If your Microsoft security software runs into trouble it will usually give you an error code to help you find out what went wrong.
Most often an error means there was a problem installing an update.
Microsoft Security Essentials error codes
The table below has some common error codes from Microsoft Security Essentials. You can also try searching the Microsoft Community Forums for help.
| Error code | Possible reason for error | What to do now |
|---|
| 0x80070002 | There may be a problem checking for updates | Read Windows Update error 80070002 for more details |
| 0x80070005 | You may not have the correct privileges to continue with this action - you may need to log on as an administrator | Read Installation error 0x80070005 for more details |
| 0x80070643 | This is a generic error code - there be an undiagnosed problem with your security software | Reboot your computer and try again |
| 0x8004FF06 | You may have a newer version of the software installed | You need to uninstall all versions of the software. The following articles can help you uninstall a program:You should then re-install your program |
Other Microsoft security software error codes
The table below has some common error codes that you may get when using other Microsoft security software. You can also try searching the Microsoft Community Forums for help.
| Error code | Possible reason for error | What to do now |
|---|
| 0x80070424 | There may be a problem installing updates | Read Error 0x80070424 for more details |
| 0x800700df | The file you are trying to download may exceed the allowed limit and cannot be saved - you may need to increase your file-download limit | Read 0x800700df: folder copy error for more details |
| 0x800705b4 | There may be a problem with your antivirus update | Read Windows Update error 800705b4 for more details |
| 0x4ff02 | Malware may have modified your antivirus or antimalware software - you may need to uninstall and reinstall your security software | The following articles have more information about uninstalling a program:Then re-install your program |
| 0x80080005 | Your computer may not be responding properly | Read Stop error code 0x80080005 for more details |
| 0x80070070 | You may not have enough disk space on your computer to install updates | Read Windows Update error 80070070 for more details |
| 0x8007042C | There may be a problem with your Windows Firewall | Read 0x8007042c error message for detailed troubleshooting instructions |
| 0x80240016 | There may be another installation in progress - you should wait for this install to complete | Read Windows Update error 0x80240016 for more details |
| 0x8024400a | There may be a connection problem between your computer and the Windows servers | Read Windows Update error 8024400a, 8024400d, or 8024400e for more details |