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 No comments

142 answers

Sort by: Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2013-10-31T22:10:58+00:00

    And another frustrated user here...

    Spent the better part of two days with various hardware connected and disconnected, ran various cleans and still have this error 0x80004005.  I was feeling a bit slack so actually called MS Support first which is unusual for me, and again as others mentioned seemed to have no better idea than I did.  However and more importantly told me the issue is unusual and not seen often...really.

    Promised to call back this morning...still waiting.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  2. Anonymous
    2013-11-01T04:47:43+00:00

    15th Day since release and first sighting of 0x80004005 and no end in sight!

    :(

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  3. Anonymous
    2013-11-01T15:26:57+00:00

    Problem solved - back-up'ed my data and made a clean 8.1 install on a blank partition from the ISO i'd build. Now restoring all my personal data and configure various programs & apps ... nightmare !

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  4. Anonymous
    2013-11-01T17:12:23+00:00

    Problem solved - back-up'ed my data and made a clean 8.1 install on a blank partition from the ISO i'd build. Now restoring all my personal data and configure various programs & apps ... nightmare !

    How did you build the ISO?

    I built one as per instructions earlier in this thread - boot 8.9 and cheat to 8.1

    BUT

    even though I used the Key I bought last year for this PC, it acknowledged the code on completion but then refused to take the code when I tried to install 8.1 fresh!!

    Not sure what else to try!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  5. Anonymous
    2013-11-02T08:15:17+00:00

    Have to wonder when and if the tech press are going to start to read about all these users jammed up?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments