"Couldn't update to Windows 8.1 - 0xC1900101 - 0x40017"

Anonymous
2013-10-17T13:29:23+00:00

I have downloaded the Windows 8.1 update from the store but cannot get it to install. Each time I try, I get to the point where it is "getting my devices ready", then the PC restarts to a blue screen with error message. It then tries to recover the installation, fails, then restores Windows 8. When the system boots up after this, I get a message saying:

"Couldn't update to Windows 8.1

Sorry, we couldn't complete the update to Windows 8.1. We've restored your previous version of Windows to this PC.

0xC1900101 - 0x40017"

There is n o explanation as to why the update could be completed. Any ideas how to resolve this?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Install and upgrade

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-01-31T15:30:53+00:00

    No.  Will not work.  I ordered a backup iso from Microsoft store.  Tried to install.  Could not do it because Microsoft did not provide license key.  The key I got with windows 8 would not work.

    don't waste your time.

    Windows store told me I would have to buy a full version of windows 8.1 to get a license key.  Cost about $200. 

    It is time for windows to step up, admit they have a problem and admit they do NOT know how to fix it. 

    Then they should give all users with legitimate windows 8 keys FREE keys for windows 8.1 and give us the discs.

    Hey Microsoft - do you monitor this site, do you read this stuff.  Pay attention.  stop wasting our time.

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-01-31T13:43:22+00:00

    Hello everyone. I am another "lucky" guy not being able to upgrade to Windows 8.1 because of the mentioned above error. Does anyone know if it is possible to install Windows 8.1 from an .iso image and, in order to activate it, use the license key from the copy of Windows 8 that I had purchased? Will that work?

    Thanks in advance.

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-01-28T17:19:21+00:00

    This is yet another example of the many problems I have with all things "Microsoft".  An upgrade should occur without a hitch.  If a problem is encountered, an intelligible reason should be offered.  If a problem is widespread, MS should address it immediately.  But none of this ever happens...

    Recently my son was eagerly searching for a Win8 touchscreen laptop for college.  Finally purchased what he felt was a premium machine (very expensive).   Brought it home and encountered one problem after another.  Took it back and purchased a MacBook Air.  Not a single problem.  He loves the machine and will never go back to MS. 

    ...my next laptop will be a Mac.

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-01-26T10:17:40+00:00

    was able to resolve this issue by contacting the microsoft support people and they remotely access my laptop.... now windows 8.1 is installed.... but some apps are still not working because the third party applications needed to update theirs so it will be compatible to win 8.1....

    before mine was not installing due to my graphics incompatibility and toshiba needs to upgrade their this too.

    Thanks guys from microsoft for helping me out

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  5. Anonymous
    2014-01-25T22:02:15+00:00

    Even this website is a mess Good going MS IM getting message's for this page when know even reply's

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