Error 0x800710FE: How to fix it when trying to delete a file?

Can't delete a file because of error 0x800710FE? Learn what causes it (offline files, permissions, corruption) and how to fix it safely.

Erro 0x800710FE

Error 0x800710FE means Windows cannot access the file through the local Offline Files cache. In other words, it is a common synchronization problem that can have several causes, from missing permissions to a corrupted cache, and each one calls for a specific fix. Below, we explain the main reasons for this error and how to fix it safely and effectively. Need to recover important files? Bot Data Recovery is a multinational company with more than two decades of experience, more than 200,000 cases, its own WhiteRoom® lab and a team of specialists. Start your data recovery now.

Errors like this can have a logical or a physical cause, and repeated repair attempts can make things worse. If the files matter, see how lab data recovery works, starting with a free diagnosis.

What causes error 0x800710FE in Windows?

This error can have several causes. It is usually linked to the Windows Offline Files feature or to permission and file integrity problems. The most common causes are:

Offline Files synchronization is not working properly

Offline Files keeps local copies of network files and synchronizes them so that both copies reflect the latest changes. When synchronization is not working, local changes are not passed on correctly and the file may become inaccessible in the cache, which triggers error 0x800710FE when you try to delete it. Check the Offline Files status in Sync Center, in the Control Panel.

Files copied from a network

This error is also common with network shares. If you try to delete a file that comes from a remote server and you don’t have the necessary permissions, Windows may block the operation with error 0x800710FE. On corporate networks, only authorized users can change shared files, so without that permission the deletion fails.

Your account does not have permission to modify the file

Likewise, if the file belongs to another user or to an administrator, you may get this error when trying to remove it. Without modify permissions (for example, in protected folders or on critical system files), Windows cannot make changes and displays the error. Check that your user account has full control over the file.

Corrupted, damaged or missing files

Corrupted files or file system errors can also trigger error 0x800710FE. For example, if the file was damaged or lost after an earlier failure, Windows cannot complete the deletion. In that case, check the integrity of the drive and its files (for example, with CHKDSK) before trying to delete or move the file.

The system is infected with malware

Malware and viruses can damage files or change permissions without you noticing. After a recent infection, error 0x800710FE may be caused by malicious processes blocking access to certain files. Run a full system scan with a trusted antivirus before trying any of the other steps.

How do I fix error 0x800710FE?

Now that you know the main causes of error 0x800710FE, let’s look at the most effective fixes. As it is often impossible to pinpoint the exact cause, here are five methods. Try them one at a time and check whether the error is gone after each one:

Disable Offline Files

If Offline Files is enabled, try disabling it; this is usually the first step. First make sure your offline changes have been synchronized with the server. Then, in the Control Panel, open Sync Center, click Manage offline files and, on the General tab, click to disable offline files. Confirm when User Account Control asks you to. This stops local synchronization and usually fixes errors caused by the offline cache.

Run Check Disk

If you suspect file system corruption, run CHKDSK. Open Command Prompt as administrator and type chkdsk C: /f (replacing C: with the right drive letter). The tool scans the drive and fixes file system errors; when it finishes, restart your PC and check whether the error is gone. Important: if the drive is making noises, is very slow or holds data you have no backup of, do not run CHKDSK, because on a failing drive its repairs can make data recovery harder.

Use Command Prompt

A more advanced option is to disable synchronization from the command line. Note that clearing the offline cache deletes any offline changes that have not yet been synchronized with the server, so sync them first. Follow these steps:

  1. Press Win+R, type cmd and press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to open Command Prompt as administrator.
  2. Type and run the following command:
    for %G in ("CSC", "CscService") do sc config "%~G" start= disabled
  3. Next, run the following commands to take ownership, reset permissions and clear the offline cache:
    takeown /f "%windir%\CSC" /a /r
    icacls "%windir%\CSC" /grant:r *S-1-5-32-544:F /t /c /q
    icacls "%windir%\CSC" /grant:r *S-1-5-18:F /t /c /q
    for /d %G in ("%windir%\CSC\v2.0.6\namespace\*") do rd /s /q "%~G"
  4. Then disable the related scheduled tasks:
    schtasks /change /tn "\Microsoft\Windows\Offline Files\Background Synchronization" /disable
    schtasks /change /tn "\Microsoft\Windows\Offline Files\Logon Synchronization" /disable
  5. Finally, disable the synchronization entries in the Windows Registry:
    reg add "HKCU\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SyncMgr" /v "StartAtLogin" /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
    reg add "HKCU\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SyncMgr\HandlerInstances\{750FDF10-2A26-11D1-A3EA-080036587F03}" /v "Active" /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
    reg delete "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SyncMgr" /f
    reg delete "HKCU\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\NetCache" /f
    reg delete "HKCU\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SyncMgr\HandlerInstances\{750FDF10-2A26-11D1-A3EA-080036587F03}\SyncItems" /f
  6. Restart your computer and check whether the error is gone.

Reset this PC

If nothing else works, you can reset Windows while keeping your personal files. Open the Windows Recovery settings and choose to reset your PC with the “Keep my files” option. Even so, this is a drastic step: installed programs are removed and, without a backup, you could lose data. Back up your files first and, if in doubt, talk to our specialists. Contact Bot Data Recovery before resetting.

Reset the CSC database through the Registry

Before resorting to a reset, you can also completely reset the Offline Files cache with Registry Editor. Press Win+R, type regedit and go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\CSC\Parameters. If the Parameters key does not exist, create it. Inside it, create a DWORD value named FormatDatabase and set it to 1 (hexadecimal). Close the editor and restart the computer. This “formats” the CSC database and forces Windows to rebuild the cache; any offline changes that have not been synchronized will be lost.

Conclusion

Error 0x800710FE does not mean you have lost data. In most cases, identifying the cause (offline synchronization, permissions or corruption) and applying the right fix is enough to solve the problem. Go through the solutions above one at a time, starting with the simplest and least risky.

If you lose files while trying to fix the error, stop using the drive and don’t worry: Bot Data Recovery can help you get your data back safely. We are the best-rated multinational in data recovery, with our own WhiteRoom® lab and operations in several countries. Start your recovery now or talk to our specialists.

About the author
Paulo BragaEspecialista em recuperação de dados · Laboratório Bot · Desenvolvimento e inovação

Paulo Braga is a data recovery specialist. He works where most cases are decided: hard drive mechanics, SSD electronics and firmware, using tools such as the PC-3000. At Bot, he splits his time between the lab, building solutions and innovation. On the blog, he writes about what he sees on the bench. Outside work, he is drawn to the meaning of things and enjoys time with family, friends and a good beer.

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