After AVOIDING as long as possible the re-installation of Windows 8, I took the plunge. Of course, I spent 2 hours doing a total system back up first, but I pulled out the installation disk and did it. I opted to re-install Windows 8 and kept everything else. It took hours upon hours to install and then update, at least 4 hours of my time. But in the end, I received my coveted invitation to upgrade to Windows 8.1. Now that I am running 8.1, it’s not a bed of roses. I still have to upgrade numerous programs (Apps in the new vernacular) but I'm finally past the Microsoft bug that prevented a smooth update. PS, I didn't need to pull anything back into my system from my back up.
Windows update successfully installs KB2802618 repeatedly
Windows Update continually installs KB2802618.
I have downloaded the update manually and run it - several times - and each time it says it was successful; it then does not appear in updates.
I have run the Windows Update troubleshooter, and after asking for Admin permissions, the troubleshooter "Fixed" issues.
Still no joy.
Issues
- DISM /cleanup-image returns that the option is unknown
- The Installed Updates list is empty
- (therefore) it is not possible to uninstall and re-install updates
Solutions attempted:
- wsreset
- Windows UPdate Troubleshooter and Cleanup Tool
- Rename of cabroot2 and SoftwareDistribution [post]
- Confirmed user group similar memberships between Windows 8 devices (one working, one not)
- Using Powershell for /cleanup-image [post]
- Checking registry entry permissions between Windows 8 devices
- Working one-by-one through the Updates to see if I can see a pattern, or supply a list at least
CONCLUSION
Manual repair was NOT successful. After exhausting MANY MANY routes, including one-by-one installs, found to be down to the Software Protection Service not wanting to start - at all. This was NOT fixed by a "Refresh" within Windows 8, nor was it fixed by off-line SFC or by DISM /cleanup (when I eventually got it to work).
Solution was to burn a Windows 8 DVD, run Setup, and then run an installation and remove ALL applications, leaving only User Data (second option).
After this, all updates installed correctly, and no software I have installed subsequently has brought the problem back.
Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Windows update
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Anonymous
2013-12-14T00:01:09+00:00 -
Anonymous
2013-12-13T07:09:18+00:00 It may be nice if they did. but it being some months since launch now, I can safely infer that they believe this issue is down to some app or other. Ie, user error. and, to be fair, I did have some **** on my machine, and seriously weird issues, like a PC cleanup tool removing all user accounts from the login screen, and apps not launching unless I reinstalled them, and a stupid market research app destroying one of the digital certificates... After I'd gone through the hassle, I was left wondering why I spent so much time winding myself up by talking and analysing, and not just getting on with it!! Especially since 8.1 is so much better than 8. The moment you turn on boot to desktop and match backgrounds... My advice, just bloody reinstall. /me prepares for obligatory shoulda woulda coulda reply...
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Anonymous
2013-12-13T06:36:18+00:00 I had the same issue and tried a lot of the suggestions in this thread and on the web. Decided to do a reinstall of windows 8 and I am now using 8.1. I'm was not hopeful of Microsoft providing a solution. If you do reinstall you will need to do windows update a few times before 8.1 shows in the Windows store. I have had no issues ( so far) with 8.1.
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Anonymous
2013-12-13T05:30:38+00:00 Would be nice if Microsoft decided to fix this. Nothing has worked for me yet and I'm not keen on a reload of windows 8 to progress to 8.1
Anyone able to help?
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Anonymous
2013-11-28T02:47:16+00:00 Does anyone have a solution that doesn't involve lots of time reloading Microsoft Office, etc?
Is Microsoft ever going to fix this issue for those of us who are tired of continually being told we have the same software update to install and/or would like to upgrade to 8.1 which we should be able to do?