Semaphore Timeout Period Has Expired Error In Windows 10

When you are trying to copy a large file from one location to another you might have experienced an error that reads “The semaphore timeout period has expired error (0x80070079)”. This can happen when transferring the file from within your computer or to a different computer connected to the network. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will show you how to fix this problem.

Fixing the error 0x80070079 semaphore timeout period has expired

Before performing any of the recommended troubleshooting steps listed below it’s best to restart your computer and router first. This action refreshes the operating system and remove any corrupt temporary data that could be causing the problem.

Perform a clean boot

To eliminate the possibility of a non-windows service or a software installed in your computer causing the problem you will need to do a clean boot.

  • Type msconfig in the search bar and open the System Configuration app that appears.
  • Click Services.
  • Click the checkbox next to Hide all Microsoft services.
  • Click Disable all.
  • Click Startup.
  • Click Open Task Manager.
  • Click any startup program you suspect might be interfering.
  • Click Disable. Repeat this for all startup programs.
  • Click the X to close Task Manager.
  • Click OK in the System Configuration window.
  • Restart your PC.

When your computer restarts only the essential services will be loaded. If the semaphore timeout period has expired error still occurs then the problem isn’t caused by a service or software. However, if the issue does not occur then you will need to find out what service or software is causing the problem.

The best procedure is to repeat steps 1-5 above, but re-enable half of the services. Re-enable the top half of all non-Microsoft services then restart your computer. Test to see if the issue still occurs. If it doesn’t then repeat steps 1-5 again, but this time re-enable the bottom half of all non-Microsoft services instead. Restart your PC, and check if the issue occurs. Start to narrow down the search. Keep unchecking services and restarting your PC. Once you find that the issue is gone, you should be able to find the culprit.

Once you are ready to boot your computer normally follow the steps listed below.

  • Type msconfig in the search bar and open the System Configuration app that appears.
  • Click Services.
  • Click the checkbox next to Hide all Microsoft services.
  • Click Enable all.
  • Click the checkbox next to the offending startup service.
  • Click Startup.
  • Click Open Task Manager.
  • Click a Startup program.
  • Click Enable. Repeat this for all startup programs.
  • Click the X to close Task Manager.
  • Click OK in the System Configuration window.
  • Click Restart.

Make sure the drive uses an NTFS format

If the problem occurs while transferring data to a USB flash drive then you should make sure to convert this drive from FAT32 to NTFS. FAT32 can only accommodate a file of up to 4GB in size while NTFS has a maximum file size of 16TB.

  • Connect your portable drive with your computer
  • Right click on the drive and select Properties
  • Check the file system of the drive. If it FAT32 then click Cancel
  • Right click on the drive and select Format…
  • Select NTFS from the drop down menu under File System
  • Click Start and wait for it to finish

Check if the error code 0x80070079 still occurs.

Update your network drivers

If the problem occurs while transferring a file to a different computer connected to the network then you will want to make sure that your computer has the latest network drivers installed.

  • Type devmgmt.msc in the search bar and open the devmgmt.msc app that appears
  • Click the arrow on the left side of Network Adapters
  • Right click the wireless adapter and select Properties
  • Switch to Driver tab and then click Update Driver.
  • When prompted, choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
  • Wait for the process to complete the update.
  • Restart your computer

Check if the timeout error still occurs.

Disable the firewall

One factor that can cause this problem is the firewall which is preventing the file from being transferred. You should try to temporarily turn off the firewall while transferring the file.

  • Select the Start  button > Settings  > Update & Security  > Windows Security and then Firewall & network protection.
  • Select a Network Profile.
  • Under Windows Defender Firewall, switch the setting to OFF.

After the file has been successfully copied you should turn on the firewall.

  • Select the Start button > Settings  > Update & Security  > Windows Security and then Firewall & network protection. Open Windows Security settings
  • Select a Network profile.
  • Under Windows Defender Firewall, switch the setting to ON.

Disable the antivirus

There are instances when the antivirus program installed in your computer is blocking the transfer of the file. You can check if this is the culprit by turning off the antivirus program.

Avast

  • Right-click on the avast! icon in the system tray. Select avast! shields control and there will be options to disable avast for 10 minutes, 1 hour, until the computer is restarted or permanently.

Bitdefender

  • Double click on the system icon for Bit Defender.
  • When the Bit Defender window appears, move the mouse arrow to the left side and click >> Virus Shield.
  • Move mouse arrow to the black check by Virus Shield is enabled and click.
  • The black works will change to red, >> Virus Shield is disabled.
  • Move mouse arrow to the top right corner and click the down arrows.
  • Bit Defender is now inactive.
  • To enable Bit Defender, do the same steps except click to enable.

Microsoft Security Essentials

  • Right-click on the MSE icon in the system tray and choose Open.
  • Click the Settings tab, then click Real Time Protection.
  • Uncheck the box next to “Turn on real time protection”.
  • Click the “Save changes” button.
  • Exit MSE when done.

ESET

  • Double click on the system tray icon to open the main application window.
  • Or via Start >> All Programs >> ESET >> ESET Smart Security.
  • Click Setup >> Antivirus and antispyware >> Temporarily disable Antivirus and antispyware protection.
  • When prompted to confirm temporarily disable select Yes.
  • Note: Protection will be automatically started after a system reboot.

McAfee

  • Navigate to the system tray on the bottom right hand corner and look for the McAfee icon.
  • Right-click it -> chose “Exit.
  • A popup will warn that protection will now be disabled. Click on “Yes” to disable the Antivirus guard.

Try to check if the timeout error still occurs while copying a file.

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