Why did I get error 0x80042540?

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 0x80042540?

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
0x80000000 disk VDSEDISKIOFAILING layout contains which partitions than required minimum MSVDS VDSEDISKLAYOUTPARTITIONSTOOSMALL 0x8004253F less 0x8004253E 0x80042541 VDSEDYNAMICDISKSNOTSUPPORTED MTC1 failing Dynamic vdserrh size disks supported Virtual Service Protocol aligned Error ANDI 0x00FF VDSEPARTITIONNOTCYLINDERALIGNED 7678102 cylinder 80042518 8004251C 06122016 80042514 0x8004115calEnvmixerPull 0x800416b0alAuxBusParam 0x80040b64alEnvmixerParam 80042510 0x80040a78frexpf 80042524 80042530 80042520 0x4000 8004252C 80042528 en64 wiki 0x3F00 80042534 Bomberman Hero 2015 105921 Reset Event server system clusters configuration 0x02703383 0x22000000 0xc0013900 0x00000000 0x050001a0 DataTime 0x00000514 0xc0044700 0x80042660osSetTimer 0x800425d0osGetTime Software 0x80042740osSiRawStartDma 0x800417c0alSaveParam 0x800416e0alAuxBusPull 0x80042540guNormalize 0x800417f4alSavePull 9536 27092011 operating 9537 HRESULTS Sleuthing 0x004 User 0x80042536 0x80042537 0x80042538 0x80042535 Microsoft win32 ErrorCode 0x8004253D 0x80042542 0x80042543 0x8004253C 0x80042539 0x8004253A 0x8004253B Interface management FACILITYITF COMOLE HRESULTinfo symbol means from methods MSDN returned designated userdefined codes 0x80042544 SystemUInt32 define HRESULT0x80042540L 2147211968 Database UInt32 2147755328 Data Crystal 30062017 StadiumROM ProgramFilesx86Windows Kits10Include100162990umvdserrh16420 Pokmon 0x80042549 0x8004254A 0x8004254B 0x80042548 0x80042545 0x80042546 0x80042547 MagNumDB Magical Number Property 0x8004254D 14072016 Intellectual