Windows 10 update fails with error about iastora.sys after upgrading to recommended Intel Rapid Storage version

Anonymous
2019-07-26T19:17:02+00:00

I'm attempting to update Windows 10 to 1903. The update failed with the error message "The inbox storage driver iastora.sys doesn't work on these systems and causes stability problems on Windows. Check with your software/driver provider for an updated version that runs on this version of Windows." This error led to a support page at https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4514156/updating-to-windows-10-version-1903-on-devices-with-certain-versions-o recommending that the driver be upgraded to version 15.9.6.1044.

I have upgraded the driver accordingly (see attached screenshot), and rebooted the machine afterwards, but still receive the same error. I have also tried uninstalling and reinstalling the driver, and attempting the upgrade with the driver uninstalled, but receive the same error message no matter what version of this driver is installed, or indeed if it is installed at all.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows update

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
2019-07-26T19:22:48+00:00

Hi Todd. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 10 year Windows MVP here to help you.

That's the buggy Windows Upgrade Advisor which is often wrong and wastes a lot of time. For this reason it's much more stable to Upgrade using the media itself and not buggy Windows Updates or Upgrade Advisor.

Install the Media Creation Tool from this link http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m..., choosing Download Tool Now, install the tool, open it and choose Upgrade this PC Now. . This will save your files and apps while bringing you up to the latest version by the most stable method. It will also bring all of your Updates current and solve most problems since it reinstalls Windows.

If any problems report back the verbatim error and number, then continue with these steps for overcoming Version Upgrade problems: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

________________________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Was this answer helpful?

20+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

74 additional answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2019-07-31T16:49:34+00:00

    But what if the installation of this tool can't be completed because it's being interrupted by the failing message we are talking about?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2019-07-31T17:27:10+00:00

    This worked for me and I didn't need to use the media creation tool.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2019-07-31T19:26:21+00:00

    I had the same problem.  I even completely uninstalled Intel rapid storage technology and still got the problem.  I followed what you said to do with the Media creation tool and got the same error.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2019-08-01T03:15:47+00:00

    So here's what finally worked for me. After I upgraded the Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver by following all the links to Intel, I installed the new driver and rebooted the system. Once that is done, I found the old iastora.sys file in my Windows/system32/drivers folder and moved it into the trash. My Dell system also had a folder called C:\Drivers\storage\VPDHD\Drivers\Production\Windows10-x64. I deleted the iastora.sys file there too. I don't know if that was a needed step but it can't hurt to make sure it doesn't get reloaded.

    Make sure you install the updated Intel Rapid Storage Technology drive BEFORE you delete the old iastora.sys file or your system will crash!  Been there, done that.

    Then I rebooted the system once again, and restarted the update program. This time the installation completed.

    Hope this helps.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments