How To Clear Software Distribution Folder

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Typically I have no issues renaming the SoftwareDistribution folder once the Windows Update service is off, but I have a few boxes that can't be renamed even after rebooting these boxes. Is there something else I can add to make this work? Here's my process:

1) Reboot the box in question

2) From an elevated command prompt:

--net stop wuauserv
--net stop CryptSvc
--net stop BITS
--ren %windir%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

Often I still get "access denied". Users are local admins on their own box.

Thanks in advance for any help!

BrandonH75

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Aug 23, 2017 at 15:48 UTC

I stop wuauserv, bits, and dosvc services. Occasionally wuauserv will start on its own right away before I can remove SoftwareDistribution. Telling wuauserv to stop again does the trick.

Which of the following retains the information it's storing when the system power is turned off?

88% of IT pros got this right.

7 Replies

BrandonH75

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Aug 23, 2017 at 15:48 UTC

I stop wuauserv, bits, and dosvc services. Occasionally wuauserv will start on its own right away before I can remove SoftwareDistribution. Telling wuauserv to stop again does the trick.

DragonsRule

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Aug 23, 2017 at 15:50 UTC

Have you tried booting in Safe Mode?

jdgstat

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Aug 23, 2017 at 18:20 UTC

I'll give adding dosvc to the script and also stopping WU last in line (stop it right before renaming the folder a try. Thanks.

jdgstat

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Aug 24, 2017 at 16:57 UTC

This script worked for me. I believe adding dosvc and moving wuauclt to immediately before renaming the SoftwareDistribution folder is what helped fix the issue. Thanks for the help Brandon.

net stop CryptSvc
net stop BITS
net stop dosvc
net stop wuauserv
ren %windir%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
reg Delete HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate /v SusClientId /f
reg Delete HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate /v SusClientIDValidation /f
net start wuauserv
net Start BITS
net start CryptSvc
wuauclt /resetauthorization /detectnow
wuauclt /detectnow /reportnow
pause

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