Error 8E5E03FA while installing Windows updates.

Question

Hello,

I currently have Windows 8.1, 64-bit system and I am having a difficult time trying to download important updates. I keep on receiving this error message that is associated with the update process. "Code 8E5E03FA - Windows Update ran into a problem." In the Windows support bar is says, "WindowsUpdate_8E5E03FA OR WindowsUpdate_dt000".

I currently use Windows basic firewall and I am using AVG Anti-virus. I've tried updating after disabling these programs and I still receive the error messages. Any suggestions?

Thanks for your time.

Jeff

Computer:

Gateway

DX4870

Windows 8.1

Answer 1

Hi Jeff,

Thank you for posting your issue to us.

I understand that you are unable to install Windows updates.

Is this issue limited to a specific update/set of updates?

If yes, please provide the Kb article number(s) of the same.

This issue could be a result of corrupt Windows update components. Let’s try to resolve this issue by using the following methods:

Method 1: Windows Update Troubleshooter

I would suggest you to follow these steps to run Windows Update Troubleshooter and check.

Windows Update Troubleshooter

http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9830262

If you are still unable to install the updates, try method 2.

If you are still unable to install the updates, try method 2.

Method 2: Clean boot

I would suggest you to place the computer in clean boot state and then try to install the updates.

Clean boot: To help troubleshoot error messages and other issues, you can start Windows by using a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This kind of startup is known as a "clean boot." A clean boot helps eliminate software conflicts. Here is the link for your reference to perform clean boot.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

Note: Please go through the section: How to reset the computer to start as usual after troubleshooting with clean boot of the Kb article to boot the computer in normal startup after fixing the issue.

****If you are still unable to install the updates, try method 3.

Method 3: Reset Windows Update components

Please use the link below and reset the windows update components manually.

How do I reset Windows Update components?

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058/en-us

Registry disclaimer

To do so: Important this section, method, or task contains steps that tell you how to modify the registry. However, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For added protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry, use the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base

How to back up and restore the registry in Windows

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322756/

Additional Information:

Troubleshoot problems with installing updates

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-in/windows/troubleshoot-problems-installing-updates#1TC=windows-8

Hope this information was helpful. Please reply with the results and if you need further assistance, we will be glad to help you.

Answer 2

Same error code 8E5E03FA and refusal to update KB3004361 since Feb 11, 2015.

System:  Win 8.1 Pro on X64 Dell XPS17

Solution:

1. stop the service CryptSvc (via Task Manager or 'net stop CryptSvc' in admin Dos box)
2. rename the folder 'catroot2' to 'catroot3' (or other) in 'C:\Windows\System32'
3. reboot
4. retry the update

This has worked fine in my case.

I hope it does for you too.

Cheers