stuck on "reverting changes" after clean install and Windows Update Failure

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toronado

toronado

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Jun 5, 2012
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I've tried to get Windows 8 working several times (even tried different PCs) and each time it has the same problem. Here's what happens: I do a clean install, then run Windows Update. The updates then fail and it reboots and goes to a screen which says something like "Windows Update has failed... reverting changes" at which point it just stays stuck for a long time and won't ever boot up all the way to the desktop or continually reboots and stays always stuck on the "reverting changes" screen.
 
Solution
P
I have the solution:

1) change settings to "Download but let me choose when to install updates.
2) Uncheck all
3) Install netframework 3.5 (only ten at a time or less)
4) Install netframework 4.x(only ten at a time or less)
5) Install Win8 security updates (only ten at a time or less) MAKE SURE THERE IS NOTING ELSE IN THE LIST OTHER THAN SECURITY UPDATES!!
6) Install The rest of the updates

*If at some point you get a reversion notice, it will only be for the last update (10 or less) that will revert....then try doing the same update you last tried and cut it down to 5 updates for that segment. (The reverting will only take a few minutes)

Takes a little longer but it beats the hell out of the alternative of waiting for reversion.
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Ironsounds

Ironsounds

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Jul 31, 2011
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Hello... re-install agian... and don't go out looking for updates... Not all automatic updates are needed for personal computer use... use your computer and try to find something that doesn't work... Then learn to select and install updates "manually" so you don't run into MASS UPDATE at one time problems!!!! and install files you don't really need.
 
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toronado

toronado

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Jun 5, 2012
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Don't go out looking for updates? Whenever I install any version of Windows, whether it be XP, Win7, etc. the VERY FIRST thing I do before using the computer for ANYTHING is make sure ALL the updates are downloaded and installed. Then I get MSE installed. Then, and ONLY then, do I start using the computer.

If Windows 8 requires some sort of special manual selection and weeding of updates, I simply don't have the time or inclination to be bothered with that.
 
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dodger46

dodger46

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Nov 19, 2011
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Was Windows activated when you tried to do updates? If you clean installed to Unallocated space using the Upgrade version then it may not have activated automatically. This can be achieved by leaving your Installation Media in place and performing 'Refresh your PC'
 
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toronado

toronado

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Jun 5, 2012
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I purchased the Windows 8 upgrade last year for $40 using a qualifying copy of XP I own and it gave me a new product key for Windows 8. But it didn't give me the option of creating media to do a clean install. Plus I wanted a 64-bit OS, and my copy of XP was 32-bit. So I installed a copy of Windows 7 64-bit (downloaded from Digital River) in trial mode without entering a product key, from which I was able to create the installer disk for Windows 8 and do a clean install of Windows 8 (to unallocated space). Is this work around what is causing my problems?

 
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toronado

toronado

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Jun 5, 2012
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Which do I want... activated or unactivated?

I have purchased copy of Windows 7 64-bit. Could I use that for what you're talking about?

I just downloaded the Windows 8.1 preview and I'm going to install that and try with that.
 
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R

Roadbat

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Jan 20, 2014
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Spoon feed the updates - that's right. I kept getting failure and reverting also - what I did is select 3 updates at a time - reboot 3 updates at a time again and reboot until all the updates were placed - it took forever but it worked!
 
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toronado

toronado

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Jun 5, 2012
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My understanding is that I am unable to pull this off because Microsoft doesn't want me to install a 64-bit version of Windows 8 because I purchased the Windows 8 upgrade using a 32-bit version of XP as the qualifiying product.

My understanding is the only Microsoft-sacntioned upgrade path from 32-bit XP using the $40 Win8 upgrade that I purchased is installing a 32-bit version of Windows 8 OVER an exisiting XP installation as an upgrade, not a clean install of 64-bit Windows 8, or any clean install for that matter.

(Please correct me if that's incorrect.)


 
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dodger46

dodger46

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Nov 19, 2011
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You can 'clean install' Windows 8 to a qualifying machine, so if you have the 64 bit version (Downloadable from M'soft using your Product key on a machine running 64 bit Windows). Once installed, activate by performing 'Refresh your PC' without removing the disk from the drive.

 
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M

matheus30

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Jun 3, 2014
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Same problem. I solved testing

- Install Win 8.0
- I order all updates by size (smaller first). -There are 97 Updates
- make only the first 30 updates
- reboot with windows update button (NOT Windows Button)
- Same ordering + Other 30 + Reboot
- INVERSE ORDER (Bigger first)
- Install 10Up. First + reboot
- Install the rest without drivers - reboot
- Install updates with drivers
- Go to Shop and Install Windows 8.1
And 4 coofees later you have a damned Windows 8.1 copy
- Update all the rest..


Thanks Microsoft :-(
Sorry for my english

Juanjo. QI
 
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R

Rosco1874

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Jul 24, 2014
1
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4,510

Hi. I have this same problem but how can I re install as whence ever I reboot the system it takes me back to the screen which says failure configuring windows update. Reverting changes etc.

It seems like it's stuck on this screen

Please help. :(
 
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dodger46

dodger46

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Nov 19, 2011
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Hi, welcome to Tom's, best start a thread of your own. Go to http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/forum-73.html and 'Ask the Community'. Post some details of your rig and what you are trying to do, upgrade/clean install, from which OS and so on...

 
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P

PC Doctor of Middletown

Reputable
Aug 8, 2014
1
0
4,520
I have the solution:

1) change settings to "Download but let me choose when to install updates.
2) Uncheck all
3) Install netframework 3.5 (only ten at a time or less)
4) Install netframework 4.x(only ten at a time or less)
5) Install Win8 security updates (only ten at a time or less) MAKE SURE THERE IS NOTING ELSE IN THE LIST OTHER THAN SECURITY UPDATES!!
6) Install The rest of the updates

*If at some point you get a reversion notice, it will only be for the last update (10 or less) that will revert....then try doing the same update you last tried and cut it down to 5 updates for that segment. (The reverting will only take a few minutes)

Takes a little longer but it beats the hell out of the alternative of waiting for reversion.
 
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Solution
C

Clairemb

Reputable
Aug 12, 2014
1
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4,510
I have had the same infuriating problem of the 'failure configuring windows updates' but there is finally some hope! Restart the computer while holding down the alt key and tapping f10, this gives you a bunch of options but this is as far as I've got
 
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M

megahard

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Aug 26, 2014
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4,510
There is only one solution:

Install a reliable OS. On the Windows 8 forum it states that the revert will take 30 mins and then the logon screen will reappear. That is pure BS. I have now been sitting on the revert changes screen for four hours. The only thing I can do now is press the power key to switch off the revert. Start the PC again, press Esc at startup, Do a System Refresh and don't bother with windows updates.

P.S.
without the updates, windows 8 is not much more secure than a meth lab produced OS.

LoL Micro and Soft Priks
 
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H

HardwiredPC

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Sep 20, 2014
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The solution to this problem is really easy, this has been tried and tested by myself on Dell, Acer, Asus, HP and Toshiba laptops and it works for all.

Before installing updates, shut down your computer and go into your BIOS. Locate the "Secure Boot" option (found in either Boot Options or Security Options, and set it to Disabled. Save your settings, boot into windows and run updates. Viola, you are all set.
 
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H

HardwiredPC

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Sep 20, 2014
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the solution is much simpler than this. Set your "Secure Boot" option in your bios to "Disabled". then you can install all the updates without worrying about the issue.

 
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B

becmac

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Oct 25, 2014
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And when pressing esc does nothing? I just keep ending up back on this screen. I feel like they have put me in my own personal hell. I am completely stuck and have tried everything on this feed. This is insane.
 
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D

deralaand

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Oct 25, 2014
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I am also sitting here with the same problem. Getting to the BIOS might have to happen a different way than hitting ESC. You might have to setup the BIOS boot from inside Windows. "You can also hold Shift while clicking Restart in the Shut Down menu to restart your computer into the boot options menu. This is a quick way to restart into the boot options menu, as you can access the Shut Down button from the Charms anywhere on your system."
 
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J

juliecarere

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Oct 27, 2014
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4,510
Like the other person just posted - you need to figure out what gets you to your setup screen - I have had the same issue for 2 days and just finally figured it out - so for me i would turn off the computer and try the different suggestions people made for what you press to get to your setup screen.. so as soon as i pressed the button to turn it on I held down the Alt key and hit F8 repeatedly and that one worked for me. some people say shift and f10 or shift and f11 or the ESC button - you might have luck through trial and error or searching for your computer (or just ask the computer shop where you purchased). I then had 2 options, to boot or setup- i tried boot - didn't work, i repeated the process tried setup and it worked, then i disabled the secure boot. saved and said to restart. it then turned back off and when i turned it back on i actually had to press the alt and f8 again, the screen this time looked different, i chose advanced settings and repair and troubleshoot, and just did a computer reset (to original settings) but my files will be gone- this last part you can try other options perhaps first, but my computer is new so i didn't mind resetting.

I was told at the shop to not do the windows 8.1 update since it crashes many computers with windows 8, but i think i had auto update selected. I also heard it could be the pre-installed norton putting up a firewall that prevents the update....i am going to unselect auto update and just avoid 8.1 for now.



 
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T

timr30017

Reputable
Oct 30, 2014
1
0
4,510


You say you tried this on a Dell. Was it perhaps a Dell Inspiron N5050 like I have? I haven't got brave enough just yet to try these 115 updates again but I want to get them installed. I've been thru the reverting changes about 10 times now and before the last time I installed them manually from within Windows update. But when I restarted Windows still began installing the remaining 105 automatically - and of course they failed again and i had to wait another 2-3 hours for it to revert back.

This is a very annoying problem about now. I have set Windows Update so it only downloads updates and lets me choose when to install them. I'm just worried Windows is going to do the same thing all over again on my next restart and still install any updates "I" didn't let it install yet. This "Secure Boot" option you mention though sounds like the easiest fix so any additional feedback you can offer will be very appreciated.
 
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D

deralaand

Reputable
Oct 25, 2014
2
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4,510


There are three things that I did to solve the update/revert issue. All of these things I learned about in these forums with some extra details coming from Google searches.

1. Get into the BIOS and turn off 'Secure Boot'. (You should turn it back on after successfully updating.) If you are on Win 8.0, the simplest way to get into the BIOS is to follow the instructions on this page. How To Access The BIOS On A Windows 8 Computer. Once in the BIOS, go to the Security settings and turn off 'Secure Boot'.

2. Remove ALL Norton/Symantic from your system using the following. Download and run the Norton Removal Tool to uninstall your Norton product. If you rely on Norton, you can re-install it after this process if you want. I do NOT use Norton and I have no issues. I rely on the built in Defender, monthly scans with Malwarebytes and common sense.

3. What I think might be the most important part: Install the Windows Updates a few at a time. What this means is, click on the link that Windows Updates provides you so you can see which updates are going to be installed. un-check ALL of them. (Save Internet Explorer updates for last.) Group similar updates. If you have 15 Net Framework 3.5 updates, select 5 and install them. This process will take some time, but in the end you will have all the updates completed.

4. Go to the Microsoft/Windows App store (found on the Metro screen) and perform the upgrade to Windows 8.1

5. After the upgrade to Win 8.1 is complete and all the reboots are done. Run Windows update and do updates like you would normally and without fear. Do this until no more updates are available.

6. Boot into the BIOS and re-enable 'Secure Boot'.

7. Use computer with a smile :)
 
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P

PromETHieus

Distinguished
Nov 27, 2009
4
0
18,510
Just had the same issue with a satelite pro on win 8.1...leave boot settings as factory...when the revert fails and you force rebooting, hit ctrl alt and escape as soon as it starts to restart, it will boot to options to allow a reset...ive just done it.
 
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