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

Hi everybody, 

At the end I solved my problem by contacting the official Microsoft chat assistance. They solved the problem by taking the control of my pc through a remote control software they made me download. So what I suggest you is to call the online assistance, it's the fastest and easiest way. Of course I agree with you that this problem should have been solved long time ago

Quote: "...then your only choice is a fresh install from a cd or usb and deletion of ALL partitions and then installing to the un-partitioned space."

With all due respect, that is unacceptable. Windows 8.1 cannot upgrade from 8.0 and one has to use the scorched earth process to fix it? And MS, with it's gazillions of endless resources, is incapable of simply listing the problem so it can be resolved?

Instead, it says upgrade failed. Since it failed for some reason, then why can't MS show the reason?

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?

Well its DECEMBER 2014 and this still happens.... Is there ever going to be a fix for this issue?!?!?!?!

I have a laptop (no external devices attached) so only have the touchpad, touchscreen and keyboard for input. All my drivers are up-to-date, I've manually checked.....

I have downloaded the Windows 8.1 update from the store nearly every month for 18  months.  And I still cannot get it to install. Everytime I try, I get to the point where it is "getting my devices ready", then the PC restarts to a BSOD. 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"

Did you remove the shovel-ware that came on the laptop from the vender? In particular, any antivirus software, Almost all of the antivirus **** will prevent the update. I'd remove all the **** they added on using Add and remove programs.

 Did you use any third party partitioning programs on this computer, Nearly all of them can screw up the partitioning, While they may create or modify partitions that will work with normal day to day operation, they often don't comply 100% with the specs for MS. If that is the case, then the upgrade may fail. If that is the case, and you can't fix it using the Manage Disk feature under Computer Properties, then your only choice is a fresh install from a cd or usb and deletion of ALL partitions and then installing to the un-partitioned space. In my experience, This almost always results in fixing the upgrade to 8.1 problem.

The two items above are the most common reasons for your problem, (in my experience). The one exception was an Acer tablet, Prior to the upgrade to 8.1 showing up in the store, there was a update from Acer that re-flashed the Bios. It that was not done. the upgrade to 8.1 would fail. One weird possibility that a friend had, involved the date/time not being set. I have not seen that  one personally.

The deal is, (In my opinion) you will not see a solution from Microsoft, because the problem is not caused by windows 8. The upgrade has worked dozens of time for me personally, and millions of times for other users. That eliminates the windows 8 as the cause, leaving it as an issue with the laptop BIOS, partitioning, firmware or hardware.

If I were you, and this laptop came with 8.0 from the factory, I'd be on the laptop manufacturer's case like butter on toast till they fixed or replaced it.

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?

Well its DECEMBER 2014 and this still happens.... Is there ever going to be a fix for this issue?!?!?!?!

I have a laptop (no external devices attached) so only have the touchpad, touchscreen and keyboard for input. All my drivers are up-to-date, I've manually checked.....

I have downloaded the Windows 8.1 update from the store nearly every month for 18  months.  And I still cannot get it to install. Everytime I try, I get to the point where it is "getting my devices ready", then the PC restarts to a BSOD. 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"

HP Pavillion G7 laptop

Intel i3 core

6GB ram

Intel HD Graphics 4000

I had updated successfully to 8.1 long ago from 8.  Had numerous software problems  beginning a couple months ago.  My photoshop CS6 ceased to operate.  I am pretty certain an update had gone wrong and messed up my OS.  Did a clean install of win 8,, Photoshop cs6 worked again, and proceded to update to 8.1 with no luck.  tried more than a dozen times.

I tried a different approach based on what I had read on this list and others.  It didn't work,  running the 8.1 upgrade assistant, installing from a clean boot, reinstalling all my drivers.    Looked at your method and decided to start with your list...and then add mine. 

. run sfc /scannow

. checked for windows updates,

.deleted avast antivirus, disabled windows defender,

.ran CC cleaner pro and deleted all my cache, temps, old prefetch.  Ran CC  registry cleaner.

.Ran windows 8.1 upgrade assistant to check for compatability problems which told me to

update the driver for the network adapter to Ralink RT3290 wi fi adapter. diid not restart.

proceeded to set up for a clean boot, but did not restart.

went to Microsoft store and downloaded the 8.1 and let it install.

I was shocked when it completed the install.  It is working properly and I am very happy.

Windows 8.1 upgrade assistant

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-assistant-download-online-faq

Clean boot

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

Thank you Kevin