This error may appear anytime a Windows Update fails. To investigate possible solutions, we need to start with the specific error code. We can do this by viewing your update history. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen (or, if you're using a mouse, pointing to the lower-right corner of the screen and moving the mouse pointer up), and tap or click Settings . Tap or click Change PC settings , and then Update and recovery . Tap or click View your update history . View failed update error code. Please post here with your error code, so that the Community can try to help guide you appropriately.

As per my back and forth with Silverback - can't one buy the retail 8.1 for $100 or so and do a in-place repair install that way instead of having to re-install everything (files, programs, 8.1) all over again?

I was told that people were able to do an in-place repair install with retail version of 8.1 even if they got the free download from the store (they use the key from the retail version). Why can't I do an in-place upgrade if I buy the $100 DVD? That's what I was saying I would do - buy the 8.1 DVD so I could do the in-place (upgrade) installation. Isn't that do the same if people were moving from Windows 7 or 8 to 8.1? Maybe you mis-interpreted what I originally wrote. I have the 8.1 update installed - it was successful. What I don't have now is a working component store supposedly. Dism RestoreHealth does not fix my component store. Other people have had the same issue - they've installed the update but now restorehealth doesn't work.

Currently I see no other official solution than to rebuild from scratch. Microsoft support is telling people to use their OEM media or to contact the OEM in order to get recovery media. You need to back up your files and rebuild your PC. I deeply apologize for not being able to push Microsoft for any better resolution at this time. I'm sorry.

no you can't. The free download from the store is a special deal and the one from Retail is a full edition with key. As for ISO Microsoft in it's continuing battle with piracy did not and will not release an ISO for Windows *. You Have to purchase it (*$100.00+ ) or download it free from the store. Remember as of today there will be no updates if Windows 8.1.1 is not in stalled. Believe it or not most people have it installed. Hope this helps and if you need further assistance post and we will be glad to Help you. The above opinion is mine and mine alone and doesn't necessarily reflect that of Microsoft, it's employees, or any other member of this forum. "When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe." -John Muir

Can't you buy the 8.1 DVD and do a in-place repair install to keep all your programs/files/etc? Paying $100 is almost worth it versus going back to Windows 8 and reinstalling everything all over again. Microsoft did not think through this update upon update philosophy they are doing with Windows 8. Updates can and have created more problems and updates upon updates can create even more problems. At some point, someone's computer is going to be screwed up not of their own doing but following Microsoft's advice perfectly (as I have done). There should be an easy way for those who purchased OEM computers with Windows 8 but that now are having issues within Windows 8.1 to get the Windows 8.1 ISO to do an in-place repair install. That makes the most sense. Those who have been able to install the Windows 8.1 Update may not know they have DISM errors (like me) and restorehealth doesn't work. How many computer users even know about the restorehealth option? I've spoken with many who knows computers quite well, but didn't know about DISM errors or even scannow errors. This issue is bigger than we even know because we are counting on computer users to know these things and I'd say the majority don't.

Error: We couldn’t complete the updates, Undoing changes. Don’t turn off your computer.

Anonymous

This error may appear anytime a Windows Update fails. To investigate possible solutions, we need to start with the specific error code.

We can do this by viewing your update history.

Swipe in from the right edge of the screen (or, if you're using a mouse, pointing to the lower-right corner of the screen and moving the mouse pointer up), and tap or click Settings.
Tap or click Change PC settings, and then Update and recovery.
Tap or click View your update history.

View failed update error code.

Please post here with your error code, so that the Community can try to help guide you appropriately.

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

998 answers

Anonymous

2014-06-10T19:24:38+00:00

As per my back and forth with Silverback - can't one buy the retail 8.1 for $100 or so and do a in-place repair install that way instead of having to re-install everything (files, programs, 8.1) all over again?
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments
Anonymous

2014-06-10T19:23:24+00:00

I was told that people were able to do an in-place repair install with retail version of 8.1 even if they got the free download from the store (they use the key from the retail version). Why can't I do an in-place upgrade if I buy the $100 DVD? That's what I was saying I would do - buy the 8.1 DVD so I could do the in-place (upgrade) installation. Isn't that do the same if people were moving from Windows 7 or 8 to 8.1? Maybe you mis-interpreted what I originally wrote.

I have the 8.1 update installed - it was successful. What I don't have now is a working component store supposedly. Dism RestoreHealth does not fix my component store. Other people have had the same issue - they've installed the update but now restorehealth doesn't work.
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments
Anonymous

2014-06-10T19:11:59+00:00

Currently I see no other official solution than to rebuild from scratch. Microsoft support is telling people to use their OEM media or to contact the OEM in order to get recovery media.

You need to back up your files and rebuild your PC.

I deeply apologize for not being able to push Microsoft for any better resolution at this time. I'm sorry.
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments
Anonymous

2014-06-10T19:11:16+00:00

no you can't. The free download from the store is a special deal and the one from Retail is a full edition with key. As for ISO Microsoft in it's continuing battle with piracy did not and will not release an ISO for Windows *. You Have to purchase it (*$100.00+ ) or download it free from the store. Remember as of today there will be no updates if Windows 8.1.1 is not in stalled. Believe it or not most people have it installed. Hope this helps and if you need further assistance post and we will be glad to Help you.

The above opinion is mine and mine alone and doesn't necessarily reflect that of Microsoft, it's employees, or any other member of this forum.

"When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe." -John Muir
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments
Anonymous

2014-06-10T18:55:16+00:00

Can't you buy the 8.1 DVD and do a in-place repair install to keep all your programs/files/etc? Paying $100 is almost worth it versus going back to Windows 8 and reinstalling everything all over again.

Microsoft did not think through this update upon update philosophy they are doing with Windows 8. Updates can and have created more problems and updates upon updates can create even more problems. At some point, someone's computer is going to be screwed up not of their own doing but following Microsoft's advice perfectly (as I have done). There should be an easy way for those who purchased OEM computers with Windows 8 but that now are having issues within Windows 8.1 to get the Windows 8.1 ISO to do an in-place repair install. That makes the most sense. Those who have been able to install the Windows 8.1 Update may not know they have DISM errors (like me) and restorehealth doesn't work. How many computer users even know about the restorehealth option? I've spoken with many who knows computers quite well, but didn't know about DISM errors or even scannow errors. This issue is bigger than we even know because we are counting on computer users to know these things and I'd say the majority don't.
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments