How to fix error 0x80070015 in Windows (Windows 8.1)

Maybe the culprit for error 0x80070015 is a component of your computer (a computer part). Among the other diagnostic tools, Windows offers a troubleshooter for issues with hardware (computer parts). One you run it, it will scan for anomalies, and address them, if anomalies are found. Also, it will warn you of the ones that would require your attention, and need to be looked at.

To run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter, follow the steps below:

1. Open the start menu, type control panel and click on it once it appears in the search results;
2. Type troubleshooting in the search box in the Control Panel and click on Troubleshooting;
3. Click on Hardware and sound;
4. Run the troubleshooters one by one;
5. Wait for the process to end.

Restarting the computer is like taking a quick shower. It removes all the dirt, in computer terms, the stuck background processes, which prevents your computer from running smoothly and possibly led to error 0x80070015.

Turn off your computer and turn it back on. To restart your computer effectively, you can unplug it from the power strip, and plug it back in. If you use a laptop, you can remove its battery, and plug it back in.

If a virus invaded your computer, it may have corrupted system files, causing error 0x80070015 to show up on your screen. If this is the case, all you need to do is to remove the malicious software, using an anti-virus software. After removing them, make sure to do the following:

• Don't open suspicious emails;
• Don't install programs from other non-trusted websites than the developer's - they may be pirated;
• Limit connecting in to open hotspots as much as possible.
  
  

If your experience in this matter is limited, the viruses/spyware/malware guide shares useful tips on how to scan for and remove viruses.

The System File Checker tool is a powerful and often overlooked tool that can address many errors, including this error, regardless of where it occurs (Windows update, Windows Defender, or the Microsoft Store). A surefire sign that this is the right solution you need is if this error was caused by a corrupt, or missing system file.

Running the System File Checker is quite safe and simple, and shouldn't lead to more complications. All you need to do is to follow the steps below:

1. Open the start menu and type command prompt;
2. Right click on it and select Run as Administrator;
3. In the command prompt type the following command:
   
   sfc /scannow
   
   
4. Wait for the check to end and the computer to be restarted.

Maybe the firewall and antivirus configuration currently set on your computer is the culprit for this error. To put it simply the shield may consider one of your system files a threat and it won't let it execute its tasks. Perhaps there is a good reason why they do this - maybe the file is corrupt, or another related file is missing. This is why you need to proceed with caution.

As a test, try disabling the firewall and antivirus settings. If there was no sign of this error on screen, go to the firewall and antivirus settings and make alterations to some of them, following respective guides. If you don't feel confident enough, you can visit Microsoft help articles, or the antivirus website, and read their guides and best practices.

As for disabling the Windows Firewall, proceed with care and disable it long enough to check if it really is blocking a process.

To disable the Windows Firewall:

1. Go to the start menu and type Windows Firewall;
2. Click on Windows Firewall and then Turn Windows Firewall on or off;
3. Click on Turn off Windows Firewall (not Recommended) under Private and Public networks.
   
   

To enable the Windows Firewall:

1. Go to the start menu and type Windows Firewall;
2. Click on Windows Firewall and then Turn Windows Firewall on or off;
3. Click on Turn on Windows Firewall for both Private and Public networks.
   
   

One of the reasons behind error 0x80070015 is interrupted connection between the SSD or hard drive and the computer's motherboard. In order for data access and data saving to be uninterrupted, the cable that connects with the hard drive with the motherboard in desktop computers (known as SATA cable) should be firmly connected on both ends. If it isn't, errors can occur. To check this, open your desktop computer reattach the SATA cable, firmly, and check if this error will appear again.

Note: If you use a laptop, you need to disconnect and reconnect the hard drive or SSD drive, as laptops don't have SATA cables, as desktop computers do. Also, if this error occurs only when you use an external hard drive, reconnect that hard drive.

The computer drivers, if not updated regularly, can cause many errors, one of which being this one. They are the means of communication between the computer's parts and the operating system, and without them, we won't be able to move the mouse pointer, or type on the keyboard. If an outdated, or even corrupt driver is causing this error, in order to fix it, you will need to update the drivers to the latest version available.

One way of updating drivers is through the computer manufacturer's website (if you use a desktop computer, then it's the motherboard manufacturer's website). What you need to do is:

1. Go to the manufacturer's website and search for the driver page;
2. Enter your laptop's model number (if you use a desktop computer, the motherboard's model number);
3. Find the drivers in the list and download them;
4. Run the driver's installation file, and follow the on-screen instructions.
   
   

Note: The how to update drivers guide shares more ways on how to update drivers.

Updating the operating system regularly can resolve many issues, and improve the computer's stability and performance. Installing the latest Windows updates regularly can address tons of issues, including error 0x80070015.

Mostly, updates are applied by the operating system itself, automatically, when you restart or shut down the computer, however, it's best if you check for updates manually, from time to time, too.

To check for updates manually, and install the latest Windows update, let the how to update the operating system guide assist you.

Developed by Microsoft, the Check Disk utility is a utility that will scan for and address anomalies on your hard drive, because of which error 0x80070015 can appear.

To run the CHDSK tool, follow the steps below:

1. Go to (My) Computer / This PC, right click on Local Disk (C:) and select Properties;
2. Open the Tools tab and click on Check, in the Error checking section and follow the instructions.
   * Enter the Administrator's password, if asked.
3. Repeat the same steps to check the other partitions (i.e. Local Disks).
   
   

Registry files are files containing relevant data about all the programs installed on your computer, and system files, too. Bad registry files can be the culprit for this, among many other errors, too. As registry files are risky to tamper with, to fix such errors, it's safe to use utilities that will do the hard work instead, and most importantly, do it safely, because altering or even deleting the wrong registry file can damage Windows significantly. One such utility you can use to fix registry errors is CCleaner. To install it, and fix registry errors, follow the steps below:

1. Download and install CCleaner (or another utility);
2. Click on Cleaner from the sidebar on the left, and then click on Analyze;
   

   
   
   

3. Once the analysis is complete, hit Run Cleaner;
   

   
   
   

4. Click on Registry, make sure all the items are checked, and then click on Scan for Issues;
   

   
   
   

5. After the scan is complete, click on Fix selected issues.