Understanding the Error 0x800700c1

The 0x800700c1 error code is known to appear with texts such as:

“The application cannot be started as the file is corrupt or is not the right version.”
“This program is not a valid Win32 application.”

Generally, this error means that the operating system is unable to execute or carry out a certain file or program because either it is corrupt, incompatible or is not designed for that Windows version. There are multiple reasons for this:

• System files or installation files may be corrupted.
• There are devices or applications which are incompatible.
• There are issues with Microsoft Windows Update.
• There is presence of a virus or malicious software.
• There are unsupported or old drivers.

Common Causes of Error 0x800700c1

We will give you some of the most likely causes for the occurrence of this error.

Damaged System Files: With time a system may develop missing or corrupted system files and this will affect the functions of the windows including the installation or running of some programs.

Unacceptable Application: Applications developed for Windows some years back or for a different type of Windows may generate this error in a modern system if such applications are used.

Restarting Windows Problem: Unsuccessful installation, removal or update of Windows sometimes generates the error code 0x800700c1 and, in this case, the situation is related to objects for storage of updates. This error may also occur if there is a problem when downloading or installing updates.
Transmission of virus or malware infections: Some malware masquerades as genuine applications leading to the misblocking of Windows in its attempts to access the programs causing the occurrence of error 0x800700c1.

Registry errors: This error may also concern wheeled, rotten, or corrupted registry entries, especially when certain application or system files are misidentified.

Ways of Resolving Error Code 0x800700c1

1. Perform Windows 10 Update Troubleshooter First

Since this core issue frequently occurs during a Windows Update, using the built-in troubleshooter should help quickly pinpoint and fix the problem.

• Press Win + I hotkey combination to bring out the Settings app.
• Locate Update & Security.
• Press on the left side Troubleshoot and then Additional troubleshooters.
• Find Windows Update and click on the Run the troubleshooter button.

If necessary, follow the next steps to allow Windows resolve the problem.

2. Verify compatibility of software

Check whether the program or file you are attempting to open or install – matches the operating system version you are currently using.

When installing a new application, check if that application is for 32 bit operating system or 64 bit operating system.

Find the .exe file for the application, right click it and go to ‘Properties’, then the ‘Compatibility’ tab. This is where you will find the option of compatibility mode, which allows you to run older versions of the application on windows.

3. Perform System File Checker (SFC)

System File Checker (SFC) utility scans for the files that are corrupted and causes the error and fixes them.

To do this press the Start button and find Command Prompt, right-click it and select Run as administrator.

In the command prompt type this command and hit Enter:

sfc /scannow

Once the process has started, kindly be patient until the process completes. Note that in the event SFC comes across any damaged files, it will proactively commence repairs on them even without any directives from the user.

4. Use DISM (Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool)

In cases where the SFC scan doesn’t resolve the error, there is another tool to use known as DISM, which is more serious and has the capacity to repair system corruption complexities.

Run Command Prompt as administrator.

Enter the subsequent command and hit Enter:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Wait until the last stage of the process is achieved (this could take time).

5. Run Antimalware Software

If you remove the virus from the computer, do not forget to apologize to it. Do a full system scan and with Windows Defender or any trusted third-party antivirus program to eliminate the infection.

Open Windows Security (search it in the Start menu).
Click on Virus & Threat Protection page.
Click on either Quick Scan or Full Scan as per your preference,
It is advisable that you use the up to date version of your antivirus software for enhanced safety.

6. Delete Windows Update Cache

In case the issue is about Windows Update, it is likely that you have to nuke update components. This is done the hard way which is through update cache deletion:

• Run Command Prompt as administrator.
• To Stop the Windows Update Service, type in the following:
• net stop wuauserv
• Now delete all the files in the folder C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download.

You can do this manually or with the following command:

del /f /s /q C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download\*

Re-enter the command prompt and type in the following to restart the Windows Update Service:

net start wuauserv
Try to perform the update once again.