Solving c1900101 - 20017 Error: Troubleshooting and Fixing Windows Installation Issues

The error code c1900101 - 20017 typically occurs during the Windows upgrade process, indicating that the installation failed in the SAFE OS phase due to issues during the boot operation. Here are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve this error:

1. Check System Requirements

Ensure that your system meets the minimum requirements for the Windows version you are trying to install. Failure to meet these requirements can lead to installation errors.

2. Disconnect Peripheral Devices

Remove all non-essential hardware such as USB drives, external hard drives, printers, and other peripherals. Sometimes incompatible devices can cause installation issues.

3. Update Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers can lead to this error. Here’s how to update them:

Boot into Safe Mode by restarting your computer and pressing F8 or Shift F8 repeatedly until you see the Advanced Boot Options menu. Select Safe Mode. Go to Device Manager (Win X, Device Manager) and update all drivers, especially for graphics, network, and storage controllers.

4. Disable Security Software

Antivirus or other security software can interfere with the installation process. Temporarily disable or uninstall them before attempting the upgrade.

5. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Go to Settings Update Security Troubleshoot Additional troubleshooters. Select Windows Update and run the troubleshooter.

6. Check Disk for Errors

Run a disk check to ensure there are no underlying issues with your hard drive:

Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run: bash chkdsk /f /r Follow the prompts and restart your computer if necessary.

7. Free Up Disk Space

Ensure you have enough free space on your system drive (typically C:). Aim for at least 20GB of free space.

8. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot can help eliminate software conflicts:

Press Win R, type msconfig, and hit Enter. In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, and then click Disable all. Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager. Disable all startup items. Restart your computer and try the installation again.

9. Update BIOS/Firmware

Sometimes an outdated BIOS can cause installation issues. Check the manufacturer’s website for your motherboard or laptop for any BIOS updates.

10. Reset Windows Update Components

Resetting Windows Update components can help if the problem persists:

Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the following commands one by one: net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msiserver net stop trustedinstaller net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver net start trustedinstaller

11. Use Installation Media

If none of the above steps work, consider using Windows installation media:

Create a bootable USB drive using the Windows Media Creation Tool. Boot from the USB and select the option to upgrade, which should bypass the issues encountered during the previous installations.

12. Check for Hardware Issues

If the error continues, there may be underlying hardware issues like RAM or hard drive problems. Running diagnostic tests can help identify these.

If you follow these steps, you should be able to resolve the c1900101 - 20017 error. If the problem persists, consider seeking help from Microsoft Support or a qualified technician.