Microsoft Visual C++ programs are one of the critical components of your Windows device. These packages ensure that the system operates smoothly without any issues.

So, it’s advisable to update these packages whenever you run into various system-related problems. However, you might often bump into the error code 0x80240017 while trying to update or install the Microsoft Visual C++ programs.

Now, let’s check out how you can tackle the error code 0x80240017.

1. Quick Fixes for the Microsoft Visual C++ Install Error 0x80240017

Wrenches on a PC

Here are a few quick fixes for this issue:

  • Restart your device: One of the easiest solutions is to restart your PC immediately when you bump into this error.
  • Update your apps: Some apps on your device might be responsible for the Microsoft Visual C++ Install Error 0x80240017. So, updating those software programs could help resolve this issue.
  • Clean your PC: Sometimes, performing a simple disk clean-up could help remove the system issues that are causing this error.

If neither of those work, it's time to go more in-depth.

2. Enable the Windows Installer Service

Since this is an installation error, the main issue might be coming from the Windows Installer service. For example, the Windows Installer service could be disabled. So, let’s check out how you can enable this service to tackle this problem:

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run command dialog box.
  2. Type services.msc and click Enter to open the Services window.
  3. Locate the Windows Installer option and double-click on it.
Double-clicking on the Windows Installer option

Next, follow these steps to finalize the process:

  1. Click the Startup type drop-down menu and select Manual.
  2. Press the Start button to enable the service.
  3. Finally, press Apply, press OK, and then restart your device to save these changes.

3. Re-Register the Windows Installer Service

Re-registering the Windows Installer service could also help resolve the problem. So, let’s check out how you can re-register the Windows Installer Service via the Command Prompt:

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run command dialog box.
  2. Type CMD and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open an elevated Command Prompt.
  3. Type the following command and press Enter to temporarily disable the Windows Installer service: 

msiexec /unreg

When the process is complete, re-register the Windows Installer service by following these steps:

  1. Open the Command Prompt as per the previous steps.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter to re-register the Windows Installer service: 

msiexec /regserver

Wait for the process to complete and then restart your device to save these changes.

4. Install the Microsoft Visual C++ Programs in Safe Mode

You could also tackle this problem by installing the Microsoft Visual C++ Programs in safe mode. Here’s how:

  1. Press Win + I to open the System Settings.
  2. Select Update & Security from the options.
  3. Next, select the Recovery option on the left-hand side pane.
  4. Click the Restart Now button under the Advanced Startup option.
Installing Programs in Safe Mode

On the Recovery Environment window, navigate to Advanced options > Startup Settings and then press Restart. Finally, click the F4 key to boot your device in Safe Mode. From there, try installing the Microsoft Visual C++ Programs and see if this resolves the problem.

5. Use the Microsoft Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter

The Microsoft Visual C++ installation error might be caused by corrupted registry keys. In this case, the Microsoft Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter could resolve the issue.

The Microsoft Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter will scan and repair corrupted registry keys. Additionally, the tool will also help get rid of other issues that could disrupt your installations.

So, here’s how you can use the Microsoft Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter to tackle this issue:

  1. Download the Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter from the Microsoft website.
  2. Open the troubleshooter and click the Next button to proceed.
  3. Select the Installing option.
Running the Microsoft Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter

Next, select the Microsoft Visual C++ programs from the apps list and then click Next. If you can’t find these programs on the list, click the Not listed option and then search for the programs manually. Follow the on-screen steps to complete the process.

6. Delete Redundant Files in the Temp Folder

When you use your Windows device, the system regularly creates temp (temporary) files that hold information for certain tasks. When those tasks are complete, the temp files become redundant and consume disk space. Additionally, these temp files might cause various system issues like the one you’re currently facing.

So, you could resolve this problem by deleting the temp files. Here’s how:

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run command dialog box.
  2. Type CMD and press Shift + Ctrl + Enter to open an elevated Command Prompt.
  3. Type the following command and press Enter to remove the temp files: 

del /q /f /s %temp%\*

Deleting Temp Files Via the Command Prompt

7. Fix Corrupted System Files

In most cases, an installation error like this one is caused by faulty system files. To resolve the problem, you could repair or replace corrupted system files with the DISM and SFC tools.

Let’s take a look at how you can use the DISM tool to resolve this problem:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
  2. Click the File tab and select Run new task.
  3. Type CMD in the search box and then check the Create this task with administrative privileges box.
  4. Press OK to run an elevated Command Prompt.
  5. Next, type the following command and press Enter to run a DISM scan: 

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

When the process is complete, type the following command and press Enter: 

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Wait for the process to complete and then restart your device. Finally, run an SFC scan through these steps:

  1. Open an elevated Command Prompt by following the previous steps.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter: 

sfc /scannow

Wait for the process to complete and then close the Command Prompt. From there, restart your device to save these changes.

8. Restore Your Device

An update key on the keyboard of a PC

You can tackle most system issues by using the Windows restore point tool. This feature handles Windows errors by undoing the recent changes on your PC. So, the tool could get rid of the bugs that are currently preventing you from installing the Microsoft Visual C++ programs.

If you’ve created a restore point on your device, here’s how you can use it to get rid of this issue:

  1. Type Control Panel in the Start Menu search bar and select the Best match.
  2. Click the View by drop-down menu and select Small icons.
  3. Select System from the Control Panel menu items.
  4. Next, click the System protection option on the right-hand side pane.
  5. Navigate to the System Protection tab, click the System Restore button, and then press Next.
  6. Select a restore point from the list and click Next. Follow the on-screen steps to finalize the process.
Using a Restore Point on Windows

From there, go ahead and try downloading the Microsoft Visual C++ programs again.

Easily Update or Install Microsoft Visual C++ Programs Again

When the Microsoft Visual C++ programs are missing or corrupted, you'd need to update or reinstall these packages. Doing this will ensure that your device operates smoothly. But if you’re encountering issues while installing these programs, then try any of the solutions we’ve covered.