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: Newest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2013-10-18T19:18:17+00:00

    This is the history of my attempts to get around the problem.

    I just tried to install Windows 8.1 GA from Windows 8 Home.

    Downloaded 8.1 Pro from MS Store OK.

    Error message at end of installation. Error Code 0x80004005.

    Tried again, several times with the same result.

    Searching through Microsoft Community I found this thread.

    I disconnected all the external devices (printers, scanner, USB (universal serial bus) drives, etc) except mouse and the keyboard. - No change.

    I disabled the antivirus/firewall software. - No change. 

    I placed the  computer in a clean boot and then tried to install the upgrade. - No change.

    The only worry is that the download had already taken place and I was installing from the existing download.

    I next deleted all the temporary files and restarted the download from scratch. Again I got Error Code 0x80004005 at the end of the install.

    I'm running out of ideas.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2013-10-18T18:43:14+00:00

    Hello, I have tried all of the fixes listed here with no success, still get error code 0x80004005.  Some old Windows XP reports related to this error code indicate it is something to do with the activation status.  My activation status is good so I'm at a loss as to what to do next?  Anyone got any ideas?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2013-10-18T12:26:36+00:00

    Hi Karthik,

    thanks for your prompt reply but, as others on this forum reported already, your suggestions do not work.

    In any case, I feel like back in the 80s when software support always replied to problems by requesting to uninstall all the other software first. As that procedure might resolve the problem and be a valuable method during alpha and beta testing, it is unacceptable for regular use! After all, I did not buy the software to throw out everything else.

    Although your suggestions are not that dramatic, they still require a lot of effort just to install an upgrade. A wasted effort as it turns out.

    I installed the beta version w/o a problem as a virtual machine. But the real test is now and it failed miserably.

    I hope MS comes up with a real solution fast before the installation nightmare blows up in the media circus.

    Was this answer helpful?

    30+ people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2013-10-18T10:49:03+00:00

    same problem, tried all three options but none of them have worked.....please advise

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2013-10-18T08:47:07+00:00

    Tried all three methods and nothing worked. Stuck with windows 8 now...

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments