The Ultimate Guide to Resolving Error Code 0x80004005 on Windows 10 and Windows 11

Key Takeaways

The occurrence of Error Code 0x80004005 indicates that Windows is unable to access a specific file or folder. Numerous factors can contribute to this issue, including problems with ownership, interference from antivirus software, network configuration errors, or a malfunctioning Windows Update.

To prevent any issues with archive files, utilize a software such as 7-Zip or WinRAR that is capable of handling encrypted files. Take ownership of the file to guarantee appropriate access permissions, and consider temporarily disabling your antivirus software for troubleshooting purposes.

What Causes Error Code 0x80004005?

The following are possible reasons for error code 0x80004005, which typically occurs when Windows encounters difficulty accessing a file or folder. It is commonly shown as "Error 0x80004005: Unspecified Error."

The file or folder is not owned by your Windows User account or does not have the appropriate permissions for you to access it.

You are trying to extract or open an encrypted archive file (such as a ZIP file) with a program that is incompatible with those types of files.

Your access to the files is being blocked by your antivirus.

There may be an incorrect network configuration setting or a service that is not running, resulting in your inability to connect to another computer or a Network-Attached Storage Device (NAS) on the network.

The Windows Update is malfunctioning as a result of corrupted files.

Although Error Code 0x80004005 is comparatively more detailed than other error messages in Windows, it encompasses numerous possible causes and corresponding solutions.

Avoid Archive File Errors

Archive Files offer various useful functionalities, although the availability of these features varies among different archive file types. You can compress files, group multiple files together, secure files with encryption, or divide large files into separate archive files.

File Explorer has limited capabilities when it comes to handling archive files. It can only open, create, and extract ZIP files. However, it cannot handle other popular formats such as RARs, 7Zs, or Tarballs. Moreover, File Explorer lacks support for advanced features offered by archive file formats, such as encryption.

If you try to extract an encrypted ZIP file using File Explorer, you will encounter an "Error 0x80004005: Unspecified Error". To resolve this issue, the solution is straightforward: utilize an alternative program that supports encrypted files.

There are numerous programs readily available for managing archive files. Two of the best options are 7-Zip and PeaZip, which are both entirely free and exceptional choices for this task. Additionally, WinZip and WinRAR are also noteworthy options, although they are not technically free. WinZip provides a complimentary 30-day trial, and thereafter, purchasing it is required for continued use. On the other hand, WinRAR offers a trial period as well, although it will continue to function indefinitely after the trial ends, albeit with occasional reminders.

Troubleshoot Windows Update

Error 0x80004005 may also occur when attempting to execute a Windows Update. Usually, this error arises when a Windows update is disrupted due to factors such as power loss or an internet outage.

To start with, you can utilize the built-in troubleshooter of Windows Update. It is designed to automatically address any issues causing the error.

If the troubleshooter fails, you have the option to manually delete all update files and restart the update service. This can be effective in resolving the problem if it stems from a corrupted download.

Repair Network-Related Causes

Error Code 0x80004005 is commonly encountered when attempting to establish a connection with Network-Attached Storage (NAS), although it can occur in other scenarios as well. The error message does not provide enough specific information to determine the exact problem, but there are several possible causes. If you are using two Windows PCs on the same LAN and attempting to connect them, it is advisable to verify the following settings on both machines.

Check Server Message Block (SMB) Settings

SMB, an acronym for Server Message Block, is a protocol that facilitates seamless communication and emulation of client-server interactions among computers within the same network. Although commonly employed for establishing communication channels between computers and printers, or computers and Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices, its versatile nature allows for various other applications.

If there is an SMB error, it could be due to a few potential causes:

The SMB service is not running

AllowInsecureGuestAuth is disabled and you're using a NAS that requires it

To determine the status of the SMB service, launch an elevated Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Windows Terminal, and execute the specified command:

sc.exe qc lanmanworkstation

You'll get something very similar to the below output:

If "START_TYPE" is not set to AUTO_START, you need to enable it. Run the next two command in the same window as you did the last command.

sc.exe config lanmanworkstation depend= bowser/mrxsmb10/mrxsmb20/nsi

sc.exe config mrxsmb20 start= auto

You will see [SC] ChangeServiceConfig SUCCESS if the operation is successful.

If the previous step was not successful, consider enabling insecure guest logins. By default, Windows restricts guest logins to network devices using SMB2. Disabling this setting is not recommended for security reasons, but it is a commonly used approach with consumer equipment.

To improve the content:

Open the Registry Editor, also known as RegEdit, and proceed to navigate to the following location using either the menu on the left or by directly pasting the path into the address bar: HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanWorkstation\Parameters.

If the DWORD named AllowInsecureGuestAuth is not present, you will have to create it.

To do this, right-click on an empty space, hover over "New," and select "DWORD (32-bit) Value." Give it the name "AllowInsecureGuestAuth" and set the value to 1.

Try doing whatever gave you Error 0x80004005 originally after you set the value to 1. There is one other likely possibility related to SMB.

The network device you are attempting to connect to may require the use of SMBv1, which is the oldest version of the standard. By default, SMBv1 is disabled in both Windows 10 and Windows 11, but it can still be enabled.

To enable SMBv1, start by clicking on the Start button. Then, type "windows features" into the search box and press Enter or click on "Open." Since the Windows Features window has not yet been migrated to the Settings app, you will need to navigate to it by going to Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows Features On or Off.

Scroll down until you locate the option labeled "SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support." To expand the options, click on the small plus button. Next, select "SMB 1.0/CIFS Client" and "SMB 1.0/CIFS Server" by checking the corresponding boxes. Ensure that the checkbox for "SMB 1.0/CIFS Automatic Removal" is left unchecked. Finally, click on the "OK" button.

Once the files are downloaded, Windows will prompt you to restart your computer. After the restart, check if the issue is resolved. If it is not, there is no need to worry. There are additional steps you can take. However, do not forget to disable SMB 1.0/CIFS again before proceeding. It is unnecessary to keep it enabled unless it is essential, as it can pose a potential security risk.

Network Discovery and Sharing Settings

Networked devices, such as network-attached storage (NAS) or even a network printer, can be quite temperamental at times. Often, the culprit lies in the network discovery or sharing settings. To eliminate these settings as the cause of your issue, follow these steps.

Open the Network Settings. To do this, click on the Start button, type "advanced sharing options" into the search bar, and then click "Open" or press Enter. Another way to access the Network Settings is through the Control Panel. Simply go to: Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Advanced sharing settings.

To customize sharing settings according to your network type, specifically your home network, ensure it is set to private. In case it is not, both Windows 10 and Windows 11 offer a simple process to switch your network from public to private.

To access the "Private" section, either click on the word "Private" or select the small chevron (an arrow pointing upwards) located on the right-hand side. Proceed to check the boxes beside "Turn On Network Discovery," "Turn on Automatic Setup of Network Devices," and "Turn on File and Printer Sharing."

After that, move down to the section titled "All Networks."

Enabling these settings while connected to a public network can pose security and privacy risks. If you are using a stationary desktop at home, this is not a concern. However, if you are using a laptop or portable device, it is advisable to disable these settings before connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.

To ensure a safer connection, please click on the following three settings and disable them:

1. "Turn on Sharing so Anyone with Network Access Can Read and Write Files in the Public Folders"

2. "Enable File Sharing for Devices That Use 40 or 56-bit Encryption"

3. "Turn Off Password Protected Sharing."

You should try this on both computers if they're both Windows devices, but these settings are more likely to be important on the server than the client trying to connect.

Click on the "Save Changes" button and proceed to restart your computer. If the problem persists, you may be experiencing a separate issue. This could potentially be attributed to the underlying services that facilitate connections between devices on the local area network (LAN).

Essential Services

The DNS Client is one of several essential services in Windows that facilitate network sharing by allowing your computer to communicate with other devices on the local network.

DHCP Client

Function Discovery Provider Host (fdPHost)

Function Discovery Resource Publication (fdResPub)

Simple Service Discovery Protocol (SSDP)

UPnP Device Host

Both the DNS Client and DHCP Client should be set to start automatically, ensuring smooth functionality. These services are essential for connecting to the internet. If they fail to start, you would surely notice as your browser and other applications would cease to work properly.

The others collectively provide your PC with the ability to view and interact with other devices on the network. To check their status, open the Services app. There are two quick ways to do that. You can either type "services" into the search bar in the Start menu and click "Open" or press Enter. Alternatively, you can press Windows+R, type "services.msc" into the run box, and then press Enter.

The default sorting of the services is alphabetical. However, if your list is not sorted in this way, simply click on the "Name" column located at the top. Please scroll down the list and ensure that all the services we have mentioned are set to either "Manual" or "Automatic."

If Network discovery is enabled and sharing is turned on, and you have been attempting to connect to a device on your local area network (LAN), the services should be actively functioning, even if they are set to manual startup. If the services are not running as expected, it is likely that an error has occurred. In such cases, if the services are not running but should be, you can go ahead and adjust their startup type from "Manual" to "Automatic."

If any of the services are set to "Disabled," you can resolve the issue by right-clicking on the respective service and selecting "Properties."

Click the drop down menu, select "Automatic" or "Automatic (Delayed Start)," and then click "Apply" and "OK." The service will start up automatically when you boot Windows.

If you have an older computer, or a low-power machine, you might want to put it on a delayed start so you don't bog down Windows while your computer tries to boot up.

Double-check all of the listed services, restart your computer, and try again.

NetBIOS

NetBIOS is a crucial software component that facilitates the connection of devices within a Local Area Network. Failure of its proper functioning can lead to the occurrence of Error 0x80004005. Let's verify your settings to ensure that this is not the underlying issue.

To do so, click on the Start button, type "Network Connections" in the search bar, and then press Enter or select "Open."

To access the properties of the network adapter you are using to connect to the Local Area Network (LAN), simply right-click on it. Then, select "Properties" from the menu that appears. It's important to note that the name of the adapter may differ from one computer to another depending on the specific hardware configuration. In general, a wired connection is typically denoted by the term "Ethernet" in the name, whereas Wi-Fi adapters usually include the term "Wi-Fi" in their names.

Scroll down until you see "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)," select it, then click "Properties."

Click "Advanced."

To resolve any errors, follow these steps:

1. Click on the "WINS" tab.

2. Look towards the bottom of the Window.

3. Ensure that the "Default" setting is selected.

4. In case NetBIOS is disabled, enable the default setting.

5. If you still encounter an error despite selecting "Default," try changing the setting to "Enabled" instead.

6. Click on the space next to "Enable NetBIOS Over TCP/IP."

7. Click on "OK."

Close out all of the rest of the windows you'd previously opened up by hitting "Ok," then see if the error still occurs.

Disable IPv6

The future is here with Internet Protocol version 6, also known as IPv6, which is gradually becoming the standard. However, the transition to this new protocol has not been smooth or straightforward. Occasionally, complications arise in accommodating legacy support for IPv4 devices.

A possible reason for encountering an "Error: 0x80004005" could be a hiccup, in which case the solution is simple: power off the system. In the majority of cases, this step is not required, although the appearance of the windows may vary slightly on Windows 10, the overall process remains unchanged.

Access the Settings app, then go to Network & Internet > (Your Network Name) > Hardware Properties. Finally, click on "Edit" within the DNS settings section.

If you are connected to your local area network using both Wi-Fi and Ethernet, ensure that IPv6 is disabled for both connections.

Scroll down to IPv6 and click the switch to the off position.

Once again, restart your PC and see if you still get the error.

Antivirus or Firewall Blocking Access

It is unlikely, but it is possible that the issue is caused by overly-protective antivirus software. Today's advanced antivirus programs offer comprehensive protection against various types of attacks, including those originating from your local area network (LAN). To determine if this is the cause of the problem, you can temporarily disable your antivirus and firewall software.

To receive specific instructions on how to accomplish this task, it is necessary to consider the wide range of antivirus programs available. It is recommended to refer to the respective company's website for instructions on how to proceed.

If you're using Microsoft Defender, disabling the firewall and antivirus is pretty straightforward.

Fix Local File Errors

Error Code 0x80004005 is not exclusive to networked devices. It can also occur on your Windows PC when attempting to access or modify a local file or folder. Luckily, the reasons behind this scenario are outlined below:

Permission or Ownership Issues

If you are encountering the 0x80004005 error while working with local files, it is likely due to permission or ownership issues.

To resolve this problem, start by verifying whether your user account has ownership of the problematic file or folder. If it does not, the initial step is to attempt taking ownership of the file or folder.

Once you've taken ownership of the file, the next thing you should try is manually adjusting your permissions. Right-click the file or folder and click "Properties."

Head over to the "Security" tab, select the Users group, and check out the permissions listed below. "Full Control" should be ticked. If it isn't, click "Edit."

Please ensure that you have selected "Full Control" for the list, as this will automatically enable all other options. Afterward, click on "Apply" and then on "OK."

If you have only one user account on your PC, it is likely that your user account is a part of both the Users group and the Administrators group. To confirm this, check the permissions for both groups in the Properties window. Any user account within the Administrators group should have "Full Control," but it is always recommended to double-check.

Once you've confirmed that you have ownership and full control, check and see if you're still getting the error.

Antivirus

Many antivirus programs allow you to configure specific files and folders to be safeguarded against malware. However, in some cases, this protective feature may become excessive and disrupt regular PC activities.

To determine whether the antivirus is the culprit, the quickest method is to temporarily disable it. The antivirus provider's website will provide detailed instructions on how to accomplish this.

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is pretty unlikely to be the problem, but it never hurts to rule out the possibility.

Problems with Your Hard Drive, SSD, or Windows

To determine the cause of the error, it is difficult to ascertain whether a hardware malfunction or Windows corruption is at fault. The easiest approach in such instances is to assume the presence of a problem and proceed with attempting to resolve it, without any risk of exacerbation.

To eliminate the majority of potential issues, it is recommended to execute three primary commands: Chkdsk, DISM, and SFC.

To run the commands, ensure that you open either Command Prompt or PowerShell as an administrator. Take your time during the scanning process as it may require significant time to complete. After the scans have finished, proceed by restarting your PC and verifying if Error 0x80004005 still persists.

More Troubleshooting Steps

In addition to common instances, the error code may also occur in more uncommon scenarios associated with certain programs. Due to the diverse nature of these programs, it is challenging to provide specific instructions on resolving the issue in such cases. However, during the troubleshooting process, it is important to consider the underlying cause of Error 0x80004005: the inability to access a file or folder accurately.

That means to troubleshoot this issue, you need to first verify that your application can properly access the necessary files and folders, ensure that all required services are functioning accurately, and confirm that none of the crucial files are damaged. In simpler terms, you should follow three key steps: disable your antivirus software, run the program as an administrator, and perform a complete uninstallation and reinstallation of the program.