Windows 8 Update error 800700E

Question

I have a Windows 8 pro laptop which I need to update to 8.1 and apply the relevant general updates to. Whenever I run WU I get the 800700E error code. I have gone through various different troubleshooting methods including:-

* Checking the service is started

* Deleting the SoftwareDistribution folder

* Disabling AV and firewall

* Running disk cleanup

* Plus others I can't remember!

However none of them have worked. The fixes online seem to be more geared to Windows 7 and so I can't seem to find any way around this.

Any advice gratefully received!

Answer 1

Thanks, I'll give this a try and if it doesn't work will go with the format option below.

Answer 2

Have you tried Download troubleshooter for Windows 7 and Windows 8 ?

Answer 3

Hi,

Support for Windows 8 has ended.

Save your Data and do a clean install of the exact same edition of 8.1 as 8 is.

Windows 8 > 8.1 is a free upgrade released by Microsoft and this is a workaround if you are unable to get it via the Store, etc.

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You can download and create your own Windows 8.1 Installation Media to reinstall the Operating System with..

"Create installation media for Windows 8.1"

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

"Download Windows 8.1"

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8

A similar Tutorial which may also assist you

"Create Installation Media for Windows 8.1"

http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/create-installation-media-windows-81

In the first screen of this very simple wizard, you need to choose the following:

Language. English – en-us if you're in the United States.

Edition. Windows 8.1 (Core), Windows 8.1 N, Windows 8.1 Pro, Windows 8.1 Pro N, or Windows 8.1 Single Language.

Architecture. 64-bit (x64 ) or 32-bit (x86).

_______________________________________

"How to Create a Bootable USB or DVD with a Windows 8 or 8.1 ISO"

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2227-create-bootable-usb-dvd-windows-8-iso.html

   Warning

This will not work to install Windows 8 or 8.1 for UEFI. For that, see this tutorial below instead.

UEFI Bootable USB Flash Drive - Create in Windows

_____________________________________

How to clean install:

"How to Do a Clean Install of Windows 8 or Windows 8.1"

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2299-clean-install-windows-8-a.html

_____________________________________

With Windows 8/8.1 The Product Key on preinstalled Operating Systems (HP, Acer, etc) is embedded in the BIOS in the Motherboard, so that the lost and/or worn C.O.A. Sticker problem is no more.

When you reinstall it will pick up the Product Key and activate the system automatically.

If it does not, follow these steps:

"How to Activate Windows 8 and 8.1 by Phone"

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/24636-activate-windows-8-phone.html

"Get help with activation errors"

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/activation-errors

"How to activate a Microsoft product by using Microsoft Product Activation Center"

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950929/en-us

_______________________________________________

If you do wish to/need to keep a record of it:

"Windows 10 Embedded Product Key Tool"

https://neosmart.net/blog/2014/windows-10-embedded-product-key-tool/

"We’re proud to introduce the immediate release of our newest utility for Windows users: the NeoSmart Technologies Embedded Product Key Tool. Designed for users of Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10, our embedded product key tool will retrieve and display the Windows setup product key embedded in the BIOS or EFI, allowing you to store it for safe-keeping or use it to reinstall Windows with an official Windows setup image."

You can also use:

"Belarc Advisor - Free Personal PC Audit (Version 8.5c)"

http://www.belarc.com/free\_download.html

Or:

"Product KeyFinder"

https://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

Cheers.