[SOLVED] Windows 11 Home Version 23H2 Will Not Update

[Logsden]

Hello, I've not been able to update my PC for quite some time, and I get the same error code every time (Download error - 0x800700c1). I've provided my system specs below, as well as the information you've requested via the posting instructions. If the generous volunteers here are unable to help, then my only option is to revert back to Windows 10. I don't mind that, but I'm trying every option I can. Also, I've updated my motherboard to the latest released version, and that also didn't help. I have the NZXT N7 Z790 motherboard. The ComponentsScanner program did not complete, so I don't have a txt file of that, and the command prompt commands didn't work. Instead I've provided pictures of the outputs I was given as well as the CBS zip file.

Processor: 13th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i9-13900KS 3.20 GHz
Installed RAM: 32.0 GB (31.8 GB usable)
System type: 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor

Edition: Windows 11 Home
Version: 23H2
Installed on: 12/3/2023
OS build: 22631.3296
Experience: Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.22687.1000.0

CBS zip file and Images:

Screenshot 2025-04-21 191016.png


How Do I Upload Files And Images? I'm using WeTransfer instead and I don't know how to tell if it's public.

 

[Logsden]

Apparently, the reply allows me to add images and files. Here they are.

 

[Maxstar]

Hi and welcome to Sysnative,

Upload your COMPONENTS hive.

• Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\Config and locate the COMPONENTS file.
• Please copy this file to your desktop.
• Note: If you receive an error that this file is in-use, simply reboot your computer and try again.
• Right-click on this file on your desktop and select Send To > Compressed (zipped) folder. This will create a file named COMPONENTS.ZIP on your desktop.
• If the file is too large to upload here, upload the file to www.wetransfer.com and post the link in your next reply.

 

[Logsden]

Here's the COMPONENTS zip file you requested. Also thank you for taking the time to reply and try to help, I really do appreciate it. I understand you're busy.

 

[Maxstar]

Do you have recent backups of this system to provide a copy of the COMPONENTS hive from?

 

[Logsden]

I don't think so. I don't usually back up anything. Does it automatically back up at all? Maybe I can find some kind of back up in my files?

 

[Maxstar]

Okay.

Download the

Farbar Recovery Scan Tool and save it to your Desktop:

Download the 64 bit version: - Farbar Recovery Scan Tool Link

• Note: Your antivirus program may report FRST incorrectly as an infection. If so, disable the real-time protection when downloading and running FRST.
• Right-click to run the tool as administrator. When the tool opens click Yes to disclaimer.
• Note: Ensure that the Addition.txt check box is checked at the bottom of the form within the Optional Scan area.
• Press the Scan button.
• Please wait for the tool to finish. It will produce two logfiles called FRST.txt and Addition.txt in the same directory the tool is run from (which should be the desktop)
• Post the logfiles FRST.txt and Addition.txt as attachment in your next reply.

 

[Logsden]

Here are the files.

 

[Maxstar]

Did the problem started before the resstore point below?

==================== Restore Points =========================

08-04-2025 13:46:02 Windows Update

 

[Logsden]

Yes, I haven't been able to update for probably around a year. I don't remember what that restore was for.

 

[Maxstar]

The COMPONENTS hive is badly damaged and since you have no backups, I can only suggest to perform a clean install.

 

[Logsden]

Okay. I've tried to do that, but it always fails. That's why I wondered if I should try reverting to Windows 10?

 

[Maxstar]

You mean a repair installation (in-place-upgrade), and yes that will fail due to the coruptions so you'll need to backup all the personal data and perform a clean install from scratch.

 

[Logsden]

How do I perform a clean install from scratch? Is this guide sufficient to follow? Windows 11 Clean Installation

 

[Maxstar]

Yes, you can follow that guide after making an backup of all your personal files.

 

[Logsden]

Thank you, I will reply once I'm done to let you know how it goes.

 

[Logsden]

The Windows 11 clean installation failed.

 

[Maxstar]

Did a specific error code appear, and have you removed the current system partitions or not?

 

[Logsden]

No I didn't get any error codes, it just said "The Windows 11 installation failed." I didn't delete any partitions.

 

[Maxstar]

Okay, then I would suggest to backup all your important data if you haven't already done. Then re-run the clean installation from the USB-Stick, and remove the current system partitions.

See also: Clean Install Windows 11
And when you don't to use an Microsoft Account: How to install Windows 11 without internet connection