Windows 8.1 update problem (error code: 80071A30)

Question

I have some windows updates to install and I'm getting nowhere trying to do it.

The update fails everytime and I get that error code and no explanation why. I have run the update troubleshooter programme and it has made no difference. What is wrong?

The updates are as follows;

Update for Windows 8.1 for x64-based Systems (KB3035583)

and

Update for Windows 8.1 for x64-based Systems (KB3013769)

Update for Windows 8.1 for x64-based Systems (KB3013816)

Update for Windows 8.1 for x64-based Systems (KB3048778)

Thanks

Answer 1

Hello,

Thank you for posting your query on Microsoft Community forum.

These error code (80071A30) signifies that there are some damaged/corrupt System Files which is preventing the installation of the Update. Since you have already tried to run the Windows Update troubleshooter, let’s try the following steps and check.

Method 1

I would suggest you to check if you are able to access Windows Update services and also make sure that the following services are started. If it is not started follow the below mentioned steps: 

a. Press Windows key + R, type "services.msc" (without quotes) in start run box and press Enter. 

b. Locate Windows Update service.

c. Right click on the Windows Update service and select Properties.

d. In Start-up type, select Enable.

e. Click Start under Service status.

f. Click OK.

g. Repeat the steps c to f for the following services also:

Background Intelligent Transfer Service & Cryptographic Service.

If these steps do not help to resolve the issue, then you may proceed with the step mentioned below and check.

Method 2

Step by step instructions to get the issue fixed.

a) Press Windows key + X and select Command Prompt (Admin).

b) On the open Command Prompt window copy and paste the commands (all at once)

net stop wuauservnet stop cryptSvc net stop bitsnet stop msiserverren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.oldren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.oldnet start wuauservnet start cryptSvcnet start bitsnet start msiserver

c) Wait for the process to complete.

d) Close the Command Prompt.

Now, try to install Windows Updates again and check if it helps.

Hope this would help. If issue still persists post back with current status of your computer and result of the proposed suggestion, we will be happy to assist you.

Regards,

Answer 2

Hi,

Thank you for the update on the issue and sorry for delayed response.

If issue persist try to check the system files are they working fine or not and to check that try to run System File Checker (SFC) tool.

SFC scan will scans all protected system files and replaces incorrect versions with correct Microsoft versions.

How to use the System File Checker tool to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files on Windows 8.

1. Press Windows key and X at the same time.
2. Choose Command Prompt (Admin) from the context menu.
3. In the command prompt, type sfc /scannow and hit Enter.
4. Exit command prompt.

For more information refer to this link:

---

Use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929833/en-us

Do get back to us with the result of the scan and we will be happy to assist you further.

Regards,

Answer 3

That doesn't make any difference.

Answer 4

Hi,

Thank you for the prompt reply.

Second method will not erase the updates, it only stops and restart the services responsible for installing updates. If it is stuck try to restart the computer after waiting for some time.

If issue still persists I would suggest you to reset Windows Update components and for that try to run the fixit provided in the following article. If you had already tried the same fixit before I would request you to run the fixit again.

How do I reset Windows Update components?

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

If after performing above steps issue persists try to perform clean boot and disable security software temporarily and then check to install updates.

Putting your system in Clean Boot state helps in identifying if any third party applications or startup items are causing the issue. You need to follow the steps from the article mentioned below to perform a Clean Boot.

How to perform a clean boot in Windows

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135/en-us

Note: Refer "How to reset the computer to start normally after clean boot troubleshooting" to reset the computer to start as normal after troubleshooting.

Disable anti-virus ****

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.

Hope this would help. If issue still persists post back with current status of your computer and result of the proposed suggestion, we will be happy to assist you.

Regards,

Answer 5

Thanks.

Method 1 doesn't work because there is no 'enabled' option to select,

I tried method 2 and it is now telling me that i have to download 770mb of updates. Do i presume that this method erases all existing updates? You should have told me that if that's the case; the updater is now stuck at 4%. So that hasn't helped at all and has possibly made things worse.