Fix ERROR_VIRUS_DELETED 0x800700E2: Step-by-Step Guide

Previously, numerous users encountered Error 0x800700E2 (ERROR_VIRUS_DELETED) when attempting to start an application or an executable file. This system error is often associated with problems related to the. exe launcher, compromised system files, or malware issues.

The error message specifies, This file has a virus or potentially unwanted software and cannot be accessed. Due to this virus or the possibly unwanted software, the file has been removed from this location.

Before delving into solutions, consider restarting your computer, disabling any non-native antivirus applications, or using the direct launcher for the application, such as launching PowerShell instead of Windows Terminal.

How to Resolve ERROR_VIRUS_DELETED on Windows?

1. Conduct a Malware Scan

  1. Press Windows + S to access the Search feature, type Windows Security and select the relevant option.
  2. Navigate to Virus & threat protection.
    windows security
  3. Select Scan options.
  4. Choose the Full scan option and click on Scan now.
    malware scan to fix ERROR_VIRUS_DELETED
  5. Allow the scan to finish, then check for any changes.

If your system is infected by malware, executing a comprehensive scan will help eliminate ERROR_VIRUS_DELETED swiftly. If Windows Security does not identify any issues, consider utilizing a reputable antivirus tool for a deeper scan and to effectively clean your system!

2. Relocate the Affected File

If you’re facing issues only when launching applications from a specific folder, try moving the executable (.exe) along with any necessary files to another location on your system.

This strategy can help identify if the file path itself is causing the ERROR_VIRUS_DELETED problem.

3. Fix Corrupted System Files

  1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
    command prompt
  2. Confirm by clicking Yes in the UAC prompt.
  3. Input each of the following DISM commands separately, pressing Enter after each:
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  4. After that, enter this command and press Enter : sfc /scannow
    sfc scan to fix ERROR_VIRUS_DELETED
  5. Finally, restart your PC to apply any changes made.

If your system contains corrupted files, you might experience errors like ERROR_VIRUS_DELETED 226 (0xE2). Utilizing DISM commands and running an SFC scan can restore any damaged files with the cached versions available on your system!

4. Reinstall the Involved Application

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter .
    appwiz.cpl
  2. Find the problematic application in the list and click on Uninstall.
    reinstall app to fix ERROR_VIRUS_DELETED
  3. Follow the prompts on the screen to complete the uninstallation process and restart your computer.
  4. Afterward, reinstall the application from its official website or through the Microsoft Store.

If a simple uninstall does not resolve ERROR_VIRUS_DELETED, remnants of the old installation or registry entries might still be affecting your system. It is advised to utilize a reliable software uninstaller to ensure a complete removal before reinstalling!

5. Conduct a System Restore

  1. Press Windows + S to bring up Search, type Create a restore point, and select the appropriate result.
  2. Click on the System Restore button.
    system restore to fix ERROR_VIRUS_DELETED
  3. If available, select Choose a different restore point and proceed by clicking Next.
    restore
  4. Select the earliest restore point from the provided list and click Next.
    pick restore point
  5. Review the restore details and click Finish to confirm the action.
  6. Allow the system restore process to finish, which might take between 15 to 45 minutes.

If none of the above methods resolve the ERROR_VIRUS_DELETED, executing a system restore might revert your computer to an earlier, stable state!

If all else fails, your final option could be reinstalling Windows itself. As ERROR_VIRUS_DELETED is typically a software-related issue, a fresh installation should effectively eliminate the error.

If you have questions or wish to share which solution worked for you, feel free to leave a comment below.


Author: Egor Kostenko

My goal is to make complex technical topics simple and accessible. On this site, I gather unique and useful content that not only solves users’ problems but also helps them better understand the capabilities of Windows.


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