[SOLVED] Windows 10 1803 Driver store corrupt? Unable to install drivers or upgrade Windows.

[msaunz]

Hello, I have a very similar problem as this : [SOLVED] - W10 1903 - Driver store corruption and Windows Update 0x800703f1

However my PC is Windows 10 x64 1803 and for a long while now no drivers will load and the Windows Updates are failing with 0x800703f1.

System won't update to 20H2 via Windows Update or via the Upgrade Assistant tool or a Repair Install from a clean boot.

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 I can't load the hive in regedit, so I think it's corrupt and unfortunately I don't have access to an older backed up version to replace it with.

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 in advance, MS

 

[SleepyDude]

Hi Welcome to Sysnative,

Replace Drivers Hive Manually

!!! WARNING !!! The following fix is only relevant for this system and no other, applying this fix on another computer will not work and most likely will cause problems...

1. Download the attached DRIVERS2.ZIP and save it 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

 

[msaunz]

Hello SleepyDude, Thanks so much for the rapid turnaround and I am very pleased indeed to report that the PC is now updating its drivers nicely. You are a magician!

It so happens that I have another PC stuck back on version 1803, which I also suspect has similar DRIVER hive corruption. Would I be pushing my luck to have you fix this one too?

I would be incredibly grateful to have both of these PCs back to running reliably again, and would be very pleased to donate to the site in appreciation.

Muito obrigado!​

 

[SleepyDude]

Hi,

Replace Drivers Hive Manually

!!! WARNING !!! The following fix is only relevant for this system and no other, applying this fix on another computer will not work and most likely will cause problems...

1. Download the attached DRIVERS2.ZIP and save it 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

 

[msaunz]

Many thanks again SleepyDude, I am very happy to report that this repaired DRIVERS hive has restored my second PC back to good health. I am most grateful indeed for your tech wizardry and will definitely be making a donation to this site.

Best regards, One happy camper.

 

[SleepyDude]

Regards.