Windows 8 Update trouble

[avmad]

So I performed an upgrade to Win8 Pro from Win7 using a boxed upgrade pack. With the intention of being able to get Win10 Pro this way.

It's a disaster so far. The code I have won't work if I install 8.1 first, so I've read. Only works with 8. So I just used the disc in the box.

Decided to keep all my files, programs etc. The upgrade went smoothly enough. :rolleyes: I'm only finding a few softwares need re-registering which isn't too bad.

Problems begin when I try to update Windows :angry:

I end up with failure to configure windows, reverting changes blah blah blah. The thing that's most frustrating is the time it takes. There are a lot of updates, so by the time it installs, configures, fails and reverts it's taking over 5 hours each attempt I make. Majorly annoying.

I've searched for solutions and tried a fair few including. (These fixed the problem for some)

Uninstalled graphics drivers

Repaired Windows Update with different tools.

Msconfig.exe to disable all startups and non Windows services.

sfc /scannow, chkdsk

Boot from disk to repair Windows

Ctrl Alt Del - restart, install updates from the power button.

Made sure a few needed services are set to automatic. A couple of event logs give error codes that seem to point to this, but they were already on auto.

Cleaned the update download folder and cache, so as to start fresh search.

I've tried installing updates individually instead of all at once. But after a couple it won't let me do more until I restart. Then it tries to install all 170, and another 5 1/2 hours wait :(

I'm thinking of just sticking a Win7 Image back on and forgetting about it. Hopefully it will still be registered?

Next steps I can think of are the WIn8 refresh or whatever they have now.

Another thing incase it helps. Win Update from Control Panel didn't show the size or percentage of updates until my last attempt at installing updates. I think now it only shows 1.

It's crazy frustrating because it takes so long, I can only manage like 2 attempts a day. With barely any time to use the pc inbetween.

Anyone has a helpfull suggestion I'd be gratefull. (I'm guessing go back to 7 will be the popular reply)

Never had this problem with XP or 7 which I've installed many times. Possibly down to an upgrade install instead of a fresh install. Although it seems to have happened to many with even fresh installs.

Can I perform a fresh install with an upgrade key? I've not played with 8 for a long time. I'd rather not do it but as a last resort.

Suggestions please.

[Kalju]

Everything capitally confused. Try first to understand what you want to do and start upgrading, if everything is clear.
Can I perform a fresh install with an upgrade key? - Yes you can if this key is genuine, but how - it must You know before beginning the upgrade process.
And there is no problem to use the same key to activate the Windows 8.1. Absolutely officially and using the Windows account.

[avmad]

I've said what I wanted to do. That's not working.

Thanks for the cryptic help :rolleyes:

[steven36]

I had Windows 8 update troubles before also this how i solved it . I download these installers Windows8-RT-KB2871389 , Windows8-RT-KB2871777 and Windows8-RT-KB2885699 then install just these updates then went to widows store and updated to windows 8.1 and every thing was fine. :)

There's no need to install but these updates to upgrade you to windows 8.1 and in my case windows 8.1 updates work much better than win 8 ones did.

[Vend]

You can do a clean install with upgrade media. Just need to do a few extra things after you install to activate it.

Press the Windows key and type regedit. Press enter to open the Registry Editor.

Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Setup/OOBE/ and double-click on the MediabootInstall key in the right pane.

Change the key's value from 1 to 0.

Exit the Registry Editor, press the Windows key again, and type cmd. Right-click on the Command Prompt icon and run it as an administrator.

Type slmgr /rearm and press Enter.

Reboot Windows.

[Sonar]

So I performed an upgrade to Win8 Pro from Win7 using a boxed upgrade pack. With the intention of being able to get Win10 Pro this way.

It's a disaster so far. The code I have won't work if I install 8.1 first, so I've read. Only works with 8. So I just used the disc in the box.

Decided to keep all my files, programs etc. The upgrade went smoothly enough. :rolleyes: I'm only finding a few softwares need re-registering which isn't too bad.

Problems begin when I try to update Windows :angry:

I end up with failure to configure windows, reverting changes blah blah blah. The thing that's most frustrating is the time it takes. There are a lot of updates, so by the time it installs, configures, fails and reverts it's taking over 5 hours each attempt I make. Majorly annoying.

I've searched for solutions and tried a fair few including. (These fixed the problem for some)

Uninstalled graphics drivers

Repaired Windows Update with different tools.

Msconfig.exe to disable all startups and non Windows services.

sfc /scannow, chkdsk

Boot from disk to repair Windows

Ctrl Alt Del - restart, install updates from the power button.

Made sure a few needed services are set to automatic. A couple of event logs give error codes that seem to point to this, but they were already on auto.

Cleaned the update download folder and cache, so as to start fresh search.

I've tried installing updates individually instead of all at once. But after a couple it won't let me do more until I restart. Then it tries to install all 170, and another 5 1/2 hours wait :(

I'm thinking of just sticking a Win7 Image back on and forgetting about it. Hopefully it will still be registered?

Next steps I can think of are the WIn8 refresh or whatever they have now.

Another thing incase it helps. Win Update from Control Panel didn't show the size or percentage of updates until my last attempt at installing updates. I think now it only shows 1.

It's crazy frustrating because it takes so long, I can only manage like 2 attempts a day. With barely any time to use the pc inbetween.

Anyone has a helpfull suggestion I'd be gratefull. (I'm guessing go back to 7 will be the popular reply)

Never had this problem with XP or 7 which I've installed many times. Possibly down to an upgrade install instead of a fresh install. Although it seems to have happened to many with even fresh installs.

Can I perform a fresh install with an upgrade key? I've not played with 8 for a long time. I'd rather not do it but as a last resort.

Suggestions please.

When installing those updates only select an handful do not tick "download/install all".

option 1

use: http://download.wsusoffline.net/ another form of downloading/installing updates.

option 2

use a custom 8/8.1 with updates already put into the OS and then just register with your legit key.

OS with updates slipstreamed into the disc can be found here on nsane.

option 3

if you really want to test the system, try putting windows 10 preview on there. (having the legit key in future will hopefully allow you to use it to get the right win 10 version?)

this option will also CUT the updates you need to download. (not what you wanted but will tell you mainly if your system will run later OS)

[avmad]

On tablet atm.thanks for the help. Tried refresh, needed the installed disk as something was missing. I figured that lol. Just managed to installed 141 updates.

I really didn't want to have to install all the software again, but I was sick of the time wasting. May as well done a clean install.

Will prob be quicker to start from fresh than wait another 5 hours. Hoping it will continue to work.

Thanks