86. 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 on your
keyboard to 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.