Windows 8.1 installation error 0x80004005

Hi,

Do you have any third party security software installed on the computer?

I suggest you to try the following steps if you are unable to install

Method 1:

Disconnect all the external devices (printers, scanner, USB (universal serial bus) drives, etc) except mouse and the keyboard and then try to install Windows 8.1

Method 2:

If the issue persists, I suggest you to disable the antivirus/firewall software and check if you are able to install.

Important Note: Antivirus software can help protect your computer against viruses and other security threats. In most cases, you shouldn't disable your antivirus software. If you have to temporarily disable it to install other software, you should re-enable it as soon as you're done. If you're connected to the Internet or a network while your antivirus software is disabled, your computer is vulnerable to attacks.

Method 3:

You can also place the  computer in a clean boot and then try to install the upgrade. Clean boot will eliminate the software conflicts.

You may follow the article mentioned to perform a clean boot.

Perform a Clean Boot

Follow the instructions (Step 1 for Windows 8) given in this link to perform a clean boot:

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

Note: After performing the troubleshooting steps in clean boot, follow these steps to return the computer to Normal startup mode.

a) Press the ‘Windows + R’ key on the keyboard.

b) In the ‘Run’ windows type ’MSCONFIG’ and click ‘Ok’.

c) On the General tab, click the Normal Startup option, and then click ok.

d) When you are prompted to restart the computer, click Restart.

Hope this helps.

Please post back with the status of the issue and we will be glad to assist you further.

So basically I have the same problem (already voted), and tried the three methods proposed by Vengaloor to no avail.

Actually, on step2 I went as far as uninstalling the antivirus altogether.

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

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

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.