Error Code 0x80070057 – Troubleshoot Windows Error

While working on the computer, coming across an error can be the most frustrating problem ever. You have no idea what has gone wrong or why the error has occurred. Most of the time the error code itself gives you the hint about the actual problem. And when the error code contains the context of its arrival, it becomes easy to figure out the solution. In this article, we will discuss error code 0x80070057, one of the most common Windows error codes. I will also share useful tips to troubleshoot Windows error codes like this one.

What is Error Code 0x80070057?

The windows error code 0x80070057 is primarily associated with storage problems. It usually occurs when you attempt to run a Windows update or install a new software application on your computer. It can also occur while upgrading Windows from an older version to a newer version like Win 10. 

The error message reads –

An error occurred while performing this action.

Error code: 0x80070057
Error Message: The parameter is incorrect.

You may receive this error on a blue screen of death (BSoD), or in a white pop-out window. Generally, how the error will appear depends on how fatal it is. As compared to other Windows error codes, this one is not that much impactful. But that does not mean it is not harmful. At times it can cause great trouble. Before discussing how to fix error 0x80070057, it is important to find out the reasons why it appears. 

Causes of Error Code 0x80070057

The most common causes of error code 0x80070057 are given below:

• If there is a problem with the storage device, be it an HDD or SSD, you may come across the error code 0x80070057. Why? Maybe what you are trying to install might be too large for the storage device and you are running out of free space. Or maybe you are trying to copy files to the storage drive, but the files are pretty large and you do not have enough storage space in the drive.
• Sometimes this error code may also occur while installing Windows. If your hard disk does not have enough storage space or it is not using the correct file system for the Windows version you are trying to install, you are likely to receive the error code 0x80070057. Similarly, when you are trying to install Windows update and if you are having a storage issue, you may encounter this error because installations are occasionally large.
• There is a partition in the hard disk reserved for the system. If it is damaged, the disk may struggle to write the information on it and the error code 0x80070057 is likely to occur. Note: If you are using an old hard disk or if you have been formatting the hard disk partitions constantly, it may happen that one of the hard disk partitions is damaged.
• There is one more instance when you may receive this error while creating a new Outlook profile.

There are various applications prone to this Windows error code 0x80070057. However, nothing can stop any application throwing this error if you are running out of storage space or if there is any problem with the storage device.

Best Ways to Fix Windows Error Code 0x80070057

Although the exact reason for error code 0x80070057 is not always clear, there are many potential solutions that you can consider trying. I am sharing a list of some useful tips & tricks that will help you troubleshoot Windows error 0x80070057. Some of them are easy, and some of them are intensive and time-consuming. So I would suggest you start with Method #1 and then go one by one.

Note: Every time you try a fix, you should then try to perform the same task that you were performing earlier when you received the Windows error code 0x80070057. If the same error will not occur again, congratulations! You have successfully fixed the error. If the error is still occurring, you should continue trying the next fixes.

Method #1: Date and Time Should be Correct

The very first thing you should check is the Date and Time of your system. I know this might be silly, but there are many situations where a problem occurs due to incorrect date and time. In order to prevent the error code 0x80070057, make sure your system’s date and time are correct. To check the date and time on your computer running a Windows OS, simply click the date or time shown in the bottom-right corner. Now check the clock. If the date and time are different than actual, you need to change the data or time setting.

Method #2: Run CHKDSK Tool

If the storage device you are using contains corrupted data, damaged partitions, or if it is defective, you may encounter the error code 0x80070057. You should run the Windows Check Disk tool or CHKDSK. This will help you find the problems in the storage device and fix them.

Method #3: Clear Hard Disk Space

It is possible that your hard disk drive is full, and that is why you are receiving the Windows error code 0x80070057. To resolve the issue, you need to free some space on your hard disk. Check the capacity of your hard disk by going to My Computer. You should mainly look for drive C as this is the main boot drive. If you see the drive is running out of space, remove all the unnecessary and unwanted data from it to get some free storage space. Also, empty the recycle bin and delete all the temporary files & folders. I would recommend you using the CCleaner tool here.

Method #4: Scan Computer for Virus

Sometimes a virus or malware can also cause the Windows error code 0x80070057. Run your Antivirus program to scan your computer for viruses. Make sure it should be a deep scan. To perform the scan more comprehensively, you can run the Antivirus program in safe mode. This will detect the viruses and remove them from your computer.

Method #5: Update Your Windows Operating System

Maybe your Windows operating system needs an update, and that is why you are encountering that error. Many times a Windows problem is fixed by simply installing a new version of the Windows operating system. Here you should run the Windows update, download it, and then you can install it on your computer. Once you are with this, restart your computer to check if the issue has been resolved.

Method #6: Use System Update Readiness Tool

Have you heard about CheckSUR, the System Update Readiness Tool? It is a downloadable utility provided by Microsoft. It can fix various issues related to Windows update by scanning files and registry keys associated with the updates. It also replaces the corrupt files and keys with the good ones.

If you are using Windows 7 and you receive the error code 0x80070057 while updating Windows, maybe your system is not ready for the update due to some reasons. Maybe it requires an intermediary update or there might be any other issue. You should download CheckSUR, the System Update Readiness Tool, and install it on your system. Then you can run it and find if there is a problem detected. This tool will help you fix the issue so you can complete your Windows update. 

Method #7: Use DISM Command Tool

The DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) is a command-line tool to prepare, modify, and repair system images that include Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE), Windows Preinstallation Environment (Windows PE), and Windows Setup. This tool can also be used with Command Prompt to fix common issues with the hidden recovery image on your computer.

If you are using Windows 8 or 10 and you receive the error code 0x80070057 while updating Windows, run the DISM command tool using the following steps:

• First, open the command prompt as a system administrator.
• Enter “DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth”, and then hit Enter to start downloading the important files for fixing any update corruption.
• Once the files have been downloaded, type “sfc/scannow” and hit Enter.

Once the scanning process is completed, you should try to update Windows again.

Method #8: Try System Restore

A system restore can help you fix Windows error code 0x80070057 by taking your computer back to its original state before the problem took place. It will restore everything that has changed since then. But keep in mind that the system restore will remove all your settings, installed applications, and other important data. Therefore, before trying the system restore, take the backup of your important data so you will not lose anything.

Method #9: Reset Your Computer

If the system restore does not work, maybe you should try to factory reset your computer. This will delete all your personal files and reset your system settings. FYI, Windows provides some great built-in utilities to do that. Do not forget to take the backup of your data before you can reset your computer.

Method #10: Delete Partition and Format It

If the system reset fails to troubleshoot Windows error code 0x80070057, the only thing you can do with your existing hard disk is to delete the faulty partition, format it, and then you can try installing Windows.

Method #11: Get New Hard Disk

If nothing is working for you, this means your hard disk drive is bad and you need to buy a new one. Generally, it is recommended to use an SSD for the boot drive so that you get the best performance. You need to transfer the files to your new hard disk drive.

Conclusion

In this article, I have briefly explained the error code 0x80070057 and the reasons why it occurs. I have also shared the potential solutions to troubleshoot this error. There are 11 different tips & tricks shared in this article that you can use one by one. If all the given tips & tricks fail to fix the error code 0x80070057 then you can use professional Windows Data Recovery Software.

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