8 Methods to Fix Windows Error Code 0x0000017

David Darlington

Jul 01, 2025 • Filed to: Windows Computer Solutions • Proven solutions

The error code 0x0000017 on Windows 10 indicates that there is not enough space on your computer's hard drive. The issue becomes concerning when you get this error message but still have enough unused space on your RAM.

Follow the methods outlined in this article to fix the error code 0x0000017 in your Windows 10. To give you the full knowledge, this article will explain to you what causes this error code i.e. why you are receiving such an error message even with all the space on your hard drive.

What Causes Error Code 0x0000017?

Now, while trying to make a Windows 10 upgrade and you encounter this error, it could still be because of a lack of usable space on your drive. If some sections of your system memory have been marked by the Windows Boot Configuration Data (BCD) as bad, it could prevent Windows 10 installer from making use of your RAM as space to temporarily store data.

Other causes of this error may include a conflict of external devices, outdated motherboard drivers, and even hybrid graphics that are enabled.

How to Fix Error Code 0x0000017 Windows 10

This article is here to provide you with solutions and these solutions are enumerated below. Follow the steps involved in each method for it to work to your advantage:

Method 1: Clean the BCD Bad Memory Entries

The first method is obvious: remove the bad memory entries in the BCD store to eliminate the bad areas that are rendering your memory unusable.

• Start your computer into Windows OS
• Right-click the "Start" option, then select the option "Command Prompt (Admin)". This means you are logging unto Command Prompt as Administrator

• In the window for Command Prompt, input the following command and press "Enter" afterward on your keyboard:
  bcdedit/enum all

• A list will appear, carrying all the areas of the memory that have been deemed "bad". Erase that list. Input the following command and press "Enter" again to execute
  bcdedit /deletevalue {badmemory}
  badmemorylist

• Close "Command Prompt", then reboot your computer

Method 2: Reset Windows Update Components

You can update important update components on Windows using the steps below, and this can fix the error code 0x0000017:

• In the "Start" search field, input "cmd". Alternatively, use the shortcut "Win" + "X" keys to get to "Command Prompt(Admin)"
• Input the following commands in the Command Prompt window, after each command, press "Enter" on your keyboard:
  net stop wuauserv
  net stop cryptSvc
  net stop msiserver
  ren
  C:\Windows\Software Distribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  ren
  C:\Windows\Systems32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
  net start wuauserv
  net start cryptSvc
  net start msiserver

Method 3: Make Sure the Windows Update Service is Running

To confirm that your computer's Windows Update Service is running smoothly, follow the steps below:

• In the search box of your system, type this and press "Enter": services.msc

• In the "Services" window, right-click on the "Windows Update" option and choose "Properties"

• In the "General" button, choose the type of "Startup" you want; click "Automatic"
• If you discover that the Windows Update Service is not in execution mode, right-click it and tap the "Start" button

• Finally, confirm the selection that has been made and exit

Method 4: Execute DISM Tool Using the Command Prompt

On Command Prompt, you can execute the DISM tool. DISM is an acronym that stands for Deployment Image Servicing and Management. To do this, follow these steps:

• Use the shortcut "Window" + "X" to enable you to select the option "Command Prompt (Admin)"
• To run DISM command in the Command Prompt window, input the following command:
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-image /RestoreHealth

• Now hit the "Enter" key on your keyboard. After the DISM tool completes running, close Command Prompt and restarts your PC

Method 5: Use Windows Installation Media

You must have a Windows installation media to be able to carry out this method. So, if you do not have one, ensure you create it, then follow the steps below:

• Insert your Windows installation media into your PC and restart the system
• Launch the "Command Prompt (Admin)" window and here, run the following commands, remembering to hit the "Enter" key after each command had been inputted:
  dism /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth

dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

DISM /Online/CleanupImage/RestoreHealth/source:WIM:X:SourcesInstall.wim:1 /LimitAccess
The "X" in the last command represents the drive letter carrying the Windows 10 installation.

Method 6: Check to be Sure BITS Service is Running

Windows updates can also be got through another part, which is the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS). Check that BITS is properly running by doing the following:

• Open "Services" using the "services.msc" system search
• Locate BITS and double-click on its properties to open or launch it

• If the BITS service is not in execution mode, put it in this mode by choosing "Start"

• Click on the "Recovery" button. Then, set the "First failure" and "Second failure" to "Restart service" if you confirm that they are not set as such

• Again, confirm your selection, then check for system updates

Method 7: Change DNS Settings

Another method of fixing the error code 0x0000017 Windows 10 that can work for you is by changing the DNS settings of your system. Follow the steps below to do this:

• Open "Windows Control Panel" by searching for "Control Panel" in your search field and choosing the first option you see

• Beneath the button "Network and Sharing Center", select the option "Change adapter settings"

• Choose the network that is currently in use and right-click. From the list of options, choose "Properties"
• Discover the "Internet protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" option and select its "Properties"

• Choose the option "Use the following DNS server addresses" and type these values:
  DNS Server - 8.8.8.8 as well as
  Alternate DNS Server - 8.8.4.4

• Save all the changes that have been made on your computer and reboot it.

Method 8: Perform a Clean Windows 10 Install

After trying the methods above, if you are still unable to make the system update because of this error code 0x0000017, you can try a manual clean installation of Windows 10. Do the following:

• Download a reliable Windows 10 Media Creation Tool. Create an installation media that is bootable and start your PC with it
• On Command Prompt, boot your computer from the device by pressing any key as instructed on the prompt window
• On the "Windows Setup" window, choose "Next"

• Select "Install now"

• Choose "I don't have a product key" if you are doing a reinstallation of Windows 10 since it means your PC has already been activated. For new installation, input the product key. Choose the "Next" option

• Click on the Windows 10 edition you are using, which must match that which your product key is activating. Select "Next"

• Choose to accept the license terms provided to you; click "Next" again

• Tap the button "Custom: Install Windows only (Advanced)"

• Choose the partition that contains the present installation (normally the "Drive O"); then click to "Delete". Choose "Yes" to continue

• Click on the drive that is empty i.e. the Unallocated Space of "Drive O". Tap on "Next".

Your Windows 10 will now be installed afresh.

Relative Guides:
Fix Windows Installation Failed in Safe OS Phase With an Error
Backup Files Before Reformatting in Windows

How to Recover Unsaved Data Due to Error Code 0x0000017 on Windows 10

Do you have data that are unsaved on your system due to error code 0x0000017 on Windows 10? Or could it be that you forgot to back up your vital data before completely resetting your system? You can recover such data without stress. The Recoverit Data Recovery tool is an efficient app available online for recovering lost or missing data. These data could have been lost from system errors, SD card errors, formatted system drive, deleted files, crashed systems, damaged or corrupted drives, etc.

What is more interesting about this tool is that it works in different versions of both Windows and Mac operating systems

Follow these three steps below to make use of the tool in getting back your lost data:

Step 1: Select a Location

First, choose the location where your data was last opened or unsaved. After doing this, begin the scanning process by selecting "Start". The "Start" button is located at the bottom right of the interface.

Step 2: Scan the Location

After tapping the blue "Start" button, Recoverit will scan the location you clicked to retrieve all the files that are found there.

Step 3: Preview and Recover Data

The final step is to preview all the data that have been scanned and retrieved by Recoverit. This feature has been made available by the tool to help you see that all your data are intact. You have no reason to worry because Recoverit is a hundred percent secure tool.

The Bottom Line

No computer user likes errors, especially not when trying to update the system. Therefore, your frustration at the beginning of the article is understandable. But then, this shouldn't be the case anymore at the end of the article as solutions have been provided for you. If this error has made your unsaved data disappear, then use Recoverit Data Recovery to obtain them back.