Paid for Windows 8 Pro Upgrade via Website Download Failed and received "Access is Denied"

I just paid the $39.99 and attempted to download the Windows 8 Pro via the website. After it reached 100% it said download failed and access is denied. I tried to restart the Download Windows shortcut, and it wants me to pay again. I tried calling Micro-**** support and guess what they are closed until 8:00 am tomorrow morning. Why would you release a product and not be around to support it...It's only the first day it is being released not all that important or anything.

Try contacting them 8 AM when they open.

Yeah, no sh!t.  Great support Microsoft!

Try maintaining one thread.

What you can do before attempting the upgrade?

You can do some pre-requisite tasks to ensure a smooth migration from Windows 7 to Windows 8. If you are using a name branded computer such as a Dell or HP, go to the manufacturers website for the model computer you are using and download the latest available drivers for that computer. Store them on a disc or USB thumb drive. Important drivers you should try to obtain include Network and Video Drivers. Its possible that they might just have Windows Vista or Windows 7 drivers, those will work with Windows 8.

Other things you can do:

1. Uninstall any security software before attempting to upgrade.
2. Disable any encryption software you might have installed.
3. Disable/uninstall disk utility software such as DVD/CD burning utilities or third party defragment programs such as Perfect Disk.
4. Make sure your computer is updated (devices and applications).
5. Disconnect any external devices before installing.
6. Check your hard disk for any errors:
   - Click Start
   - Type: CMD
   - Right click CMD then click Run as administrator
   At the Command Prompt, type: chkdsk /r /f
   Exit the command prompt.
   When you restart your system, your computer will be scanned for errors and attempts will be made to correct them.
7. Another thing you can do is disable Start items:

• Click Start
• Type: MSCONFIG.
• Hit Enter on your keyboard
• On the General tab, click Selective Startup.
• Under Selective Startup, click to clear the Load Startup Items check box.
• Click the Services tab, click to select the Hide All Microsoft Services check box, and then click Disable All.
• Click OK.
• When you are prompted, click Restart.
• After the computer starts, check whether the problem is resolved.

Run the System File Checker utility.

SFC/Scannow checks your Windows installation for errors and corrects them. This will help with ensuring that a smooth upgrade occurs.

Click Start
Type: CMD, from the results, right click CMD
Click ‘Run as Administrator’
At the Command Prompt, type: sfc/scannow

This will check for any integrity violations

Restart your system

I've done everything in this post.  Is there some sort of log file I can check to see what the "Access is denied" message applies to?

Same error for me as well. 

Hello Andre,

I had the same issue except when the computer started its series of restarts, it failed. You can just go straight to re-downloading Windows 8 by going to your search bar in the start menu (Windows 7) and typing in "Install Windows." It should be the same icon as the download assistant (little blue box with a green arrow pointing in to it. Click this and then it will jump straight to the option of downloading it as an ISO, or just to run it.

I have been on with tech support for about 5 hours up grade takes a long time gets all the way to the point of preparing devices and then at 4% I get a blank windows blue screen I have waited u to two hours and still nothing. I am done for today this has been a major headache. If anyone finds a solution please post here!

Great way to begin... I have just paid, the installation file just stops, no information, no service... Microsoft again. I thought it would be different this time. Thanks, Microsoft.

After I paid $39.99 via the website, and download reached 100% it said "access is denied" download did not complete successfully.  How do I re-initiate download again?  I tried launching the download windows shortcut on the desktop and it wants me to pay again.  Called MS support for US and they are closed until 8am.  This is messed up!

I have been on with tech support for about 5 hours up grade takes a long time gets all the way to the point of preparing devices and then at 4% I get a blank windows blue screen I have waited u to two hours and still nothing. I am done for today this has been a major headache. If anyone finds a solution please post here! I just asked for a refund. Screw this ****. I'm never going to buy anything from Microsoft ever again. ****, pure ****.