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Why am I getting error code 0x8000ffff when I try to install Ubuntu on my WSL distribution?

Anonymous
2023-03-01T00:04:45+00:00

I run wsl --install -d Ubuntu and I get this error (linked screenshot as I cannot attach an Image here as it errors idk why) https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/415984973590429697/1080278655013494804/image.png

No, I cannot install Ubuntu from the Microsoft store as I am on Windows Server 2022 on a VPS, which does not allow me to access MS store. I've been trying to figure this out for 2 hours now.

Windows for business | Windows Server | User experience | PowerShell

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-03-31T18:58:03+00:00

    I had the very same issue on a Server 2022 and updating (installing actually) wsl helped me:

    PS C:\> wsl --update
Downloading: Windows Subsystem for Linux
Installing: Windows Subsystem for Linux
Windows Subsystem for Linux has been installed.

PS C:\> wsl --install -d Ubuntu-22.04
Downloading: Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
[====================      34.9%                           ]
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  1. Anonymous
    2023-03-01T00:39:47+00:00

    Hi Aep​moments,

    I am Mario and I am a independent advisor, and I would like to help you.

    Of installing Ubuntu on WSL, this error may be related to missing or corrupted system files, or problems with the Windows Update service.

    Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:

    1- Check for updates: Make sure your Windows Server 2022 is up-to-date with the latest updates and patches. Open the Settings app, go to Update & Security, and click Check for updates.

    2- Restart Windows Update service: Open an elevated Command Prompt (run as administrator) and run the following commands:

    net stop wuauserv

    net start wuauserv

    3- Reset Windows Store cache: Open an elevated Command Prompt and run the following command:

    wsreset.exe

    4- Check the Windows event logs: Look for any errors or warnings related to the installation of WSL or Ubuntu, and try to troubleshoot any issues that are identified.

    5- Try a different Linux distribution: If you continue to have problems with Ubuntu, try installing a different Linux distribution on WSL, such as Debian or CentOS, to see if the issue is specific to Ubuntu.

    6- Contact your VPS provider: If none of the above steps work, contact your VPS provider for further assistance. They may be able to provide additional information or help resolve the issue.

    Hope this can help you solving the issue.

    Is there anything else I can help you with?

    Best regards,

    Mário

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-03-01T00:44:54+00:00

    The Windows Update service was not up, so the second command for 2 started it. Still, after all this, I still get the error on every linux distribution. I cannot find any documentation on this.

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-03-01T00:50:03+00:00

    Here are a few additional steps you can try:

    1- Run the System File Checker: Open an elevated Command Prompt and run the following command:

    sfc /scannow

    This will scan your system for any corrupt system files and attempt to repair them.

    2- Reset the WSL instance: Open an elevated PowerShell prompt and run the following commands:

    wsl --shutdown

    Get-Service LxssManager | Restart-Service

    This will shut down the WSL instance and restart the LxssManager service.

    3- Reinstall WSL: Open an elevated PowerShell prompt and run the following command:

    dism.exe /online /disable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /norestart

    dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart

    This will disable and then re-enable the WSL feature.

    4- Check for antivirus software conflicts: Some antivirus software can interfere with the installation and operation of WSL. Temporarily disable any antivirus software on your system and try installing the Linux distribution again.

    Hope this can help you solving the issue.

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-03-01T00:53:52+00:00

    at this point i might just reinstall windows entirely on this VPS. Did all these steps, nothing.

    Image

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