Windows 8.1 Update Error Code: 0x80240031

Resolved

1) SFC Scan.

a) Go to the Search Charm and type “cmd”, then right click on it and choose Run as Administrator.

b) Type in the command line “sfc /scannow”.

c) Restart.

2) DISM Restore.

a) Go to the Search Charm and type “cmd”, then right click on it and choose Run as Administrator.

b) Type in the command line “Dism /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth”.

c) Restart.

3. Windows Store Reset.

a) Go to the Search Charm and type “wsreset.exe”, then right click on it and choose Run as Administrator.

b) Restart.

4. Try removing the update KB2871389 from the updates then install it manually from the following link.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2871389

Remove an update

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/remove-update

5. How to perform a clean boot in Windows

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

Resolved

I got the download to finish finally, but, like every other user, I have no explanation for why. I just clicked download for probably the twelfth time and it arbitrarily worked. The fact that Microsoft seems content to leave us with "keep trying and it might work" as the best course of action is pretty disappointing. What's worse is that my download also failed to install once the computer rebooted. I have never seen this level of incompetence from any other company before. I couldn't even see the download without deleting some updates and reinstalling them, then the download continuously failed...

I agree Nerrel. I got one better though. Read on.

Microsoft... making the easy to be rather complicated and nearly impossible. Do they want to manipulate everyone to think updates affect future installs ... 0x80240031 error sounds unnecessary, hmmph!!  Yet here I sit, updated all Windows Updates and dowloading the 8.1 upgrade for the 4th time, waiting, and more waiting. Does the machine serve the man, or is the man serving the machine? I dont like being a servant this computer! Microsoft, you can quote me on that please! So on the 4th attemp, thought no failures,until right at the end of 2 reboots, says restoring8.0, oops error 0x8007025D - 0x2000C  "#@% $"  Now someone said try syncing my App licences in the Store app. OK,  got to Store , press " WinowsKey+I " , select App Settings , select sync app licences.  Lets see if that works. Hmmm, to Microsofts defense, looks like the Store is installing 8.1 without re-downloading. Well, thats something. 

My Apple miniMAC runs OS X, never has these kinds of issue there...And I only download once and save, no need for multiple downloads.

On my Mac I can make images, make bootable partitions on any device (unlike Microsoft), copy images, run applications from inside images (FYI without installing them if I so choose), and that is nice.

Microsoft has not made a good impression with the upgrade 8.1 issue...just sayin.

u just checked ur internet speed

I USE an Ethernet cord! :(

ugh! I've lost hope! Just forget it! :(

I was having this error also. I updated to 8.1 when it came out in October with no problem. This weekend out of nowhere my computer started to have issues which I was unable to fix using any program. So I then had to reformat my hard drive. I had to go back to Windows 7, then update using my Windows 8 Pro download that I bought online, then update to 8.1 via the store and the error occurred. I tried about 10 times and error every time. I updated all updates via Windows Update and tried a lot of suggestions on this site to no avail. However, I was on wireless and I connected via an Ethernet cord and it worked! Good luck everyone!