Can't do any Windows 8 update (error code 800F081F)

Anonymous
2012-10-27T09:23:06+00:00

I just update my Windows 7 laptop to windows 8 pro and found that I couldn't install any update due to this error 800F081F. It seems that MS had a solution, "System Update Readiness Tool", for all other windows version from vista to server 2008; but anyone know any solution for windows 8?

Some attemps I did:

I've tried troubleshooting to fix Windows update automatically but it doesn't help (Funny thing is that when troubleshooting has complete it actually tells me "Potential Windows Update Database error detected 0x800f081f -- fixed");

I've tried a MS tool called "Fix it" but the problem is still there;

I even uninstalled my anti-virus software and use Windows Defender instead; I also tried to restart Windows Update services several times.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Windows update

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Anonymous
2012-11-19T01:36:18+00:00

Just wanted to share with anyone else who was having this issue what it was that I did to resolve it. First off some quick background, this is a brand new HP laptop so was no update over windows 7.

I first had issue updating due to a device issue with an installed HP codec that conflicted with a Windows Codec update, I resolved that and manually updated that single update. Then Windows update failed again. I tried doing the DSIM w/ Restorehealth option as suggested previously in this post, but to no avail.

Some more research led me to the following folder "C:\Windows\servicing\Packages" in this folder I did a quick search for some of the failing updates KB numbers.. (KB2727528 for example) and sure enough found the following...

Package_for_KB2727528~<blahblah>~6.2.1.0 cat and mum files

Package_1_for_KB2727528~<blahblah>~6.2.1.0 cat and mum files

Package_for_KB2727528_RTM~<blahblah>~6.2.1.0 cat and mum files

Using the following command (note that trying to remove the _1_ or _RTM results in a package not found!):

dism /online /NoRestart /remove-package /packagename:Package_for_KB2727528~<blahblah>~6.2.1.0

and recieved a 100% package removed! No way! Installed just that update and booyaah success, restarting it seemed to stall at 15% but then kept going after a few mins and success.

I then wrote out a batch file to execute the above command for any found package namefor anything that had a KB code in the the Windows Update list and viola all were removed. Windows update then completed successfully!

As my wife pointed out.. what do people who don't know computers/software as well as me do, and I told her they probably take them back for a refund, and she replied this is why people use Macs LOL! Probably true. I hope this helps someone else.

After 20+ years you'd think MS would've finally stopped releasing broken Windows software *sigh*

Doc.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-11-20T23:41:02+00:00

    I too have this problem.  Seems to be a ton of people with the problem, but no one from MSFT with a solution.

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  2. Anonymous
    2012-11-21T00:06:09+00:00

    Yep we have the same problem, the Laptop going back to PC World on Thurs. Have had to turn of Windows update to make the laptop usable, otherwise each time you boot up you are stuck with Windows configuring updates 12%.  This is a brand new Laptop 3 weeks old. Would you put up with a brand new car like this......... Microsoft are useless. All the solutions are for the technically minded, I am not one of those..........

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  3. Anonymous
    2012-11-21T03:36:35+00:00

    I have a less than 14 day old HP. It wouldn't update, sticking on 13%, I called HP, and was on the phone with them for over an hour. What they had me do, worked, until this new update. This is an HP G6, nontouch screen, bought to replace a Dell Inspiron Windows Vista. My desktop is a Windows 7. 

    I tried removing the IDT CODEC file for this update, which is 5 updates, and it's failing. My son who is kind of a computer guy says, "Wait until MS fixes it." I know he's right, and I refuse to be frustrated with it. I'm going to manually install updates. I could return it tomorrow, also. But I could wait......

    I don't mind being technical, but this is constant, and I don't want it to be this way. If I could just ignor the updates, I would, but for some reason, I keep checking it.

    My Windows Vista Dell goes blues screen about two to 3 times a day. This was an inexpensive replacement. I am not that pleased with Windows 8. It seems buggy.

    If i return this tomorrow, I'm holding onto the money until it triples, and buying a MAC. I'm done with Windows.

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  4. Anonymous
    2012-11-21T07:19:11+00:00

    I have the issue with another system today, that's two out of three Win 8 machines in my place with the problem, Why did the other one install these updates, who knows, it's not my responsibility to sort it out, common Microsoft.

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