Troubleshooting Error Code 0x80070072

Error code 0x80070072 is a common Windows error that indicates a problem accessing or modifying files on your computer. This error typically manifests as a pop-up message stating "Error 0x80070072: Not enough storage is available to process this command."

What Causes Error Code 0x80070072?

Several factors can contribute to the occurrence of error code 0x80070072, including:

  • Insufficient disk space
  • Corrupted system files
  • Antivirus or firewall interference
  • Faulty hardware

Affected Operating Systems

This error code affects various Windows operating systems, including:

  • Windows 10
  • Windows 8
  • Windows 7
  • Windows Vista

Programs Commonly Affected

Error code 0x80070072 can occur while using a wide range of programs, such as:

  • Windows Update
  • System Restore
  • Disk Cleanup
  • File transfer applications

How to Solve Errors

There are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve error code 0x80070072. Try each solution one at a time until the problem is resolved:

Free Up Disk Space

The most common cause of this error is insufficient disk space. To check your available disk space:

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Right-click on your main drive (typically C:) and select Properties.
  3. Review the "Free space" value in the General tab.

If your free space is low, delete unnecessary files or programs to free up space.

Run Disk Cleanup

Windows includes a built-in tool called Disk Cleanup that can help remove temporary files and other system clutter:

  1. Open the Start Menu and type "Disk Cleanup."
  2. Select Disk Cleanup from the search results.
  3. Choose the drive you want to clean up and click OK.
  4. Select the types of files you want to delete and click OK.

Run System File Checker

Corrupted system files can also cause error 0x80070072. To scan and repair corrupted system files, run the System File Checker (SFC) tool:

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator by searching for "cmd" in the Start Menu, right-clicking on it, and selecting "Run as administrator."
  2. Type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow

This process may take some time to complete.

Disable Antivirus Temporarily

Sometimes antivirus software can interfere with system operations and trigger error code 0x80070072. To rule this out, temporarily disable your antivirus program and attempt the operation again. Remember to re-enable your antivirus after troubleshooting.

Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter for addressing common update issues:

  1. Open Settings (press Windows key + I).
  2. Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
  3. Select Windows Update from the list of troubleshooting options and click Run the troubleshooter.

Check for Hardware Issues

While less common, faulty hardware like a failing hard drive can contribute to error code 0x80070072. If other solutions fail, consider running diagnostic tools provided by your hardware manufacturer or consulting a technician.

Perform a System Restore

If the error started recently, you may be able to revert your system to a previous state using System Restore:

  1. Open Start Menu, type "System Restore" and select it from the results.
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a restore point before the error occurred.

Remember that System Restore will undo any changes made after the chosen restore point.

Reinstall Windows

As a last resort, if all other solutions fail, you may need to reinstall Windows. This process will erase all data on your hard drive, so make sure to back up important files beforehand. You can download a fresh copy of Windows from Microsoft.

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