Today (12/8/2019) on a Win 8.1 Pro 32-bit system I tried installing KB4525243 (2019-11 Security Monthly Quality Rollup for Windows 8.1 for x86-based Systems). I was installing this via Windows Update by itself, with no other updates selected. The update failed with Error Code 80071A30.
I was unable to find any useful documentation about this error via Microsoft’s website or resources (e.g., Technet). So I began doing an expanded web search for anyone who might have info on the error. While I was searching, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to just keep re-trying the operation. So in Windows Update, I clicked the “Try Again” button. After several minutes it came back and failed a second time with the same error.
I kept on searching the web for info, and clicked “Try Again” for a third attempt. Once again, after several minutes, it came back and failed for a third time with the same error.
I continued my web search, and clicked “Try Again” for a fourth attempt. (And keep in mind that I made absolutely no changes to the system; nor did I restart the system during this time.) Well, after several minutes this time, I noticed Windows Update suddenly began installing the update. And after a few more minutes, it came back with a “Success” status, and prompted for the system to be restarted.
The system restarted successfully, and all was well. I checked the Windows Update History, and confirmed there that KB4525243 had indeed been installed OK.
So, what’s the moral of my story here? I guess it would be this:
It’s not always insane to keep doing the same thing over and over, and expecting to get a different result. Sometimes it works! Especially if it involves Windows Update.
