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How to Reset Software Center Configuration

Complete guide to resetting Software Center settings and configuration. Fix configuration issues by restoring default settings and clearing corrupted data.

Important Warning

Resetting configuration will remove custom settings, cached applications, and may require applications to re-download. Always backup your settings before proceeding.

Backup Before Resetting

Registry Backup

Backup registry settings before making changes

  1. Open Registry Editor (regedit.exe)
  2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\SMS
  3. Right-click 'SMS' and select 'Export'
  4. Save as 'SCCM_Client_Backup.reg'
  5. Also backup HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\ConfigMgr10
  6. Store backup files in safe location

Configuration Data Backup

Save current configuration information

  1. Open Control Panel > Configuration Manager Properties
  2. Go to 'General' tab and record Site Code
  3. Note Management Point server name
  4. Record any custom cache settings
  5. Take screenshot of current configuration
  6. Save this information for restoration if needed

System Restore Point

Create Windows system restore point

  1. Press Windows + R and type 'sysdm.cpl'
  2. Go to 'System Protection' tab
  3. Click 'Create...' button
  4. Name it 'Before SCCM Reset'
  5. Wait for restore point creation
  6. Confirm creation was successful

Reset Methods

1

Method 1: Reset User Settings Only

Reset Software Center preferences while keeping system configuration

Easy⏱️ 5-10 minutesLow Impact
  1. Close Software Center completely
  2. Press Windows + R and type 'regedit'
  3. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\ConfigMgr10
  4. Right-click on 'ConfigMgr10' and select 'Export' to backup
  5. Delete the 'ConfigMgr10' key
  6. Open Software Center - it will recreate default user settings
2

Method 2: Clear Cache and Preferences

Remove cached data and reset application preferences

Easy⏱️ 10-15 minutesMedium Impact
  1. Close Software Center and end all related processes
  2. Press Windows + R and type '%localappdata%'
  3. Navigate to Microsoft\Windows\ApplicationData
  4. Delete all folders in this location
  5. Navigate to %temp% and delete Software Center folders
  6. Open Registry Editor and delete HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\ConfigMgr10
  7. Restart your computer
  8. Open Software Center to rebuild configuration
3

Method 3: Reset SCCM Client Configuration

Complete reset of Configuration Manager client settings

Intermediate⏱️ 15-20 minutesHigh Impact
  1. Open Control Panel > Configuration Manager Properties
  2. Go to 'General' tab and note your site code
  3. Open Services.msc and stop 'SMS Agent Host' service
  4. Navigate to C:\Windows\CCM and backup then delete 'Cache' folder contents
  5. Open Registry Editor and navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\SMS
  6. Export 'Mobile Client' key as backup, then delete it
  7. Restart 'SMS Agent Host' service
  8. Open Software Center - client will reconfigure automatically
4

Method 4: Complete SCCM Client Reinstall

Full removal and reinstallation of SCCM client

Advanced⏱️ 30-45 minutesVery High Impact
  1. Create system restore point first
  2. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
  3. Run: ccmsetup.exe /uninstall
  4. Wait for complete uninstallation
  5. Restart computer
  6. Contact IT for installation parameters
  7. Run: ccmsetup.exe /mp:[MP_SERVER] SMSSITECODE=[SITE_CODE]
  8. Wait for installation and configuration to complete

What Gets Reset

SettingDescriptionImpactRecommended
Application CacheDownloaded application files and installation packagesApplications will need to re-downloadYes, if experiencing download issues
User Interface SettingsWindow size, column preferences, view settingsInterface returns to default layoutYes, if interface is corrupted
Client Policy CacheCached policies from management serverPolicies will re-download from serverYes, if policies seem outdated
Installation HistoryRecord of previously installed applicationsInstallation history will be lostOnly if experiencing tracking issues
Network ConfigurationManagement point and distribution point settingsClient will rediscover serversYes, if connection issues persist

After Resetting Configuration

1

Verify Client Installation

Confirm SCCM client is properly installed and configured

Verification checklist:

  • Configuration Manager Properties opens without errors
  • Site code is correctly assigned
  • Management point is reachable
  • SMS Agent Host service is running
2

Test Software Center Functionality

Ensure all Software Center features work correctly

Verification checklist:

  • Software Center opens normally
  • Applications list loads completely
  • Search function works
  • Installation status updates properly
3

Refresh Policies and Applications

Update client with latest policies and application deployments

Verification checklist:

  • Run Machine Policy Retrieval cycle
  • Run Application Deployment Evaluation cycle
  • Verify applications appear as expected
  • Test installing a sample application

Troubleshooting Reset Issues

Problem: Reset Doesn't Fix the Problem

Try these solutions:

  • Try a more comprehensive reset method
  • Check for Windows corruption with sfc /scannow
  • Verify network connectivity to SCCM servers
  • Contact IT to verify server-side configuration
  • Consider hardware issues if problem persists

Problem: Software Center Won't Start After Reset

Try these solutions:

  • Check Windows Event Logs for error details
  • Verify SCCM client installation completed successfully
  • Ensure SMS Agent Host service is running
  • Try running Software Center as Administrator
  • Reinstall SCCM client if necessary

Problem: Applications Don't Appear After Reset

Try these solutions:

  • Wait 15-30 minutes for policy refresh
  • Force policy refresh from Configuration Manager Properties
  • Check network connectivity to management point
  • Verify user account permissions with IT
  • Confirm applications are deployed to your device

Quick Command Reference

Registry Paths:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\ConfigMgr10
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\SMS

Important Commands:

ccmsetup.exe /uninstall
control smscfgrc

When to Contact IT Support

Contact your IT department before resetting if:

  • You're unsure about backing up current configuration
  • You need the SCCM installation parameters
  • Reset doesn't resolve your configuration issues
  • Multiple users need configuration reset

Information to Provide IT:

  • • Current configuration issues you're experiencing
  • • Which reset method you plan to use
  • • Your computer name and current site assignment
  • • Whether this affects multiple users
  • • Any error messages you've encountered

Configuration Reset Summary

Reset Process Order:

  1. Create backups of current configuration
  2. Choose appropriate reset method for your issue
  3. Follow reset procedure carefully
  4. Verify functionality after reset
  5. Restore custom settings if needed

Success Indicators:

  • Software Center opens without errors
  • Applications load and display correctly
  • Installation and updates work properly
  • No configuration-related error messages
  • Performance issues are resolved

Related Configuration Topics

How to Reinstall

Complete reinstallation of Software Center.

Repair Corrupted Files

Fix corrupted Software Center installations.

Configuration Manager Properties

Understanding SCCM client configuration settings.

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