Media Creation Tool Error 0x80042405 0xA001B

Anonymous
2019-05-22T02:24:49+00:00

I must be doing something wrong because I always have the update fail with some BS error like this. What are the proper steps to run this tool?

I download the tool to the desktop. I'm on an Admin account. I insert a 16GB thumb drive. I format it. I start the tool. I point it to the thumb drive. During the phase where the files are copied to the USB, I get some stupid error like this:

Why are my steps not good enough? Where is the hole in my logic? Or is this tool just written poorly. I'd like to use stronger language here as I used to have to start it all over again and burn bandwidth trying this failed endeavor over and over.

I've heard people make it work by running the tool FROM the USB. Why would that matter? I've tried to write files to the thumb drive just after the format and before running the tool to make sure I have successful writes. Doesn't help. 

As a workaround today, I left the error up for a bit. Tried to access the thumb drive and it said it needed to be formatted AGAIN! So I did. Then I just opened the C:$Windows.~WS\Sources\Windows and copied the files to the drive by hand. Made the dang thing myself! WHO WRITES THIS STUFF??

Windows for home | Windows 10 | 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 No comments
Answer accepted by question author
Kapil Arya 38,446 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2019-10-23T10:23:40+00:00

Hello,

I would suggest you to create latest media. Download the Media Creation Tool using this link:

https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=691209

Hope this helps!

Was this answer helpful?

20+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments No comments

227 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
  1. Anonymous
    2019-05-30T09:17:41+00:00

    Yeah, this is pretty huge, Robbie. Thanks. I'll have to try process explorer. What you said makes perfect sense. I'll let you know and give you an up-vote if it helps.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  2. Anonymous
    2019-05-27T00:14:53+00:00

    I've heard of this USB device and SD card issue you linked, but not caused by the thumb drive used as a boot device for a clean install. I'd like to know more about the step you took to get this error.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  3. Anonymous
    2019-05-26T23:58:36+00:00

    When you go to the Media Creation tool do not upgrade. 

    Download tool now, Read the instructions.  Pick your edition, select the USB drive, or the ISO file.

    Media Creation Tool US;  Read the instructions.  

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  4. Anonymous
    2019-05-26T21:41:05+00:00

    I think the problem lies with the USB drives. I had 2 of them that may have gone through a wash cycle - so they may have just been bad. 

    I tried a third USB and it worked. But there are a lot of other problems installing 1903 that people need to be aware of. There is a partial list at https://www.windowscentral.com/windows-10-may-2019-update-common-problems-and-fixes that I recommend that you become familiar with if you are going to be doing a lot of installs.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments