ERROR_KEY_HAS_CHILDREN 0x800703FC

Error code 1020 · HRESULT 0x800703FC

WINDOWS

Cannot create a symbolic link in a registry key that already has subkeys or values.

Windows troubleshooting diagram: Device Manager warning and a system file scan
Windows errors: check drivers, system files and Event Viewer, in that order.

What it means

ERROR_KEY_HAS_CHILDREN is a Windows error code (system error 1020, returned as HRESULT 0x800703FC) reported by Windows. Its official message is: “Cannot create a symbolic link in a registry key that already has subkeys or values.”

How to fix ERROR_KEY_HAS_CHILDREN

  1. Reboot once — many one-off system codes disappear with a clean restart
  2. Repair system files: 'sfc /scannow' then 'DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth'
  3. Find the source in Event Viewer → System: filter for this exact code and open its provider link

Related errors

ERROR_KEY_DELETEDERROR_SERVICE_REQUEST_TIMEOUTERROR_NO_LOG_SPACEERROR_CHILD_MUST_BE_VOLATILEERROR_SXS_COMPONENT_STORE_CORRUPTERROR_INSTALL_OPEN_PACKAGE_FAILEDERROR_INSTALL_RESOLVE_DEPENDENCY_FAILEDERROR_INSTALL_FAILED

Source: Microsoft WinError.h

Last updated: