How To Fix 8024200d Error In Windows Vista

The 8024200d error is a very annoying error that appears when you try and update Windows Vista & install one of the service packs to your system. The error normally shows part way through the update process, which stops and then says something such as:

Update For Windows Vista Failed
Error Code 8024200d

What Causes The 8024200d Error?

The 8024200d error can be caused by a number of reasons, including having your antivirus / firewall software block the connection your computer requires to the Windows update server, having damaged download folders and having registry settings. Here’s what you need to do to fix the problem:

How To Resolve The 8024200d Error

Step 1 – Rename The “Software Distribution” and “Catroot2” Folders

It’s often the case that the Windows Update system will try and insert new files into these two folders, but will be unable to, causing the 8024200d error. This is a major issue and in order to resolve it, you need to be able to access the C:\Windows folder from your PC. Here’s what to do…

Restart Your PC In Safe Mode

1. Restart your system
2. Before Windows loads, press F8 continuously
3. On the black screen that appears, select “Safe Mode”
4. Wait for Safe Mode to load up

Change The Folder Names

1. Load up “My Computer”
2. Browse to C:\Windows
3. Locate the “Software Distribution” folder
4. Right-click and select “Rename” to rename the folder
5. Rename the folder to “SOFTWAREDISTRIBUTIONBACKUP”
6. Locate the “Catroot2” folder
7. Right-click and select “Rename” to rename the folder
8. Rename the folder to “CATROOT2BACKUP”
9. Restart your PC normally
10. Try Windows Update again

Step 2 – Clean Out Viruses From Your PC

– Download This Antivirus Program

Virus infections often cause Windows to behave in strange ways, and the 8024200d error is no different. If you are receiving this error, it could be because your computer has some sort of virus infection on it, preventing it from being able to process a variety of different functions on your PC. Our recommended antivirus program is one called XoftSpy but there are plenty of others which do a very good job.

Step 3 – Clean Out The Registry On Your System

– Download This Registry Cleaner

The registry is a big database which lies at the core of the Windows system. It stores all sorts of settings and vital information for your computer, and is the main reason why Windows is able to save & recall many different settings on your PC. Unfortunately, the registry is also one of the main causes of issues on the ‘Windows system as it’s constantly being corrupted and damaged. This is a big problem because it causes Windows to run slower and with lots of errors, including the 8024200d error. To fix this, it’s recommended you use a ‘registry cleaner’ to scan through the registry of your system and fix any of the damaged settings inside it. You can see our recommended registry cleaner below: