Custom Refresh Image fail Error Code - 0x80042411.

Question

I've just reinstalled Windows 8 not realizing that after updating to 8.1, refreshing can only be done from a flash drive rather than the original Windows 8 CD. So, I first want to create the custom recovery image then create the recovery flash drive.

At this time, creating the recimg using recimg /createimage C:\RefreshImage\Image1, or recimg -createimage C:\RefreshImage, recimg -createimage C:\Refresh, stalls at 27% with Error Code -  0x80042411.

I've tried it from both Microsoft and local accounts. I've used the command prompt to activate a hidden administrative account with the same result, using the recimg command in the same admin cmd window. (It doesn't show on the start page.) I've used both the OS drive and storage drives (F:, G:,  with the same result.

I've switched off tamper protection in Norton 360. I do have a ramdisk drive, 4GB, with the ramdisk image saved to the C: drive.

Windows 8.1 PRO

240GB SSD

2x1TB SATA HDD.

16GB RAM.

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks.

Answer 1

Sorry for the confusion on my part. This was solved just before the 8.1 update by disabling the Ramdisk. I forgot to do this again! Thank you.

Answer 2

The Windows 8.1 Update installation is complete. Turning off installed security software and retrying the recimg custom refresh, I still get an error, image cannot be written. Error code 0x80042302.  Instead of reaching 27% and failing, there was a very long pause at creating the snapshot, 15 minutes or more. After exiting, the computer froze, the hour glass appeared on the taskbar (mouseover) on and off for some time and I had to force shut down and restart.

Now we're back to the 0x80042411 error code.

Just a thought. Both Music and Pictures libraries are on hdd other than C:. Could that be an issue?

Answer 3

Ed,

I would advise you to wait until April 8 before creating your recovery media because the Windows 8.1 Update makes a number of system wide changes to 8.1 and is a mandatory installation. Without it, you won't be able to install future patches and security fixes. See this article for more info: http://www.infoworld.com/t/microsoft-windows/windows-81-has-reached-end-of-life-surely-windows-xp-239760

As regards the custom refresh you're trying to create,  I would advise you to use an external drive rather than copying it to the same drive the operating system is installed on because in the event the drive has been infected by malware, your image will also be tainted.

Answer 4

The full message reads: The recovery image cannot be written. Error Code - 0x80042411.

Disabling security software did not change the error message. However, starting in safe-mode change the error code to - 0x80042301!

Answer 5

Hi Ed,

What is the full error message that was displayed?

This issue could occur due to some incorrect settings or due to a third party software conflict. I would suggest you to try these methods and check:

Method 1:

I would suggest you to disable any third party security software that you have installed temporarily and then check if the issue persists.

Important Note: Antivirus software can help protect your computer against viruses and other security threats. In most cases, you shouldn't disable your antivirus software. If you have to temporarily disable it to install other software, you should re-enable it as soon as you're done. If you're connected to the Internet or a network while your antivirus software is disabled, your computer is vulnerable to attacks.

Method 2:

Some users have also mentioned that using RamDisk could cause this issue. I would suggest you to disable RamDisk and all related services, then check if the issue persists. You can also refer to this post which discusses about a similar issue:

http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/windows/en-US/bc6517a7-8e0f-4c27-a7a0-39637e2763b7/recimgexe-fails-event-ids-8193-12290

Method 3:

If the above steps didn’t help, then I would recommend booting the computer in safe mode and then check if the issue persists. Refer this link to boot the computer in safe mode:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/windows-startup-settings-including-safe-mode

Try these steps and let us know the results. We’d be happy to help if you need any further assistance.