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Get the fix to "<strong>0x80042302</strong>" error for<strong> Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, </strong>or<strong> 8.1</strong> operating systems.
<h2>About the "<strong>0x80042302</strong>" error</h2>
[kbintro]
<h3>Description and Symptoms</h3>
The error messages, alerts, warnings, and symptoms below are tied to this error.
<h4>Symptom 1: 0x80042302 error screen on startup</h4>
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:

<a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2015/05/0x80042302.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-3423 size-full" src="https://neosmart.net/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2015/05/0x80042302.jpg" alt="0x80042302 in System Restore Window" width="549" height="370" /></a>
<pre>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?</pre>
<h3>Causes of this Error</h3>
This error has been known to occur as a result of one or more of the following:
<h4>Cause 1: Volume Shadow Copy service is disabled</h4>
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.
<h4>Cause 2: System files are missing or corrupt</h4>
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.
<h2>Fixing "0x80042302" on Windows</h2>
<h3>Fix #1: Set Volume Shadow Copy Service to Automatic</h3>
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:
<ol>
 	<li>Click <strong>Start</strong></li>
 	<li>Type <code>services.msc</code> in the Run dialog box or in the Search bar (for Windows Vista, 7 or 8)</li>
 	<li>Press <kbd>Enter</kbd> to open the Services utility</li>
 	<li>Find the <strong>Volume Shadow Copy</strong> item from the list</li>
 	<li>Make sure Volume Shadow Copy is running: check the Status column corresponding to this item.If it's not running, click <strong>Start the service</strong> from the left menu in order to start it.</li>
 	<li>Right-click on Volume Shadow Copy and click <strong>Properties</strong></li>
 	<li>Set <strong>Startup Type</strong> on <strong>Automatic</strong></li>
 	<li>Restart your computer</li>
</ol>
[caption id="attachment_4583" align="alignnone" width="980"]<a href="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2015/05/Shadow-copy-W71.png"><img class="wp-image-4583 size-large" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2015/05/Shadow-copy-W71-1024x720.png" alt="Windows shadow copy service screen" width="980" height="689" /></a> Windows shadow copy service screen[/caption]
<h3>Fix #2: Perform a clean boot</h3>
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:
<ol>
 	<li>Click <strong>Start</strong></li>
 	<li>Type <code>msconfig.exe</code> in the search box and click <code>msconfig</code> from the list</li>
 	<li>At the <em>General</em> tab, uncheck the <strong>Load startup items</strong> from the <em>Selective startup</em> radio button</li>
 	<li>At the <em>Service</em> tab, check <strong>Hide all Microsoft services</strong> and then click <strong>Disable all</strong></li>
 	<li>Click <strong>OK</strong></li>
 	<li>Click <strong>Restart</strong></li>
</ol>
[caption id="attachment_4584" align="alignnone" width="980"]<a href="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2015/05/Msconfig-utility-screen1.png"><img class="wp-image-4584 size-large" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2015/05/Msconfig-utility-screen1-1024x592.png" alt="Msconfig utility screen" width="980" height="567" /></a> Msconfig utility screen[/caption]
<h3>Fix #3: Run sfc</h3>
The <code>sfc</code> utility can inspect your system files and attempt to repair any corrupted files.
<ol>
 	<li>Click <strong>Start</strong></li>
 	<li>Type <code>cmd</code> in the search box</li>
 	<li>Right-click on <strong>Command Prompt</strong> from the search results list</li>
 	<li>Select <strong>Run as Administrator</strong></li>
 	<li>Type:
<pre>sfc /scannow</pre>
</li>
 	<li>Hit <kbd>Enter</kbd></li>
 	<li>Restart your computer</li>
</ol>
[caption id="attachment_4585" align="alignnone" width="800"]<a href="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2015/05/sfc2.png"><img class="wp-image-4585 size-full" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2015/05/sfc2.png" alt="sfc utility results screen" width="800" height="600" /></a> sfc utility results screen[/caption]

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

[partial name="partial_easyre_commandline"]
<h2>More Information</h2>
<h3>Linked Entries</h3>
<ul>
 	<li><a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/sfc/">sfc</a></li>
</ul>
[partial name="partial_moreinfo" versions="xp,vista,7,8"]