How do I fix the 0x800704ec error?

The 0x800704ec error code is a Windows-specific error code that indicates a problem with the Windows Firewall service. This error code can be caused by a variety of factors, including but not limited to:

-A corrupt or damaged Windows Firewall service registry key

-A misconfigured Windows Firewall service

-A third-party firewall program that is interfering with the Windows Firewall service

This error code can be fixed by repairing the Windows Firewall service registry key, reconfiguring the Windows Firewall service, or uninstalling the third-party firewall program.

Users typically search for a solution by asking about:

• error code ox800704ec
• 0x800704ec

• Restart your computer
• Check for updates
• Run the Windows 10 Update Troubleshooter
• Reset Windows Update Components
• Run the DISM tool
• Delete the SoftwareDistribution folder

1. Restart your computer

1. Shut down your computer.
2. Hold down the power button for 10 seconds to turn off your computer.
3. Unplug your computer power cord.
4. Open the case of your computer.
5. Remove the screws that hold the motherboard in place.
6. Lift the motherboard out of the case.
7. Hold down the power button for 10 seconds to turn on your computer.
8. Plug in your computer power cord.
9. Replace the motherboard in the case.
10. Replace the screws that hold the motherboard in place.

2. Check for updates

1. Open Windows Update by clicking the Start button and typing “Windows Update” in the search bar.
2. If the Windows Update icon is not in the taskbar, right-click on the taskbar and select “Windows Update” from the menu.
3. On the Windows Update page, click on the “Check for updates” button.
4. In the “Search for updates” dialog box, type “0x800704ec” and click on the “Search” button.
5. If the “0x800704ec” update is found, click on the “Install” button.
6. After the “0x800704ec” update is installed, click on the “OK” button.
7. If the “0x800704ec” update is not found, click on the “skip” button.
8. Close Windows Update.

3. Run the Windows 10 Update Troubleshooter

1. Launch the Windows 10 Update Troubleshooter by pressing Win+X and selecting Troubleshoot.
2. On the Troubleshooting tab, select Advanced options.
3. Under General troubleshooting, select Update and security.
4. On the Update and security window, select Troubleshoot updates.
5. On the Troubleshooting updates window, select Advanced options.
6. Under Windows update, select Check for updates.
7. Under Download updates from Microsoft, select Get updates from Microsoft online.
8. On the Get updates from Microsoft online window, enter your Windows 10 product key and click OK.
9. On the Updates window, select Install updates.
10. On the Install updates window, select the updates that you want to install and click OK.

4. Reset Windows Update Components

1. Open the "Computer Management" application.
2. Click on the "Windows Update" node.
3. On the "Windows Update" node, click on the "Reset Windows Update Components" button.
4. Click on the "Reset" button.
5. Click on the "OK" button.
6. Click on the "Close" button.

5. Run the DISM tool

To run the DISM tool to fix 0x800704ec, open a command prompt and type the following: dism /online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /CheckComponentVersion If you are prompted to restart your computer, do so.

6. Delete the SoftwareDistribution folder

The steps to delete the SoftwareDistribution folder are as follows:

1. Open the Start menu and navigate to All Programs.
2. Click on Windows Update.
3. On the left-hand side, under the heading “Updates,” click on “Change Settings.”
4. On the right-hand side, click on “Remove Distribution Points.”
5. Enter the following information in the “Remove Distribution Points” window: -SoftwareDistribution -WindowsServer2003
6. Click on “Remove Distribution Points.”
7. Click on “Restart Now.”
8. After the computer has restarted, click on the Start button and then click on Windows Update.
9. On the left-hand side, under the heading “Updates,” click on “Check for Updates.”
10. On the right-hand side, under the heading “Available Updates,” click on “Install Updates.”
11. When the “Update Options” window appears, click on “Show All Files.”
12. Locate the SoftwareDistribution folder and delete it.
13. Click on “Yes” to install the remaining updates.

Still not working? maybe try one of these options:

1. Perform a clean boot
2. Use the System File Checker tool
3. Use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool