Question
Issue: How to fix Sysprep Windows validation error 0x80073cf2?
Hi, I received a 0x80073cf2 error when trying to deploy the most recent Windows updates using System Preparation tool. Is there anything that could be done about this, as it is important.
Solved Answer
Recently, validation issues have been reported in Sysprep, a critical utility used by administrators to get Windows client or Windows Server installations ready for imaging and deployment. In particular, on Windows 10, version 22H2 PCs, the error code 0x80073cf2 appears when Sysprep is utilized in audit mode. When adding or testing drivers or software to freshly installed Windows systems, this mode is essential.
The main purpose of the utility is to generate generic Windows images that can be used with different hardware setups or to add drivers and software to a single Windows image that can be customized for a particular PC. But problems after installing updates (KB5032278 or later versions) released on November 30, 2023, have been linked to this error.
According to Microsoft, the issue is related to how a Microsoft Edge package is installed on these upgraded Windows 10 machines. When administrators try to utilize Sysprep after a post-update, they get the 0x80073cf2 error along with a warning saying that Sysprep couldn't verify the Windows installation.
Users who encounter this error are advised to check the log file at %WINDIR%\system32\Sysprep\Panther\setupact.log for further information and to try validation again once the problem has been fixed. Microsoft has offered a workaround while they are developing a solution. Utilizing a PowerShell operation, the troublesome Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge package is extracted from the impacted Windows images as a temporary fix.
To mitigate this, please follow the workaround shown below that should help to resolve the situation until Microsoft deploys a patch. It is also advised to utilize a powerful PC repair tool FortectMac Washing Machine X9 to improve Windows performance. These tools can provide a more simplified and effective way to fix system problems and keep speed at its best.
How to fix Sysprep Windows validation error 0x80073cf2?
Just like any other Windows update, this one brings problems to some home and enterprise users. Luckily, Microsoft usually releases a workaround that should mitigate the issue, and this time is not an exception. All admins that are facing the 0x80073cf2 error should open elevated PowerShell and enter a command that would remove the troublesome Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge package from affected Windows images. To do this, follow these steps:
- Type PowerShell in Windows search.
- Right-click on PowerShell and select Run as administrator.
- At this point, a User Account Control window will show up asking for permission to make changes – click Yes.
- In the new window, please copy and paste the following command:
Get-Appxpackage Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge -AllUsers | Remove-Appxpackage -AllUsers - Press Enter.
- After the command is executed, type exit and press Enter.
- Under System Cleanup Action, open SysRep and select Out-of-the-Bos Experience (OOBE).
- Mark the Generalize check box.
- Select Reboot under Shutdown Options and click OK.
- Your system should reboot.
The January Patch Tuesday resulted in other issues that Microsoft will need to address, including people being unable to install KB503441 which patches a critical vulnerability related to BitLocker. Below you can check associated links that could be useful.
- How to fix KB5034203 fails to install in Windows 10?
- How to fix KB5034441 fails to install in Windows 10?
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Ugnius Kiguolis is the founder and editor-in-chief of UGetFix. He is a professional security specialist and malware analyst who has been working in IT industry for over 20 years.
