Why did I get error 0x80042501?

Windows Update continous fails to search for Updates or cannot install them. The source of this problem could be various things as
> Windows Registry
> Windows Filesystem
> Internet access

> Windows Update service
> File corruption
> Misconfiguration
> Adware
> Virus and Malware

How to fix Windows Update error 0x80042501?

However, if you’re technically savvy, you can try the steps below:

1. Click Start and start typing on your keyboard for "services.msc"

2. In your search results "services.msc" should show up. Open it with a click.
3. A new windows will open containing all Windows services on your system.

4. Search for "Windows Update"
5. Right-click the "Windows Update" and then click Stop.

We will now clean the Windows Update temporary cache folder:
1. Hold your windows-key pressed and hit "R" key simultanous.
2. A small new windows will appear.
3. Type %windir%\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore in this new window and click OK.
4. This will open Windows Explorer on the correct location.
5. Delete all contents of this folder. (Hint: Use Ctrl + A to select all files and folders)

Now we will start the Windows Update Service again:
1. Switch back to the windows Services.
2. Locate Windows Update.
3. Right-click on it and choose Start.


If the problem still persists, you can run the System File Checker (SFC) utility. This handy in-built tool will check your filesystem.
1. Click Start and start typing on your keyboard for "cmd".
2. In your search results cmd should show up with an black icon.
3. Right-click it and select Run as administrator.
4. If you are prompted for the admin password, enter the password and click OK.
5. A new completely black windwos will open. You can type commands directly into this window.
6. Type sfc/scannow and press Enter.
7. This process will take a long time. You can minimize this black windows and work on.
Come back to the black window after a time and check if the process finished.
As soon as the SFC process finished, restart your computer. After the restart you search for Updates again.


You are still facing the same issue?

1. Restart your computer.

Next thing is to clean Windows Update download path. These steps are only for expirienced user! If you mess up your computer with Regedit, you could loose your files! Take care or use a professional tool to investiagte your computer.
1. Hold your windows-key pressed and hit "R" key simultanous.
2. A small new windows will appear.
3. Type regedit in this new windows and hit Enter.
4. In the new windows you have a navigation on the left side. Use it to navigate to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate
5. Once you found it, search for WUServer and WIStatusServer in the right hand pane.
6. If they are not listet we cannot clean the download path. Othwerwise delete both.
7. Restart your computer.

Try to search for new Updates again.
You are still facing this issue? I think this is not an usual problem and your computer should be checked by professional.
Try to look for a solution here or search further in the search box below.



Advanced information

The following Windows verisons are affected by this error:
> Windows Vista
> Windows 7
> Windows 8
> Windows 8.1
> Windows 10
> Windows 10 Redstone 2
> Windows 10 Creators Update
> Windows Server 2008 R2
> Windows Server 2012
> Windows Server 2016
specified FSRVPESHADOWCOPYSETIDMISMATCH does object FSRVPEOBJECTNOTFOUND invalid MSFSRVP 0x80042308 uint32 const exist FSRVPEUNSUPPORTEDCONTEXT 0x8004231B ShadowCopySetId operation provided value MSDN VDSEDISKNOTMISSING Error Microsoft context exists already stringcharsetUTF16 copy commit disk volumes uint16 missing shadow 0x80042504 0x80042503 Opnum Codes typedef 0x80042502 GUID 0x80042500 wait documented GitHub encukousamba sambafsrvpidl master wire 0x8004250C 0x8004250D PATCH 0x80042507 0x80042509 0x8004250B miscidl FSRVPEBADID 0x80042302 fsrvp define import information corrupted driver retrieved VDSECORRUPTVOLUMEINFO VDSEINVALIDENUMERATOR File Remote 0x8004230DL enumerator 01122017 could ShadowCopyShareName NTTIME ShareNameUNC struct ShadowCopyId tstamp VDSENOVOLUMELAYOUT layout MSVDS fssagentsharemapping1 union 0x80070057 EINVALIDARG more caller permissions perform means COMOLE Interface arguments HRESULTinfo symbol because state server CommitShadowCopySet method call FSRVPEWAITFAILED failed DeleteShareMapping FSSAGENTETIMEOUT timed 0xFFFFFFFF 0x80042460 0x80042461 0x80042462 0x8004245D 0x8004245E 0x8004245F 0x80042468 0x80042469 0x80042505 0x80042463 0x80042464 0x80042466 userdefined returned from management FACILITYITF designated ErrorCode 0x8004245A 0x8004245C methods win32 vdserrh