ren
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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…. -
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… -
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
-
Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
- Press
Windows + X
to open the Power User menu. - Select
Windows Terminal (Admin)
orCommand Prompt (Admin)
. - If prompted by User Account Control, click
Yes
to allow.
- Press
-
Stop the Windows Update Services:
You will need to stop services related to the update process. Type the following commands, pressingEnter
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
-
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 toSoftwareDistribution.old
. - In the Command Prompt window, type the command:
Step 3: Rename the Catroot2 Folder
-
Navigate to the Catroot2 Folder:
- Similarly, type the following command in the Command Prompt:
ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 catroot2.old
This renames the
catroot2
folder tocatroot2.old
. - Similarly, type the following command in the Command Prompt:
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.
- Start the Windows Update Services:
Type the following commands in the Command Prompt, pressingEnter
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.
- Open Windows Update Settings:
- Press
Windows + I
to open the Settings. - Go to
Update & Security
and click onWindows Update
. - Click on
Check for updates
to see if your system can now successfully fetch and install updates.
- Press
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:
-
Run Windows Update Troubleshooter:
- In the Windows Update settings, scroll down and click on
Troubleshoot
. - Select
Additional troubleshooters
, then click onWindows Update
and run the troubleshooter.
- In the Windows Update settings, scroll down and click on
-
Check for Corrupted System Files:
Use the System File Checker (SFC) tool to repair any corrupted files.- In Command Prompt (Admin), run:
sfc /scannow
- In Command Prompt (Admin), run:
-
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
-
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
-
Regular System Maintenance: Perform regular cleaning and maintenance on your system to prevent accumulation of outdated files.
-
Use a Reliable Antivirus: Ensure that you have a reputable antivirus solution installed to prevent malware that may corrupt update files.
-
Backup Your System: Regularly back up your system to create restore points that you can revert to in case of failure.
-
Keep Windows Updated: Regularly apply updates to your operating system to ensure stability and security in your system.
-
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.