0x80042302 – Fix for Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1

Get the fix to “0x80042302” error for Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, or 8.1 operating systems.

Contents

About the “0x80042302” error

The following information on this error has been compiled by NeoSmart Technologies, based on the information gathered and reported by our global network of engineers, developers, and technicians or partner organizations.

Description and Symptoms

The error messages, alerts, warnings, and symptoms below are tied to this error.

Symptom 1: 0x80042302 error screen on startup

This error is usually trigged by a misconfigured system or specific Windows files being damaged or corrupt, but in most cases, the 0x80042302 error appears when running the System Restore utility software:

0x80042302 in System Restore Window

Restore system files and settings

System Restore does not appear to be functioning correctly on 
this system.

A Volume Shadow Copy Service component encountered an 
unexpected error. Check the Application event log for more 
information. (0x80042302)

System Restore can help fix problems that might be making your 
computer run slowly or stop responding.

System Restore does not affect any of your documents, pictures, or 
other personal data. Recently installed programs and drivers might be 
uninstalled. Is this process reversible?

Causes of this Error

This error has been known to occur as a result of one or more of the following:

Cause 1: Volume Shadow Copy service is disabled

The most common cause of this error is a Volume Shadow Copy service that is not running. This service creates backups of Windows while in use and it is required for System Restore to work properly.

Cause 2: System files are missing or corrupt

Another possible cause is a key system file that became missing or corrupt. That could happen because of disk write errors, power outages, or virus attacks.

Fixing “0x80042302” on Windows

Fix #1: Set Volume Shadow Copy Service to Automatic

The Volume Shadow Copy utility from Windows creates backups of Windows while in use.

If this error appears during System Restore, setting Volume Shadow Copy to Automatic might fix it:

  1. Click Start
  2. Type services.msc in the Run dialog box or in the Search bar (for Windows Vista, 7 or 8)
  3. Press Enter to open the Services utility
  4. Find the Volume Shadow Copy item from the list
  5. Make sure Volume Shadow Copy is running: check the Status column corresponding to this item.If it’s not running, click Start the service from the left menu in order to start it.
  6. Right-click on Volume Shadow Copy and click Properties
  7. Set Startup Type on Automatic
  8. Restart your computer
Windows shadow copy service screen

Windows shadow copy service screen

Fix #2: Perform a clean boot

Performing a clean boot might fix the 0x80042302 error, if it was triggered when opening the System Restore utility.

To do a clean boot of your Windows, follow these steps:

  1. Click Start
  2. Type msconfig.exe in the search box and click msconfig from the list
  3. At the General tab, uncheck the Load startup items from the Selective startup radio button
  4. At the Service tab, check Hide all Microsoft services and then click Disable all
  5. Click OK
  6. Click Restart
Msconfig utility screen

Msconfig utility screen

Fix #3: Run sfc

The sfc utility can inspect your system files and attempt to repair any corrupted files.

  1. Click Start
  2. Type cmd in the search box
  3. Right-click on Command Prompt from the search results list
  4. Select Run as Administrator
  5. Type: 
    sfc /scannow
  6. Hit Enter
  7. Restart your computer
sfc utility results screen

sfc utility results screen

If you’re unable to boot into Windows to run sfc, use the Commandline from Easy Recovery Essentials to run sfc outside Windows:

  1. Download Easy Recovery Essentials
  2. Burn the ISO Image. Follow our instructions on how to burn a bootable ISO image. If you’d like to have a recovery USB instead, follow our instructions on how to make a recovery USB.
  3. Boot Easy Recovery Essentials from the CD, DVD or USB
  4. Select Launch Command Line

    Easy Recovery Essentials screenshot

To download Easy Recovery Essentials, click here.

More Information

Linked Entries

Support Links

Applicable Systems

This Windows-related knowledgebase article applies to the following operating systems:

  • Windows XP (all editions)
  • Windows Vista (all editions)
  • Windows 7 (all editions)
  • Windows 8 (all editions)
  • Windows 8.1 (all editions)

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