Error 0xC1900101 – 0x40017 when installing Windows 8.1

Anonymous
2013-10-24T00:28:08+00:00

Hello everyone,

We would like to thank all those who have helped us to collect data by sending us logs.  The cause for error 0xC1900101 – 0x40017 is known to be faulty drivers, however it can be difficult to identify exactly which drivers are creating the error.

Note: Please double-check the error code before reading further.  There are many variations of error 0xC1900101, each with a different location code -- the error extension, located after the dash.  The information in this thread is intended only for location code 0x40017.  If you are receiving a different location code, these steps are unlikely to resolve your issue.

There have been reports of a USB driver causing this error.  Until a specific USB driver can be determined as a root cause, if you receive this error, we recommend you unplug all USB devices (other than your mouse and keyboard) as a troubleshooting step and try the upgrade again.  If the upgrade is then successful, you can plug the devices back in and they should function normally.

We have identified a few drivers associated with the following hardware or software that could be causing this problem:

1.  SteelSeries – Mouse and keyboard manufacture.  The SteelSeries Engine is currently not supported on Windows 8.1.  Please see their FAQ for more info and updates.

2.  NVIDIA -- Video card manufacture.    Check to make sure you’ve upgraded to the latest video drivers.

3.  ESET - Antivirus and security-related products.  Please see the ESET Knowledgebase to learn how to safely upgrade to Windows 8.1 with ESET Smart Security or ESET NOD32 Antivirus installed.

4. Trusteer Rapport -- Credit card fraud protection software.  Trusteer recommends installing the latest update for Windows 8.1 compatibility.

If you have any of these programs installed, please let us know if disabling, uninstalling, or upgrading the software or drivers allowed you to install Windows 8.1 successfully.

We are sorry for any inconvenience and appreciate your help and understanding while we continue to investigate this issue.

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
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2014-01-07T21:10:26+00:00

Hello,

Microsoft is aware some customers are unable to install Windows 8.1 due to error 0xC1900101 -0x40017. 

This error indicates a failure to boot Windows 8.1 occurred during the final parts of the update, causing the system to roll back to Windows 8.  The most likely cause of this error is an incompatible driver or hardware defect. Unfortunately, due to the timing of this failure, there are often no logs, crash dumps or other diagnostic information available to investigate the issue easily, which makes it difficult to determine which, if any, of the drivers or system components are causing the update to fail.

We are currently working with the companies that develop these drivers to help them update their problematic drivers whenever they are identified.  Some of the identified drivers have been listed in the original post, however due to the sheer number of drivers constantly being created by other companies all over the world, this is a daunting task.  We understand that the inability to easily identify the incompatible driver can be incredibly frustrating and we are sorry for the inconvenience. 

Make sure you’ve installed all the latest Windows Updates and latest drivers from your hardware and software manufacturers.  You can also try uninstalling any unnecessary hardware or software prior to updating to Windows 8.1.

If your hardware and software manufacturers do not have updated drivers and you are experiencing this error, the best method for upgrading to Windows 8.1 is to clean install Windows 8, and then update to Windows 8.1 before allowing any additional drivers or software to install.

To do this:

  1. Back up all of your personal documents and data to an external drive.
  2. Disconnect your computer from the Internet.
  3. Perform a clean install of Windows 8 using Windows 8 installation media (DVD or USB).  For help performing a clean install of Windows, see How to perform a clean install of Windows.

Note:  If you do not have media and Windows 8 was pre-installed on your PC, please contact your PC manufacturer for assistance.  Otherwise to get help obtaining installation media, contact Microsoft Support. 4. Once you’ve reinstalled Windows 8, change your hardware settings so that you do not automatically install driver updates.      

**>>**From the Start screen, type “System”, and then click on “View advanced system settings” in the search results.  This will open the System Properties dialog.      

**>>**Click on the Hardware tab, and then click Device Installation Settings.      

**>>**When the Device Installation Settings window appears, click the “No, let me choose what to” button, and then “Never install driver software from Windows Update”.  Click Save Changes to save the setting. 5. Reconnect your computer to the Internet. 6. Install Windows Updates.  Restart the computer when prompted. 7. Open Windows Store and install Windows 8.1. 8. Afterwards, be sure to restore your hardware settings so that your device drivers once again install automatically.  (Repeat Step 4, but restore this setting to “**Yes, do this automatically (recommended)”**and Save changes.)

Was this answer helpful?

3 people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

149 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2013-11-11T20:30:31+00:00

    Now, it is not funny and it is not even sad... It's just kind of madness...

    I updated EVERY single driver in my system, removed A LOT of applications which could be problematic, disconnected ALL of the usb devices, and... 2 hours once more time and my "favourite" screen with the same error number appeard...

    I was also asked for sending MSInfo file, which I of course uploaded here 5 DAYS AGO and no answer. OK...

    Your advices in this topic are just worthless - "try this, try that" and once more time make your computer usless for 2 hours. "Thank you" very much. I made everything that was possible - I scanned my system using the tool that you shared (for this specific error number), I sent you my MSInfo file and nothing.

    And one more thing - I don't have any software that was mentioned in the announcement (SteelSeries, ESET, whatever...)

    Other people have been helped by the suggestions I have made.  One thing is certain and that is that this error is a memory management error.  The problem is that there are a lot of things that can cause this error to occur, including hardware, drivers, security software, and even malware, hence the need for "try this, try that" suggestions.  I am sorry that you were not helped by the suggestions but I suspect that you have not tried them all.

    Have you actually tried booting your computer in a clean boot state? Something in your computer is causing a memory management error.  So, in order to fix the problem that something has to be found.  Did you also submit your installation logs to Microsoft personnel? Have you checked your system memory for errors using an advanced scan with no less than 10 passes? Have you removed and reseated your memory? Are you absolutely sure that you have no security software installed on your machine? Are you sure you are 100% free from malware? Are you 100% certain that your PSU is running at full voltage and wattage on both rails?

    And, I do not recall asking you for your MSInfo information.  I think you may have me confused with someone else.  That, or I have forgotten, which is, I suppose, possible.

    UPDATED:  Yes, you have me confused with someone else.  I checked back through the thread.  That said, I noticed that you are using Logitech software and hardware.  That is what you wrote above, earlier in the thread.  Various kinds of Logitech drivers and gaming software have been causing this memory management error for some people.

    So, here is another thing you can try.  Try removing the Logitech drivers, your Logitech Bluetooth device, and use a standard USB keyboard and mouse to perform the upgrade.  Once done, obtain the latest driver for your device, reinstall it, reboot, and then reconnect your Bluetooth device.

    Sorry, but I didn't wanna accuse you - I was thinking about Microsoft stuff. Your advices are very useful, but I still have problems with this update. Ok, to summarize:

    • my system is fully updated
    • all of my drivers are now also fully updated
    • I'm sure, that I don't have any AV and/or FW application (I use hardware FW)
    • I'm sure that there is no malware in my system (I scanned it using 3 or 4 online AV)
    • I tried to update from clean boot state
    • I checked my memory twice using memtest and it's in perfect condition
    • I can't and I don't want to remove and reseat my memory because I have ASUS Zenbook Ultrabook and there is no easy access to memory slots without disasembling back cover
    • my PSU is an original one from ASUS so it should be good (there is no problem with system hang outs and restarts)
    • I don't have Logitech software - Unifying Receiver for my mouse was installed automatically and I don't need Logitech software because I use only one mouse without any wireless keyboard but... I have Bluetooth device but it's integrated with Intel WiFi (6235-N Advanced) - is it important?
    • before update I removed Logitech receiver and used touchpad and integrated keyboard
    • I attached logs and MSInfo file when I was asked for this by Microsoft employee but there is no answer since 11/06/13

    Best regards

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2013-11-11T17:04:41+00:00

    Now, it is not funny and it is not even sad... It's just kind of madness...

    I updated EVERY single driver in my system, removed A LOT of applications which could be problematic, disconnected ALL of the usb devices, and... 2 hours once more time and my "favourite" screen with the same error number appeard...

    I was also asked for sending MSInfo file, which I of course uploaded here 5 DAYS AGO and no answer. OK...

    Your advices in this topic are just worthless - "try this, try that" and once more time make your computer usless for 2 hours. "Thank you" very much. I made everything that was possible - I scanned my system using the tool that you shared (for this specific error number), I sent you my MSInfo file and nothing.

    And one more thing - I don't have any software that was mentioned in the announcement (SteelSeries, ESET, whatever...)

    Other people have been helped by the suggestions I have made.  One thing is certain and that is that this error is a memory management error.  The problem is that there are a lot of things that can cause this error to occur, including hardware, drivers, security software, and even malware, hence the need for "try this, try that" suggestions.  I am sorry that you were not helped by the suggestions but I suspect that you have not tried them all.

    Have you actually tried booting your computer in a clean boot state? Something in your computer is causing a memory management error.  So, in order to fix the problem that something has to be found.  Did you also submit your installation logs to Microsoft personnel? Have you checked your system memory for errors using an advanced scan with no less than 10 passes? Have you removed and reseated your memory? Are you absolutely sure that you have no security software installed on your machine? Are you sure you are 100% free from malware? Are you 100% certain that your PSU is running at full voltage and wattage on both rails?

    And, I do not recall asking you for your MSInfo information.  I think you may have me confused with someone else.  That, or I have forgotten, which is, I suppose, possible.

    UPDATED:  Yes, you have me confused with someone else.  I checked back through the thread.  That said, I noticed that you are using Logitech software and hardware.  That is what you wrote above, earlier in the thread.  Various kinds of Logitech drivers and gaming software have been causing this memory management error for some people.

    So, here is another thing you can try.  Try removing the Logitech drivers, your Logitech Bluetooth device, and use a standard USB keyboard and mouse to perform the upgrade.  Once done, obtain the latest driver for your device, reinstall it, reboot, and then reconnect your Bluetooth device.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2013-11-11T09:46:35+00:00

    Now, it is not funny and it is not even sad... It's just kind of madness...

    I updated EVERY single driver in my system, removed A LOT of applications which could be problematic, disconnected ALL of the usb devices, and... 2 hours once more time and my "favourite" screen with the same error number appeard...

    I was also asked for sending MSInfo file, which I of course uploaded here 5 DAYS AGO and no answer. OK...

    Your advices in this topic are just worthless - "try this, try that" and once more time make your computer usless for 2 hours. "Thank you" very much. I made everything that was possible - I scanned my system using the tool that you shared (for this specific error number), I sent you my MSInfo file and nothing.

    And one more thing - I don't have any software that was mentioned in the announcement (SteelSeries, ESET, whatever...)

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2013-11-11T04:54:35+00:00

    You are welcome.  Glad to have helped and I am glad that you were able to perform the upgrade after that.  Hopefully everything else will continue to run well for you.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments