Windows users are often excited to upgrade to new operating system versions. With new editions, we often expect a unique feature set, better functionality, and a generally better user experience. While this holds most of the time, there are rare occasions when installing Windows is not so seamless. Some users have complained of the 0x80070002 0x20009 error code, often accompanied by the message: The installation failed during PREPARE_ROLLBACK operation.
If you experience this error during installation, it may be due to corrupted or missing Windows installation files, conflicting third-party software, or hardware problems. This guide will walk you through some of the most practical ways of resolving this error.
Pre-solution
You should use a few workarounds before attempting any complex or technical solutions.
- Make sure your installation media is not corrupted or damaged. You may try an alternative installation media if at all feasible.
- Remove all peripheral devices from the installation since they might be using incompatible drivers that cause the issue or are defective and interfere with the installation.
- Make enough room on the installation drive to prevent the error from occurring due to insufficient free storage.
You can continue to the more technical fixes below if the 0x80300024 installation error persists after trying the workarounds.
1. Disconnect all Drives for Data Only Storage
Disconnecting all drives only used for storing data is often the most effective solution for the error. This is because the setup for Windows 10 may conflict with the various storage devices, such as multiple solid-state drives, hard drives, or possibly an external HD/SSD.
This step includes removing all data-only internal drives and external drives that may be plugged in via USB and other connections. Once they are removed, retry the installation and see if the 0x80070002 0x20009 error is fixed.
2. Uninstall your Antivirus or Conflicting Software
In most instances, installing a new Windows edition should be a breeze. However, certain software may conflict with the process and trigger the 0x80070002 0x20009 error, with the error message: the installation failed during PREPARE_ROLLBACK operation. A common culprit is your antivirus. You may uninstall it by following the steps below.
Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
Step 2: Type appwiz.cpl and hit Enter.
Step 3: Click on the antivirus from the app list and click the Uninstall option.
Step 4: Follow the steps on the wizard to complete the uninstallation.
Using a New Windows Version
This guide will help you fix the problem if you encounter a 0x80070002 0x20009 error while installing Windows. Ensure you try the preliminary workarounds before venturing into any other solutions; in most cases, they will suffice to fix it.
Please let us know in the comment section if you successfully use any of these fixes.