Windows 10: Can't update Windows

Ok, thanks. Other people are telling me to wipe my hard drive with a fresh install, but I don't want to that because it seems like there should be an easier solution and I don't want to lose my Office programs (again this is an old work computer). Thanks!

 

Sure, a Clean install is almost guaranteed to fix any issue with Win10 (it can't fix harware issues, or after install user tweaking)

It is possible that an in-place upgrade would solve the issue for you
Repair Install Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade - Windows 10 Forums

Read the tut and ask any questions before attempting it. It's fairly simple and the tut details everything, but it's always better to ask for clarification first then to try and backtrack

Yes, your applications are preserved.

 

I tried an in place up grade already and received the following error:

0x800F0830 - 0x20003
The installation failed in the SAFE_OS phase with an error during INSTALL_UPDATES operation

 

Hmmm ...

In that case, the first thing I would try is this: Windows Update Troubleshooter

 

I have run the update troubleshooter before. It says it finds an error and fixes it, but the problem remains.

I just tried again and it says errors are repaired, but the problem is not solved. Thanks.

 

Ok, next try this:
DISM - Repair Windows 10 Image - Windows 10 Forums

6. To Use DISM /RestoreHealth /Source:wim Command
--> Techbench ISO download
--OR--
7. To Use DISM /RestoreHealth /Source:esd Command
--> Media Creation Tool ISO Download

Follow that repair with
SFC /scannow

 

Hey Slartybart,

Ok, I did option #6.

It says "The restore operation completed successfully" and "The operation completed successfully."

Then, I ran the sfc /scannow and it says, "Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations."

I installed updates, rebooted, and still have the same problem.

What should I try next?

Thanks!

 

Ok good
Dism RestoreHealth and SFC ran successfully

I'm not sure about the quote though - you installed updates ... isn't that the issue you're trying to fix? Or is KB3156241 still rolling back?

Here are a few maintenance tasks - not sure if it will change anything on the issue, but it might show something!

Also please put the C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\CBS.log in a zip folder and attach it here (Wink would also like to see it - instructions on where to upload it for John are on the Reddit page I linked below the fold.
Please do this before Disk Cleanup - that process might ... well clean up the log *Wink

Disk cleanup your Windows Drive
Command Prompt (Admin)
Windows 10 Help Forums
The tutorial suggests picking and choosing - I suggest selecting every item presented.
Check your Windows Drive for errors
Command Prompt (Admin)
chkdsk c: /f
yes next boot and then restart to actually let it run
If you have an SSD, skip this step.
Defrag your Windows Drive
Command Prompt (Admin)
defrag c: /x
defrag c: /u /v
I'd also like to see your Disk Management.

Step 1: Download this zip file (contains dmDskmgr-vd.mmc)

dmDskmgr-vd.zip
Step 2: Double click dmDskmgr-vd.zip to open the compressed folder
Double click dmDskmgr-vd.mmc to launch the custom Disk Management console
You'll get an output similar to this:





Press Alt+PrtScn to grab a snapshot of just the Disk Management window
Open Paint and Ctrl+V to paste it, then save the image
Attach the image to a new post.
Option 2: Use Disk Management in the x-Menu (right click the Windows logo, select Disk Management)
Select View > Bottom > Disk list
Maximize the window and grab the screen shot.
Those are things I would do on my machine to investigate the issue. I'll look at the CBS log and review the disk management.

That's about all I have - read the next steps below the fold. Please post back what you find working with Wink and the other Reddit participants.

Thanks,

Bill

John Wnkk suggests hiding the KB3156421 update using the show/hide tool
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3073930

I think we've done as much as we can here and it's probably best that you work with Wink and his MS team.
I'm playing the middleman anyway - stuff I find over there, plus what I believe might help (Dism & SFC), were used in this thread.

The issue as it is definitely in the domain of MS to fix. Wink further suggest that people experiencing the issue work directly with him on the Reddit page here: KB3156421 - Spinning dots after installing the update, computer either hangs or uninstalls the update : Windows10

 

Hi,

I "download and install updates" from the Update & Security page in Settings.

However, I must restart, and upon reboot, is the error about not being able to install the updates.

I will get to everything else you suggested later, but I wanted to clarify your question.

Thanks!

 

Thanks, but I'm still a bit foggy.
The error about not being able to install the updates.
Are you still talking about KB3156421 installing, failing, uninstalling in post# 8?

or is it the SAFE_OS issue in post# 18

Or is there some new phenomenon?

Keep in mind that you are focused on one issue and I am working on a number of threads, so it's not always easy for me to keep track on any given thread. The best way is for members on their side of the monitor to be concise when they post.
Remind members helping you of the current state
i.e. When I restarted I got the error
0x800F0830 - 0x20003
The installation failed in the SAFE_OS phase with an error during INSTALL_UPDATES operation
Instead of is the error about not being able to install the updates

Sure ... you can see your monitor and you know exactly what you mean ... but I'm blind on this side *Wink

I probably won't have much other input - I will look at the things I requested when you get a chance to post them.

Oh - the commnets on the Reddit pages are mostly I uploaded the CBS file. There are a few I fixed it this way, but I would ignore those and wait for MS to figure this one out.

I think I have an idea where this will end up, but I need to research that and what Wink, et al are doing.

Thanks for being patient and performing the tasks I asked you to do,

Bill

 

Hey,

Please see the CBS log and Disk Management screen shot.

I have already selected everything previously on a Disk Cleanup to no avail.

I checked for drive errors and defragmented.

I will get in touch with John Wick too.

Let me know if you see anything in the log and screen shot.

Thanks again!

 

Thanks, Bill!

Yes, I am talking about KB3156421 installing, failing, uninstalling in post# 8?

When I tried to do the in place upgrade in order to fix the KB3156421 update issue, I got the SAFE_OS issue in post#
18

 

Ok great - I'll keep an eye on the thread.

It will take me some time to read though what you post, so bear with me, ok

 

Ok, sure. Thanks again!

 

I have already selected everything previously on a Disk Cleanup to no avail.
Did you run the extended cleanup?

Did you hide the KB3156421 update?

I must have been typing when you posted the info- thanks.

The disk mgmnt is interesting ... do me yet another favor and give the Recovery part a drive letter and explore it (make sure your explorer view settings include hidden and system files)

When you're done looking, remove the drive letter.

If there's nothing on there, I suspect it might have something to do with the KB3156421 WU failure, possibly the offline install as well.

I really need to think on this, maybe call in another member. I'll look at the cbs logs tomorrow

Thanks