How to Fix: Chrome Installation Failed 0x80070002 Error

Infopackets Reader Simon J. writes:

" Dear Dennis,

Last week I had a fake 'virus warning' error message pop up in Chrome while I was viewing Amazon.com. It said my computer was infected and to call a 1-800 number to 'fix' the 'problem'. After reading your articles, I knew it was a scam. At any rate, I did an antivirus and antimalware (malwarebytes) scan on the system - both said my system was clean. Flash forward a few days later and I got another fake 'virus warning' in Chrome. At this point I uninstalled Chrome, then deleted the c:\users\[my user name]\appdata\local\google\chrome folder manually in order to wipe out any potential infections. When I went to reinstall, Chrome says 'installation failed with error 0x80070002' and it aborts. I have tried downloading the Google Chrome download stub and the full version of Chrome but they both keep telling me 'installation failed with error 0x80070002'. Can you please help?! "

My response:

I asked Simon if he would like me to connect to his PC to look into this using my remote support service, and he agreed.

Below I will discuss my findings.

How to Fix: Chrome Installation Failed 0x80070002 Error

After researching this issue and attempting several fixes, it appears that the Chrome 'installation failed with error 0x80070002' error has to do with a conflict with the Windows Registry.

To fix the problem, you will need to open an administrative command prompt, then right click and paste the code below. This will clear the registry key causing the issue. You should then be able to reinstall Chrome without any issues.

To do so:

1. Click Start, then type in "cmd" (no quotes); wait for "CMD.EXE" or "Command Prompt" to appear in the list, then right click it and select "Run as Administrator".
    
2. Use your mouse to highlight the text below:
   
   reg delete HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Google\Update\Clients\{430FD4D0-B729-4F61-AA34-91526481799D} /f
   reg delete HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Google\Update\ClientState\{430FD4D0-B729-4F61-AA34-91526481799D} /f
   reg delete HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Google\Update\Clients\{430FD4D0-B729-4F61-AA34-91526481799D} /f
   echo this is a dummy line
    
3. Right click over top of the highlighted text and selecy "Copy" from the dialogue menu. Next, right click in the middle of the command prompt window you opened, then select "Paste". The text you copied in Step #2 should now be output to the command prompt.
    
4. 4. Download either the Google Chrome (stub) or full (offline) installer, then install Google Chrome again. It should work without any issues.

I hope that helps.

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About the author: Dennis Faas is the owner and operator of Infopackets.com. With over 30 years of computing experience, Dennis' areas of expertise are a broad range and include PC hardware, Microsoft Windows, Linux, network administration, and virtualization. Dennis holds a Bachelors degree in Computer Science (1999) and has authored 6 books on the topics of MS Windows and PC Security. If you like the advice you received on this page, please up-vote / Like this page and share it with friends. For technical support inquiries, Dennis can be reached via Live chat online this site using the Zopim Chat service (currently located at the bottom left of the screen); optionally, you can contact Dennis through the website contact form.