Error Code 0x80240029 When Updating Windows Defender
On a Windows Vista machine you may see the following error message: Error Found: Code 0x80240029 when you attempt to update your copy of Windows Defender.
The problem arises because of a corrupted SoftwareDistribution folder.
To rectify the problem you will need to start your computer in Safe Mode and then proceed as follows:
1/ Start your computer
2/ As the computer is starting, and before the Vista progress bar appears, keep tapping the F8 key
3/ An Advanced Boot Options menu should now appear
4/ Using the Arrow Keys navigate to the Safe Mode option and then press Enter.
5/ Once in Safe Mode, Click the Start button and then, in the Search dialogue box type %windir% and Press Enter
6/ Windows Explorer will open and the Windows folder will be selected.
7/ Scroll down the list of items in the Windows folder until you locate the SoftwareDistribution folder
8/ Now Right Click on the SoftwareDistribution folder and, from the menu that appears, Click Rename
9/ In the Rename box Type SoftwareDistribution.old and then Press Enter
10/ All you need do now is Restart your computer and a new SoftwareDistribution folder will be created.