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

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-03-03T16:55:02+00:00

    After trying just about everything, I finally stumbled upon a solution. 

    If you have multi-bootable partitons, you need to mark your Windows partition as "Active". Here's a guide on how to do this: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-au/windows/mark-partition-active#1TC=windows-7

    You got my hopes up - I tried yet again - and it STILL fails.  This has now been months of no fix - and my gut tells me the only option is to reformat the machine.  With Windows 9 rumour for the 2014 Build conference going beta - my plan is probably going to be wait till that comes out and reformat for a new OS on that.

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-02-27T06:48:17+00:00

    After trying just about everything, I finally stumbled upon a solution. 

    If you have multi-bootable partitons, you need to mark your Windows partition as "Active". Here's a guide on how to do this: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-au/windows/mark-partition-active#1TC=windows-7

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-11-13T23:40:53+00:00

    I have purchased a lot of Microsoft programs during last 15 years so I think I deserve a better support but I was disappointed. I will not buy Windows 8.1.

    You don't have to. I don't think MS is forcing to buy 8.1, you bought an original MS license as I did and I paid just $14.99 with the promo code.

    I'm not sure about SSD disks, but I think that all failed installations are all within a software environment, despite of MS confirming that 8.1 is not supported by some older AMD processors  and some other Sony notebooks...

    At first, I was reluctant to refresh my W8 system because I read elsewhere that others were unable to update to 8.1 even refreshing their systems. But again, their fails were due to inactive boot partitions and so.

    Keep trying pal, in my case I was also about to throw in the towel with 8.1, but now that I got it I'll never look back to any previous OS.

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  4. Anonymous
    2013-11-13T23:04:45+00:00

    BTW: Wondered the story behind "vinegar15"'s name? My dad made Grape (and other) Vinegars all his life!

    Nickname created in the blink of a eye, no secrets hidden behind... lol!

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  5. Anonymous
    2013-11-13T22:53:46+00:00

    Hello friend

    You wrote:

    -Refreshing Windows 8 from its ISO disc (and consequently losing all my programs and apps) prior to update to 8.1 through the Store.

    You lost only the programs and apps downaded through the Store

    or all your installed programs and apps (Office, Firefox, Winzip etc.)  ?

    Thanks

    Everything, I have to reinstall all of them. After refreshing, the installer puts a complete list of programs removed on your desktop...

    I found it wasn't a big deal really, just Office and some other minor apps which I do require.

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