Windows 8.1 installation error 0x80004005

Anonymous
2013-10-17T19:35:19+00:00

I tried to update my Win8 Pro via the Win8 Store and it downloaded, proceeded to Applying Changes > Gathering info > Preparing to restart

and than : error 0x80004005; install cancelled.

No explanation why it did not do the restart. I tried it several times because initially I started everything while continuing work in a desktop application. Than I tried it with a restart w/o desktop. Same result.

So I am stuck with Win8 until there is a solution that does not require a clean install where I have to re-install all my software again. No way...

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Install and upgrade

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

142 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2013-10-23T03:59:38+00:00

    Almost have same case with you. After I set my C drive become active drive. successfully install 8.1 but blue screen related with bootloader when restart (not really remember last night error code and message). I use windows 8 pro DVD to auto fix the issue. after everything return to windows 8 pro. I try again with unplug all my external HDD (forgot to unplug in previous attempt) and finally successfully upgrade to 8.1

    Microsoft should generate more specific error code and provide more information about it.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2013-10-23T03:27:45+00:00

    exactly the same nightmare here with my Dell XPS 15 last generation i7 running legit full license of Windows 8 Pro.  Dozens of attempts and this error 0x0004005 shows up over and over no matter what I do. I downloaded the ISO from the previous post and when running at the very end after 99% of the installation shows error. this is a shame Microsoft is unable to provide an explanation or a solution to this by now

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2013-10-22T21:54:59+00:00

    Hope it works for you and please let us know if you have any luck.

    I have been through all of what has been posted on this forum.

    I've had 4 levels of Microsoft Tech Support take over my computer remotely.

    Microsoft is putting out multiple levels of suggestions that DO NOT WORK.

    As a last resort they are sending me 8.1 discs and have said that I have a registry error that doesn't show up on any of the tests they ran.  I believe they are stalling for time because they said I have to wait two weeks (From 10/20/2013) before I can request the discs because they aren't made yet.  Only download is available.

    They did a clean boot, checked active partitions, checked updates, checked for external devices connected and on and on.  They even did a reinstall of Win 8 remotely that "didn't fix my registry".

    Microsoft is giving the runaround because they don't have a fix for it yet.

    This is Vista for me all over again.  I have a Dell 15z i7 that runs perfectly under a legit copy of Win 8 Pro Media Edition that continually gives the 0x0004005 error.  I don't even need to look up the error code I wrote down anymore I've seen it so often.

    This is Microsoft BS and they are wasting thousands of hours of our time giving BS runaround answers and FALSE "Fixes".

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2013-10-22T20:57:08+00:00

    Hope it works for you and please let us know if you have any luck.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2013-10-22T20:14:15+00:00

     

    At the moment I am downloading the 8.1 image as per instructions found on

     

    http://superuser.com/questions/661261/windows-8-1-fresh-install-with-windows-8-licence?rq=1

     

    and the instruction were briliantly correct!

     

     

    Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!

     

    After days and days and days of drama. This is awesome. Thanks!

    Nope. Nope nope nope.

    Sorry...got excited too soon. I can't install from scratch or in Windows using my Win 8 key and the 8.1 iso. No love.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments