Microsoft KB Archive/942967

= Error message when you try to download updates from Windows Update on a computer that is running Windows Vista: &quot;Error 0x80070003 The system cannot find the path specified&quot; =

Article ID: 942967

Article Last Modified on 10/23/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Windows Vista Business
 * Windows Vista Enterprise
 * Windows Vista Home Basic
 * Windows Vista Home Premium
 * Windows Vista Ultimate
 * Windows Vista Business 64-bit Edition
 * Windows Vista Enterprise 64-bit Edition
 * Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit Edition
 * Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition
 * Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit Edition

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SYMPTOMS
When you try to download updates from Windows Update on a computer that is running Windows Vista, you may receive an error message that resembles the following:

Error 0x80070003

The system cannot find the path specified.

Additionally, an entry that resembles the following may be logged in the WindowsUpdate.log file: 2007-03-17 12:14:47:639 6128 a54 Handler Post-reboot status for package Package_for_KBxxxxx~31bf3856ad364e35~x866.0.1.2: 0x80070003.

2007-03-17 12:14:47:639 6128 a54 Handler WARNING: Got extended error:

&quot;POQ Operation LoadDefaultUserHive&quot; Note The WindowsUpdate.log file is in the following location:

%Windir%\WindowsUpdate.log

Note The entry in the WindowsUpdate.log file references an extended error that occurs when the system tries to load the Default User Hive.



CAUSE
This problem occurs because the :\Users\Default folder is missing from the computer. This folder contains the NTUser.dat file. When the Default User folder is missing, you cannot load the Default User Hive.

Note In this path,  represents the disk where you installed Windows Vista.



RESOLUTION
To resolve this issue, create the :\Users\Default folder. Then, copy the NTUser.dat file to this folder from one of the following locations:
 * The Windows Vista installation media
 * Another Windows Vista-based computer

The NTUser.dat is the registry hive that is used when you create new user accounts. Therefore, use only the NTUser.dat file from the :\Users\Default folder. Other versions of NTUser.dat file may not correctly reflect the locations of user-specific files or folders.

Keywords: kbtshoot kbprb kbexpertiseinter KB942967

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