[SOLVED] Unable to access Windows 8 Store - "We weren't able to connect..."

[HardKnockRiffe]

So, I've been dealing with this for a while now (approximately 6 months) and have finally decided to reach out for help. When I try to go to the Windows Store, I get the following message:

"We weren't able to connect to the store. This may have happened because of a server problem or the network connection timed out. Please wait a few minutes and try again."

Obviously, waiting didn't help so I did a Network Diag for "My Connection to the Internet" and for "Network Adapters." Both came back fine. I ran three different virus/malware/spyware/kitchenware programs on it and, not surprisingly, found a nice big virus. Thanks, bro! So I removed that, but it seemed to have corrupted some registry files. Got those fixed up (I think). Still no connection to the store. :/ Giving up hope...I forget it for a few months. No more virus, no big deal.

Well, I'm on my PC today and, for the hundredth time, the Win 8.1 install request pops up. Too bad for me, right? So I jump on the web and decide to take another crack at it. I found this forum and ran through all I could before running out of hope...again. Here's what I've done:

1. Ran SFC /ScanNow - "WRP Found corrupt files..."
2. Found in the CBS log that the calculator.lnk was corrupt...among a whole list of other DIRSD OWNER WARNINGs
3. Ran the SFCFix.exe and that came back with a log file that shows:
   "The file \\?\C:\Windows\winsxs\amd64_microsoft-windows-calc_31bf3856ad364e35_6.2.9200.16384_none_0287a89fa4802df4\Calculator.lnk is in use and must be replaced over a reboot"

And that's basically where I am. I'll attach my CBS and SFCFix logs and hope someone out there can assist.

View attachment cbs.log

View attachment SFCFix.txt

 

[bassfisher6522]

Try this.....


Reset Windows Store Cache in Windows 8

 

[HardKnockRiffe]

Try this.....


Reset Windows Store Cache in Windows 8

Yeah, I did that, and it does nothing. Since posting, I ran DISM and it resolved the SFC issue. However, I'm still unable to access the Store. I created a new local profile (it won't allow me to connect to a Live profile) and the Store won't launch at all. Furthermore, I've noticed now that ALL of my start tiles are not connecting.

 

[bassfisher6522]

If your using a local profile to sign in with....most if not all the tiles wont work. You have to have MS account to log in with for the tiles to work and access the store.

 

[HardKnockRiffe]

If your using a local profile to sign in with....most if not all the tiles wont work. You have to have MS account to log in with for the tiles to work and access the store.

Yeah, it wouldn't let me connect an MS Account, either. I ended up reimaging the PC. Spent almost 12 hours on it and decided to jump ship.

 

[bassfisher6522]

Yah...sometimes desperate situations require desperate measures...been there done that.