Fixing the Error: Urldownloadtocachefile Failed with HRESULT '-2146697208' - Comprehensive Guide

When working with Windows applications, you may encounter the error Urldownloadtocachefile failed with HRESULT '-2146697208'. This error is often related to issues with downloading or caching files from the internet. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to resolve this error effectively.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding the Error
2. Causes of the Error
3. Solutions to Fix the Error
4. Check Internet Connection
5. Disable Proxy Server
6. Check and Reset Internet Explorer Settings
7. Update Windows and Network Drivers
8. Disable Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily
9. FAQ

Understanding the Error

The Urldownloadtocachefile error with HRESULT -2146697208 is a common error encountered when a Windows application tries to download or cache a file from the internet. This error indicates that the URL being requested cannot be accessed, which may be due to a variety of reasons.

Causes of the Error

There are several reasons why this error might occur:

1. No internet connection or a poor internet connection
2. Incorrect proxy server settings
3. Corrupted or misconfigured Internet Explorer settings
4. Outdated Windows or network drivers
5. Conflicts with antivirus or firewall settings

Solutions to Fix the Error

Below are some solutions to help you fix the Urldownloadtocachefile error.

1. Check Internet Connection

Ensure that your internet connection is working correctly by visiting a few websites, streaming online content, or performing a speed test. If your internet connection is unstable or not working, try restarting your modem or router, or contacting your internet service provider for assistance.

2. Disable Proxy Server

Incorrect proxy server settings can cause the Urldownloadtocachefile error. Follow these steps to disable the proxy server:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type inetcpl.cpl and press Enter to open Internet Properties.
3. Click on the Connections tab and then click on LAN settings.
4. Uncheck the Use a proxy server for your LAN option if it's enabled.
5. Click OK to save the changes and close the window.

3. Check and Reset Internet Explorer Settings

Corrupted or misconfigured Internet Explorer settings can also lead to this error. Resetting Internet Explorer settings can help resolve the issue:

1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Click on the gear icon in the upper-right corner and select Internet options.
3. In the Advanced tab, click on the Reset button.
4. Check the Delete personal settings option in the Reset Internet Explorer Settings window.
5. Click Reset and then click Close once the process is completed.
6. Restart Internet Explorer.

4. Update Windows and Network Drivers

Outdated Windows or network drivers can cause the Urldownloadtocachefile error. To update Windows and network drivers:

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Network adapters category.
3. Right-click on your network adapter and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software and follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Additionally, check for Windows updates by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and clicking Check for updates.

5. Disable Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily

Some antivirus or firewall settings might be blocking the application from accessing the internet. Try disabling your antivirus or firewall temporarily to check if it resolves the issue. If it does, consider adding an exception for the application to allow it to access the internet.

FAQ

Q1: What is HRESULT '-2146697208'?

A: HRESULT -2146697208 (also known as 0x800C0008) is a Windows error code that indicates a problem with accessing a URL, typically when a Windows application tries to download or cache a file from the internet.

Q2: Can this error occur on other operating systems?

A: This error is specific to Windows applications and is less likely to occur on other operating systems such as macOS or Linux.

Q3: Is this error related to a specific application?

A: No, this error can occur with any Windows application that attempts to download or cache files from the internet.

Q4: Can this error be caused by a server-side issue?

A: While this error is typically related to client-side issues, there may be instances where the server hosting the file is down or experiencing issues. In such cases, you can try accessing the URL directly through a web browser to verify if the issue is server-side.

Q5: Can I prevent this error from occurring in the future?

A: To minimize the chances of encountering this error, ensure that your internet connection is stable, keep your Windows and network drivers up-to-date, and maintain proper antivirus and firewall settings.

Related Links

• Stack Overflow: "Urldownloadtocachefile failed with HRESULT '-2146697208'" error in Eclipse
• Microsoft Community: "Urldownloadtocachefile failed with HRESULT '-2146697208'" Error Message
• GitHub: "Urldownloadtocachefile failed with HRESULT '-2146697208'" error in Visual Studio