"Couldn't update to Windows 8.1 - 0xC1900101 - 0x40017"

Update:

On Googling the error code it seems this problem occurred for the Win 8.1 preview back in June, but I couldn't find any evidence of a fix. The only suggestion I could find was that perhaps the graphics drivers needed to be updated, but after updating to the latest drivers the problem is still the same - still crashes at the same point, same error message.

I also notice that Microsoft Support doesn't seem to be available at the moment - great timing guys :s

Hi Martin,

I really appologize for the delay in responding to this thread. This issue is caused by a driver bug check during second boot while installing Windows 8.1. I request you to check if all the updates are installed on the computer via Windows Update before you start with the Windows 8.1 installation. It would be great if you can provide more information regarding this issue:

1)       What is the make and model of the computer?

2)       Do you have any external devices (except the mouse and the keyboard) connected to the computer?

3)       Are you using any third party security program installed on the computer?

You may try the following methods and check if that helps.

Method 1: Disconnect all the unnecessary external devices connected to the computer (except the mouse and the keyboard)

Please disconnect all the unnecessary external devices connected to the computer (except the mouse and the keyboard) and then check if you still face this issue while installing Windows 8.1. This is to check if the issue is caused by any external devices connected to the computer.

You may also try installing all the driver updates for all the devices installed on the computer and check if that resolves the issue. You may try the next methods and let’s know the result.

Method 2: Update the Device Drivers on the Computer.

Step 1: Check the Windows updates for any latest driver updates.

Check in Windows updates if any driver updates are available. If so, install the same and check if it helps.

a)       Press “Windows Logo” + “W” keys from the keyboard.

b)       Type “Updates” in the search bar and click on “Install optional updates” from the left pane.

c)       From the “Windows Update” window, click on “Check for Updates” on the top left corner, to receive a fresh list of updates and then install all the updates listed there.

For any issues while installing Windows Updates, you may also refer to this link:

Troubleshoot problems with installing updates

If no driver updates are available via Windows Update, then you may install them for all the devices on the computer from the Computer Manufacturer’s website.

Step 2: Update Driver Software from the Manufacturer’s website:

Go to the computer manufacturer’s website and search for the latest Windows 8 drivers available for all the devices on the computer and then install them by following the instructions given in the website.

Please get back to us with the troubleshooting results.

Hi Rajesh,

Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately, none of your suggestions have helped. To answer your questions:

1) I don't have an 'off-the-shelf' PC, it was configured with individual components, such as Asus P9X79 pro motherboard, Intel Core i7 3820, Nvidia GTX 670 GPU.

2) Originally I had several external devices connected via USB but following your suggestion I disconnected these leaving only mouse and keyboard. This has had no effect - I still get the same error.

3) I have Norton Antivirus 2013 installed. I tried uninstalling before applying the update but again this had no effect - same error.

I have applied all optional updates successfully except for one - "ASMedia Technology Inc - Other hardware, USB controller - ASMedia XHCI Controller": this consistently fails, returning error code 80070103. According to the Windows help information I should be able to just hide this update and carry on, but hiding the update has no effect on the Win 8.1 upgrade - same error as before.

So, in short, I need another solution :)

UPDATE:

Following a suggestion from one of your colleagues on a similar thread, I tried running a clean boot and installing the upgrade from there. Again, this had no effect.