5 Top Fixes for File System Error (-2147163901)

Many Windows users have reported facing various system errors while using their Windows device and one of these errors is the File System Error (-2147163901). You will usually get this problem when you attempt to launch frequently used Windows programs like Skype, Photos, and other built-in features. When trying to run the software, a dialog box displays this error, stopping further action.

Several factors are behind this problem and a common one is corrupted system files. These files are crucial to the operation of applications, so, if there is a problem with system files, you will probably experience this error. However, regardless of the cause of the problem, this guide will provide some effective steps to quickly fix this error and get your applications running without any problems.

Try out these quick fixes to resolve this problem before heading to our more comprehensive solutions.

• We recommend rebooting your computer as this can help resolve minor glitches and potentially fix this error.
• Ensure that your computer is fully updated. An updated system comes with improved patches and upgraded components that could fix this error.
• Carry out an anti-virus scan. Malware is known to cause various errors while using a PC and performing a PC scan can help fix this problem.
• Lastly, make sure that your device drivers are up to date.

If the error persists after trying the solutions above, go ahead with the steps below.

1. Run SFC and DISM scans

Corrupted system files are scanned and fixed using the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Service and Management Tool (DISM), so we recommend giving it a try. Do this by following the steps below.

1. Hold the Windows + R keys simultaneously to open the Run dialogue, type cmd in the text field, then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open the command prompt as an administrator.
   
2. Once you are in the command prompt, input the command below and hit Enter.
   sfc /scannow
   
3. After running this command, input the next command below.
   Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
   
4. Restart your computer to implement these changes and check if the error has been fixed.

2. Run Windows Store apps troubleshooter

The troubleshooter is designed to automatically find and resolve problems with Windows Store apps, so running it can help resolve this issue. Follow the steps below to do this.

1. Open your Settings app by pressing the Windows + I keys together.
2. Navigate to the  System tab on the left-hand side, then click Troubleshoot on the right.
   
3. Choose Other troubleshooters.
   
4. Look for the Windows Store Apps and click the Run button.
   
5. Follow any other on-screen instructions to complete the process and see if the file system error (-2147163901) persists.

3. Relaunch your PC in a clean boot

A clean boot launches Windows with the bare minimum of drivers and startup programs as a troubleshooting technique. Avoiding conflicts between software and drivers, aids in isolating the root of a problem.

1. Press the Windows + R keys together to open the Run dialogue, type msconfig in the text field, and hit Enter.
   
2. Once you are in the System Configuration menu, navigate to the Services tab, check the box for Hide all Microsoft services, and click the Disable all button.
   
3. Next, click the Open Task Manager link.
   
   
4. Choose each enabled item one by one, and click Disable.
   
5. Click Apply and OK to complete the process.
6. Finally, restart your computer to implement the changes.

4. Make use of System Restore

Your system can be returned to a previous state via System Restore where the error was not present. This is recommended to resolve errors related to file system errors.

1. Press the Windows button to open the Search bar, type control panel in the text field, and choose the relevant option.
   
2. From the View by option, choose Large icons, then choose Recovery.
   
3. Next, choose Open System Restore.
   
4. Now click the radio button for the Choose a different restore point option, then click Next.
   
5. Choose a restore point that goes back way before encountering the error, then click Next.
   
6. Select Finish to complete the process.
   

5. Reset the Microsoft Store and re-register apps

The File System Error (-2147163901) can be caused by a corrupted system file or a problem with the Microsoft Store. Resetting the Microsoft Store and re-registering apps can help to fix this error by clearing out any corrupted files or settings.

1. Press the Windows key, type powershell in the text field, and select Run as Administrator.
   
2. Once you are in PowerShell, input the command below and press Enter.
   Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsStore | Reset-AppxPackage
   
3. Reboot your system.
4. Once your PC is turned on, launch PowerShell again and input the command below, then select Y when prompted.
   Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted
   
5. Next, enter the commands below to re-register your app.
   Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
6. Lastly, restart your computer to implement these changes.

Final Thoughts

We have successfully walked you through some effective steps to take when fixing the File System Error (-2147163901). Ensure to follow these steps carefully to get the required result.

If you have further questions, let us know in the comment section below.