Install error - 0x80070103

[MahoneyDC]

Hey All,

Let me begin by stating I am an old guy who is no where near and expert techie.

My problem is this Windows system update is showing an error as follows:

Hewlett-Packard - USB - 11/11/2018 12:00:00 AM - 49.0.4395.18315
Install error - 0x80070103

I have tried repairing it via the Windows Updater  and following those instructions through but it did not clear the HP update. There ate websites that "explain" how to accomplish this but I don't follow advice from sites I do not trust, I am reluctant to use such instructions.

I  would greatly appreciate some direction or guidance on this before it drives me crazy.

Many thanks

DCM

[NonSequitur777]

@MahoneyDC,

Welcome to our HP Community forum!

From one old guy to another: you're doing the right thing by being cautious and asking for help -smart move. Let me explain what's happening:

The error you're seeing:

Hewlett-Packard - USB - 11/11/2018 12:00:00 AM - 49.0.4395.18315
Install error - 0x80070103

is pretty common. It's usually not serious.

It just means Windows Update is trying to install an old HP USB driver that either:

• is already installed, or

• isn't needed on your PC.

The 0x80070103 error simply means "Windows Update tried to install a driver but found it's already installed or incompatible." It’s safe to ignore. Your PC is not broken.

Options you have:

1. Stop Windows from trying to install the bad driver update:

   • Since Microsoft has retired their "Hide Updates" tool, you can now simply block automatic driver updates in Windows Settings (very easy — steps below).

2. Leave it alone if your PC is working fine.

   • Windows might eventually "give up" trying to install it.

---

Step-by-Step: How to Stop Windows from Installing Problem Drivers:

1. Open Windows Settings
   (Press Windows key + I)

2. Navigate to:
   System ➔ About ➔ Advanced system settings (scroll all the way down and click it)

3. In the new window that opens, find and click the Hardware tab.

4. Click Device Installation Settings.

5. Select:
   No (your device might not work as expected)

6. Click Save Changes.

✅ This will tell Windows not to automatically install driver updates, including the old HP USB driver that's causing the error.
✅ Regular Windows security updates will still come through normally.

You can always turn this back ON later if needed by following the same steps and selecting Yes instead of No.

---

In short:

✅ Your PC is fine.
✅ This update error is common and harmless.
✅ Use Windows Settings to stop the driver update nagging you.

---

Let me know if you need any help walking through these steps -happy to guide you!

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[MahoneyDC]

I thank you so much, both the "fix" as well as the assurance that I am not losing control over this thing. I am now dealing with a new issue that i am trying to sort out but need to dig in more completely so I can explain what is going on effectively.

For now, I am going to  let this install error be without trying to void it.

Again, many thanks for your help.

[NonSequitur777]

@MahoneyDC,

You're welcome -please return to this discussion thread whenever you want to.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777