[SOLVED] W10 1903 - Driver store corruption and Windows Update 0x800703f1

[xp-msf]

Hi, am running Windows 10 x64 1903 and for a few weeks no drivers will load and the Windows Updates are failing with 0x800703f1

System won't update to 1909 via Windows Update or via the Upgrade Assistant tool.

Ran sfc /scannow and dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth and everything shows clean.

Looks like the C:\windows\system32\config\DRIVERS file hasn't been modified since the problem started and can't load hive it in regedit, so I think it's corrupt.

I've attached the CBS.log and the DRIVERS file itself zipped here to see if that will help and it can be repaired as it's looking like a format/reinstall otherwise.

Thanks,
R

 

[Sysnative Windows Update]

Hello and welcome!

Step 1 - Replace Drivers Hive Manually

Warning: this fix is specific to the user in this thread. No one else should follow these instructions as it may cause more harm than good. If you are after assistance, please start a thread of your own.

1. Download DRIVERS.ZIP and save to your desktop.
2. Right-click on it and select Extract all.... Make sure the "Show extracted files when complete" is checked and click Extract.
3. Now we have the DRIVERS file that we will be using to replace your current one.
4. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\config
5. Right-click on the current DRIVERS file and select rename. Rename it to DRIVERS.bad.
   Note: If you get an error that the file is in use, reboot your computer and then try again.
6. Take the file from the Drivers folder on your desktop and paste it into C:\Windows\System32\config

 

[xp-msf]

Ah wow that was super fast and that worked... Got the intel graphics driver installed again finally and I'll try the 1909 update a bit later as it's late here but it looks like that has resolved the issue.

Donation coming for the site, well deserved.

Thanks,
-R

 

[Sysnative Windows Update]

Thank you!

Much appreciated.