The task image is corrupt or has been tampered with (0x80041321)

If you receive an error message Task the image is corrupted or has been corrupted error code 0x80041321, then its linked to a corrupted scheduled backup task. The problem here is that when the task service plans to perform a task, it validates some items. If it detects an integrity problem or a registry corruption, these tasks will be marked as corrupted. The good news is that there is a way to solve this problem.

The image of the job is corrupted or falsified (0x80041321)

Before trying to solve this problem. The image of the job is corrupted or falsified error, we suggest checking an important thing. Make sure to check each option of the task and check if it is not associated or if you are trying to run a file, which is not the case. Some of the forums have informed about the malware association. Try this now.

1. Use the registry edition and correct corrupted tasks
2. Delete planning keys
3. Delete WindowsBackup file
4. Delete task from task scheduler
5. Refresh User_Feed_Synchronization.

As we are going to modify the registry entries, be sure to create a restore point. If things go wrong, we can use the restore point to restore the operating conditions.

1) Use the registry edition and correct corrupted tasks

The best way to solve this problem is to use the registry edition for these tasks and correct the corrupted tasks in System32.

As we are dealing with TaskScheduler triggered backup, you should know that entries for tasks are available in different places.

Task Scheduler: It's available on

Task Scheduler Library> Microsoft> Windows> Windows Backup

Registry Editor: It is available on

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWARE Microsoft Windows NT CurrentVersion Schedule WindowsBackup AutomaticBackup

Windows system folder: it is available at the address

C: Windows System32 Tasks Microsoft Windows WindowsBackup

Make sure the name of the task name is exactly the same everywhere. Write down the name.

Step 1: Remove registry entries related to tasks

Go to this key:

Computer HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWARE Microsoft Windows NT CurrentVersion Schedule TaskCache Tree Microsoft Windows WindowsBackup

Note the value of the GUID in the "ID" entry of the task in the AutomaticBackup folder and the Windows Backup Monitor.

Then, delete the registry entries of the tasks associated with the IDs of those locations.

The task will be available at one of these locations.

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWARE Microsoft Windows NT CurrentVersion Schedule TaskCache Plain
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWARE Microsoft Windows NT CurrentVersion Schedule TaskCache Logon
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWARE Microsoft Windows NT CurrentVersion Schedule TaskCache Boot

Step 2: Create a temporary copy of the corrupted job file

Go to-

C: Windows System32 Tasks Microsoft Windows WindowsBackup

Find the task (s) – AutomaticBackup and Windows Backup Monitor – and copy them to a safe place.

Step 3: Clean up the corrupted task

Delete the same task file

C: Windows System32 Tasks Microsoft Windows WindowsBackup

Step 4: Re-create the task using the temporary backup copy.

We will import the tasks again, which can be done in two ways. Using the Import Task in the Task Scheduler or in the / PowerShell Command Prompt

Task Scheduler

1. Open Task Scheduler> Go to Microsoft Windows WindowsBackup.
2. Click the Action menu, and then click Import Task.
3. Access saved files and import them.

Command Prompt

1. Open a command prompt with administrator privileges
2. Type Schtasks.exe / CREATE / TN / XML

Once the tasks are created, run it manually and check if there is an error.

2) Delete planning keys in the registry

Open the registry editor

Move towards-

HKLM SOFTWARE Microsoft Windows NT Current Version Schedule, and then delete its subkeys.

Quit the registry editor.

Now check if the backup job is working.

3) Delete the WindowsBackup file

In the first method, we repair corrupted registry keys. If that does not work, the problem may come from corrupted task files. These are XML files that include parameters, programs to use, and so on. So, if the file is corrupted, the task scheduler will not be able to execute it and will give an error – The image of the job is corrupt or has been falsified.

There are two ways to delete it. Move towards-

C: Windows System32 Tasks Microsoft Windows WindowsBackup

Delete any files or you can delete from the command prompt with the aid of the DEL command.

Once done, return to Backup and Restore in Control Panel and configure Windows Backup again.

4) Delete task from task scheduler

If you are not comfortable with removing files from Windows Explorer, you can delete it with the help of Task Scheduler.

Open Task Scheduler> Go to Task Schedule Library Microsoft Windows WindowsBackup.

Delete both tasks.

Reinstall Windows Backup again.

Go to the Task Manager and rerun the AutomaticBackup task to see if it works.

5) Refresh User_Feed_Synchronization

It has been reported on Microsoft forums that enabling and disabling user feed synchronization, called User_Feed_Synchronization, can sometimes help. I would suggest using this as a last resort if nothing else works. The task is responsible for updating RSS feeds in Edge / Internet Explorer.

• Use Win + X, and select PowerShell (admin).
• In the type of prompt, disable msfeedssync and enter.
• Repeat the same with the command msfeedssync enabled

You will not see anything important happening. However, it will restart the program, which helps correct the error- The image of the job is corrupted or has been corrupted (0x80041321).

The suggestions come from Microsoft right here and right here. We hope that one of the solutions worked for you and helped you maintain the Windows backup restore.