How to Fix "Unexpected Error Has Occurred - The Troubleshooting Wizard Cannot Continue"

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When you encounter the error message "Unexpected error has occurred - The troubleshooting wizard cannot continue," it means that the Windows Troubleshooting Wizard encountered a problem that prevented it from running or completing its process. This issue can be due to a variety of reasons, including system file corruption, conflicts with other software, or issues with the troubleshooting components themselves. Here’s a guide to help you resolve this error.
How to fix an unexpected error has occurred the troubleshooting wizard cannot continue

Understanding the Error

The "Unexpected error has occurred" message usually appears when the Windows Troubleshooter encounters a problem that it cannot handle. This can be caused by:

  • Corrupted System Files: Damaged or missing system files can prevent the troubleshooter from running properly.
  • Software Conflicts: Other applications or services may interfere with the troubleshooting process.
  • Corrupt Troubleshooting Components: The troubleshooting tools themselves may be corrupted.

1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Even if you can't run other troubleshooters, the Windows Update Troubleshooter might help resolve issues with the troubleshooting process itself.

  1. Open Settings:

    • Press Win + I to open the Settings app.

  2. Navigate to Troubleshoot:

    • Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.

  3. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter:

    • Find and select “Windows Update” and click “Run the troubleshooter.”
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to detect and fix any problems.

2. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

System file corruption can prevent the troubleshooter from working correctly.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

    • Search for “Command Prompt” in the Start menu, right-click it, and select “Run as administrator.”

  2. Run SFC Scan:

    • Type the following command and press Enter:

      sfc /scannow

    • Wait for the scan to complete. Follow any on-screen instructions to repair corrupted files.

  3. Run DISM Tool:

    • If SFC finds and repairs issues, restart your computer. If the problem persists, open Command Prompt as Administrator again.

    • Type the following command and press Enter:

      DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

    • Allow the process to complete, then restart your computer.

3. Check for Windows Updates

Ensure that your operating system is fully updated.

  1. Open Settings:

    • Press Win + I to open the Settings app.

  2. Go to Update & Security:

    • Select “Update & Security” and click on “Check for updates.”

  3. Install Updates:

    • Allow Windows to download and install any available updates. Restart your computer if necessary.

4. Reset Windows Troubleshooting Components

Resetting the troubleshooting components can resolve issues with the tools themselves.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

    • Search for “Command Prompt” in the Start menu, right-click it, and select “Run as administrator.”

  2. Reset Troubleshooting Components:

    • Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each command:

      msdt.exe /id PerformanceDiagnostic
msdt.exe /id NetworkDiagnosticsNetworkAdapter

    • These commands will attempt to reset specific troubleshooting components.

  3. Restart Your Computer:

    • After running the commands, restart your computer and try running the troubleshooter again.

5. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot helps identify if background services or startup programs are causing conflicts.

  1. Open System Configuration:

    • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog, type msconfig, and press Enter.

  2. Configure Clean Boot:

    • Go to the “Services” tab and check “Hide all Microsoft services.”
    • Click “Disable all” to disable non-Microsoft services.
    • Go to the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager.”
    • Disable all startup items and close Task Manager.

  3. Restart Your Computer:

    • Click “OK” in the System Configuration window and restart your computer.

  4. Run the Troubleshooter:

    • After the clean boot, try running the troubleshooting wizard again.

6. Check for Conflicting Software

Certain software can interfere with the troubleshooting process.

  1. Uninstall Recent Software:

    • If you recently installed new software, consider uninstalling it to see if it resolves the issue.

  2. Check for Third-Party Conflicts:

    • Antivirus or security software can sometimes cause issues. Temporarily disable or uninstall such software to test if it’s causing the problem.

7. Perform a System Restore

If the issue started recently, performing a system restore might help.

  1. Open System Restore:

    • Type “System Restore” in the Start menu search bar and select “Create a restore point.”

  2. Start System Restore:

    • Click the “System Restore” button, follow the prompts, and select a restore point from before the issue began.

  3. Complete the Restore:

    • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restore process and restart your computer.

Conclusion

The "Unexpected error has occurred - The troubleshooting wizard cannot continue" message can be resolved by following these steps—running the Windows Update Troubleshooter, using SFC and DISM tools, checking for updates, resetting troubleshooting components, performing a clean boot, checking for conflicting software, or performing a system restore. If the issue persists despite these efforts, consider seeking additional support from Microsoft or a professional technician for further assistance.

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