Windows 8 failure configuring updates and reverting

[Constantine Yevseyev]

Let me try to tear down this whole Catalyst thing for you.

Every Catalyst software package (both for Desktop and Mobile systems) before (and including) 14.4 had three GPU drivers inside:

• WDDM 1.1 Compatible (for Windows 7 only);
• WDDM 1.2 Compatible (for Windows 8 only);
• WDDM 1.3 Compatible (for Windows 8.1 only).

These were not cross-compatible, which means that you were effectively blocked from installing WDDM 1.3 driver in your Windows 8 system (in case you were looking for a future upgrade to Windows 8.1). This fact created a practice widely adopted by OEM that basically tells, hey, if you're going to perform a Windows 8 -> 8.1 transition, you have to install the latest Catalyst software before you download the update. This will hopefully minimize the risk of getting a non-bootable installation when you're done with such massive upgrade. If everything works, just run the same Catalyst package after your first successful logon and see if it prompts you to update your device driver version.

But things have changed.

AMD decided to stop including WDDM 1.2 Compatible driver with their new Catalyst packages, and so all Windows 8 users that have not yet upgraded to Windows 8.1 are now left with WDDM 1.1 Compatible driver, which now targets both Windows 7 and Windows 8. Chances are, you will have some serious hardware related problems running WDDM 1.1 Compatible driver in your Windows 8.1 environment, and so I decided that you should try doing it the old, well-tested way and see if it works. That's why I gave you a link to 14.4. Now that you're already "in" your Windows 8.1 and everything works, I just want you to run the latest Chipset software package (which will ensure that your ACHI driver, two low-level filters and SMB dummy are present and are the latest versions available), and then also update your GPU software by running Catalyst 14.9 installer, which will provide you with HDMI audio driver, PCI-E filter and, of course, the WDDM 1.3 Compatible driver itself.

 

[BlackHawk1]

Everything seems to be fine however... Sorry I didn't get the 14.4 ones. I apologize I went straight to 14.9 with both the chipset and the Catalyst Package. Can I check to see what WDDM version(s) I have? Even worse I downloaded and installed the Catalyst Software Suite for the Desktop... What an idiot I am. Will this do any harm? I am so used to desktops that I didn't even think. I hope there is not an issue doing that... so far it's running great, but I would closely follow your advice if you think I should uninstall and reinstall. Thanks!

 

[RCoon]

Everything seems to be fine however... Sorry I didn't get the 14.4 ones. I apologize I went straight to 14.9 with both the chipset and the Catalyst Package. Can I check to see what WDDM version(s) I have? Even worse I downloaded and installed the Catalyst Software Suite for the Desktop... What an idiot I am. Will this do any harm? I am so used to desktops that I didn't even think. I hope there is not an issue doing that... so far it's running great, but I would closely follow your advice if you think I should uninstall and reinstall. Thanks!

If it works that's fine, just stick to WHQL drivers for stability. The desktop app is a bit of a pain, you could uninstall it if you have no real use for it, especially if it irritates you. Otherwise, it can do no harm.

 

[BlackHawk1]

If it works that's fine, just stick to WHQL drivers for stability. The desktop app is a bit of a pain, you could uninstall it if you have no real use for it, especially if it irritates you. Otherwise, it can do no harm.

Uninstall AMD Catalyst Install Manager AND Catalyst Control Center? Is that what you mean?

 

[Shou Miko]

There are no "special" HP devices present in his Series 2000 laptop, just a single virtual ACPI button. In case with "clean" Windows installations, avoiding the required piece of software for it (which is called "HP Wireless Button") won't cause any troubles, except for the fact that switching Flight Mode on/off using Fn key combo won't work (you can still do it using a toggle switch in "Networks" charm). Windows will try and install it automatically during Maintenance hours though.


In your case, you have a silicon entirely designed by AMD, with the exception for firmware (such as under-the-hood UEFI settings, including VBIOS and such), and it really includes everything (CPU, chipset, and GPU) on one "mount", sort of thing. And so I (personally) would go for the newest original AMD software package, because you've got the best possible case in terms of compatibility. On the other hand, If you had discrete GPU (like I do), installing OEM's package would be your one and only option. So you were told the right thing, OEM software is different and sometimes bears a lot of customizations in it. But E2-1800 as an APU is always "AMD's" authentic E2-1800, while, let's say, Radeon R5 M240 might be pretty much anything, like Sun XT silicon or a Mars XTX chip. Now these are different, and the Mars edition of this R5 M240 might not even be mentioned in "generic" AMD Catalyst.

i am more talking about keys HP make like touch and so on that requires a driver or software to work.

 

[RCoon]

Uninstall AMD Catalyst Install Manager AND Catalyst Control Center? Is that what you mean?

I dont personally see a need to uninstall those, they aren't overly intrusive, but you can easily get away with only installing the display and HD audio driver instead if you'd rather keep system resources to a minimum.

 

[BlackHawk1]

I dont personally see a need to uninstall those, they aren't overly intrusive, but you can easily get away with only installing the display and HD audio driver instead if you'd rather keep system resources to a minimum.

In your previous post said "The desktop app is a bit of a pain, you could uninstall it if you have no real use for it, especially if it irritates you." What desktop app are you referring to? Thanks!

 

[RCoon]

In your previous post said "The desktop app is a bit of a pain, you could uninstall it if you have no real use for it, especially if it irritates you." What desktop app are you referring to? Thanks!

Thought you meant Raptr

 

[BlackHawk1]

Thought you meant Raptr

Sorry I am not following you. I don't see anything about Raptr.

 

[de.das.dude]

Hi. I have a HP laptop model 2000-2C27CL running Windows 8 that I was given because the person cracked the screen. I have removed the bad screen and I am waiting for a replacement screen to be delivered. In the meantime I have hooked this laptop up to a external monitor. I reformatted the computer and get into Windows with no problem. I got all of the driver updates that the HP Update Center said it needed. I then proceed to get updates for the Win8 OS itself.. they download, install, and upon reboot I get the message...

"Failure configuring Windows updates Reverting changes Do not turn off your computer."

So I reformatted the computer again (very time consuming with Win8 IME) and the same thing happens all over again....

"Failure configuring Windows updates Reverting changes Do not turn off your computer."

The first time I reformatted it I let it download every update that was available. The second time I reformatted it I selected just certain updates, NOT all of them. I chose to skip ALL .Net updates because I have seen them give issues in Windows 7 when getting them along with other updates. I still faced the same issue. I am currently in the process of my 3rd reformat job picking the "Minimized Image Recovery" option. This is RIDICULOUS! No wonder people are clinging to Windows XP. Win8 is a disaster! I am trying to fix this computer up to give it away to a 12 year old whose family doesn't have the money to buy her a computer. She needs one to do her school work at home.

This is very frustrating and I am at my wits end. Help with this situation is GREATLY appreciated. Thank you.

http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/hassle-free-upgrade-to-windows-8-1-from-windows-8.204224/

 

[RCoon]

Sorry I am not following you.

Ignore me, AMD drivers come with an optional AMD Gaming Desktop App (aka Raptr). I tend to remove that.

 

[BlackHawk1]

http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/hassle-free-upgrade-to-windows-8-1-from-windows-8.204224/

I participated in that thread. Thanks

 

[BlackHawk1]

Ignore me, AMD drivers come with an optional AMD Gaming Desktop App (aka Raptr). I tend to remove that.

Ok I didn't know. I'm not a gamer lol. I don't believe I have that app installed.

 

[BlackHawk1]

Off topic does anyone here use "Prey" the program that helps you recover stolen laptops?

 

[de.das.dude]

did you try it out? windows 8 is a complete fuck up and even microsoft knew it. so they left it as is and made windows 8.1... i suggest first going up to windows 8.1..

I participated in that thread. Thanks

 

[BlackHawk1]

did you try it out? windows 8 is a complete fuck up and even microsoft knew it. so they left it as is and made windows 8.1... i suggest first going up to windows 8.1..

I agree 8 is awful! It's not for me though... I replaced a broken screen in a Win 8 laptop that was given to me and I am going to give it for free to someone that can't afford one so they can do homework at home. Yes I took it from 8 to 8.1 back on 10/09/2014. This is what I posted there...

"Great post! I found a similar one. I would like to point out that you may want to edit your OP...

1. Step 1 should read to disable AUTOMATIC updates, not disable manual updates.

2. KB2871398 should really read KB2871389

I would like to say that KB2917499 may also be needed as it was in my case. I also had to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter after installing those 2 updates. After these steps I was able to begin my 8.1 download from the Microsoft store. I don't know if it made a difference or not, but I also went into the Bios and disabled "Secure Boot."

It was a helpful post. Thanks!

 

[de.das.dude]

nah just saying because the title says windows 8. not 8.1...

 

[eidairaman1]

Great