⚠️ 3 verified solutions available for Error 4340 — Last updated 2026-03-15
Error 4340 📋

Fix ERROR_CLEANER_CARTRIDGE_INSTALLED — Windows Error Code 4340

Error 4340 (ERROR_CLEANER_CARTRIDGE_INSTALLED) is a Windows DNS & WINS error that occurs when a cleaner cartridge is present in the tape library.. This guide provides step-by-step solutions to resolve this issue.

🏷️ Code: 4340 📛 ERROR_CLEANER_CARTRIDGE_INSTALLED 📅 Updated: 2026-03-15 ⏱️ 3 Solutions
⚡ Quick Fix

Reset Windows Update Components: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

👇 See all 3 solutions below
🐞 Auto-Fix Script for Error 4340
⚠️ How to use: Open PowerShell as Administrator, paste the code above, and press Enter.
✓ Safe & Transparent ✓ No Downloads Required ✓ Review Before Running
📑 Table of Contents
What is Error 4340? Common Causes Step-by-Step Solutions Prevention Tips Related Errors

💡 What is Error 4340?

Windows System Error Code 4340, known as ERROR_CLEANER_CARTRIDGE_INSTALLED, is a DNS & WINS error that occurs during DNS resolution and WINS name resolution. The error indicates that: A cleaner cartridge is present in the tape library. When this error is encountered, the Windows operating system was unable to complete the requested operation within the DNS/WINS services subsystem. The error code 4340 is returned by the GetLastError() function and provides developers with a specific identifier to diagnose the root cause of the failure. The symbolic name ERROR_CLEANER_CARTRIDGE_INSTALLED maps directly to this numeric code and is commonly referenced in Microsoft documentation, developer forums, and system logs. Understanding this error and its context within DNS resolution and WINS name resolution is essential for effective troubleshooting.

⚠️ Common Causes

  • Windows Update cache is corrupted (SoftwareDistribution folder)
  • Required update services (BITS, Cryptographic) are stopped
  • Insufficient disk space for the update to install
  • Third-party antivirus is interfering with the update process
📚 Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Windows Boot Manager: BCD Repair and EFI Partition Recovery

The definitive encyclopedia on fixing 'Boot Device Not Found', 0xc00000f, and manually rebuilding the EFI and BCD partitions.

Read the full guide →

✅ Step-by-Step Solutions

1 Reset Windows Update Components
  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
  2. Run these commands in order:
  3. net stop wuauserv
  4. net stop cryptSvc
  5. net stop bits
  6. ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  7. ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
  8. net start wuauserv
  9. net start cryptSvc
  10. net start bits
  11. Retry Windows Update
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Show Advanced Solutions (2 more)
2 Use Windows Update Troubleshooter
  1. Open Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot
  2. Click 'Additional troubleshooters' → 'Windows Update' → Run
  3. Follow the prompts and apply all suggested fixes
  4. Restart your computer and check for updates again
3 Manually Install the Failed Update
  1. Note the KB number of the failed update from Windows Update history
  2. Visit https://catalog.update.microsoft.com
  3. Search for the KB number and download the correct version (x64/x86)
  4. Double-click the downloaded .msu file to install manually
  5. Restart your computer

🎬 Video Tutorials

▶️ Watch Video Tutorials
How to fix Error 4340 (Cleaner Cartridge Installed)
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💻 Diagnostic Command

Run this PowerShell command to find related events in your system log:

Get-EventLog -LogName System -Newest 20 | Where-Object {$_.Message -like "*4340*" -or $_.Message -like "*ERROR_CLEANER_CARTRIDGE_INSTALLED*"} | Format-List

💡 Open PowerShell as Administrator, paste the command above, and press Enter.

🛡️ Prevention Tips

  • Keep at least 20GB free on your system drive for Windows Updates
  • Install updates promptly — don't let them accumulate for months
  • If updates consistently fail, consider a Windows in-place repair upgrade
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Last updated: 2026-03-15
📖
Based on Official Microsoft Documentation
Solutions Tested on Windows 10 & 11
Error codes sourced from Microsoft Win32 SDK. Updated 2026-03-15.
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