Google Play Store Error Message “The process com.google.process.gapps has stopped”

Situation:  You pick up your phone and launch the Google Play Store to download an awesome new app, and to your frustration, it force closes before you get the chance to and are left with this little present of an error message (minus all the cool neon aqua accents that I drew in above).  Can it be fixed? Yes.  Can it be fixed without erasing the phone?  Yes again (well most likely).  “How do I do this?” you ask yourself…continue reading…

1.  Go to Settings.

2.  Then Application Manager.

3.  Make sure you are on ALL applications.

4.  Find Download Manager.  They are not all listed alphabetically.  You may have to scroll to the bottom of the app list to find this.

5.  It will probably say disabled.  Click Enable.

• If you are still having problems after performing this step, go to  Settings > Accounts and Sync > your google account then uncheck “Sync Internet“.
• You can also go into Settings > Application Manager > All > Play Store > Force Stop > Clear Cache > Clear Data.

Some devices may not say Application Manager, if not look for Apps or Applications.  It may be labeled differently.

If all else fails, a factory reset will fix the issue, but this is a last resort, as this erases all of the data on your phone.