What is HP USB Install Error 0x80070103?

HP USB Install Error 0x80070103 is a common Windows error code that typically indicates Windows Update or a manual installation process is attempting to install a driver for a device, but it encounters an issue with compatibility or an existing driver. Specifically, this error often means there's a driver update available for a device on your computer, but Windows Update is unable to install it because it might not be compatible with your current hardware or drivers already installed on the system. While it can appear during an HP USB device installation, it's a general Windows error, signifying a conflict or redundancy with driver updates.

This error can occur when:

Windows Update tries to install an optional or recommended driver update that is either older than or incompatible with a driver you already have or a custom driver provided by HP.
You are manually trying to install a driver for an HP USB device (like a printer, external drive, or accessory), and the installer detects a conflict with existing system drivers or a newer version is already present.
The driver package itself is corrupted or incomplete.

Understanding the Causes of Error 0x80070103

Understanding the root causes helps in effectively troubleshooting the 0x80070103 error:

Driver Incompatibility: The most common reason is that the driver Windows Update is trying to install is not fully compatible with your specific hardware configuration or operating system version.
Redundant Driver Updates: Windows Update might try to install a driver that is older than or identical to one already installed on your system, leading to a conflict. This is particularly common for optional updates.
Corrupted Driver Files: The driver package downloaded by Windows Update or the one you are trying to install manually might be corrupt or incomplete, preventing a successful installation.
Windows Update Glitches: Sometimes, the Windows Update service itself can encounter temporary issues, preventing successful driver installations.
Hardware Conflicts: In rare cases, other connected hardware or their drivers might be conflicting with the installation process of the new driver.

Troubleshooting and Solutions for Error 0x80070103

Resolving Error 0x80070103 often involves addressing driver-related issues or Windows Update conflicts. Here are several practical solutions:

1. Manually Update or Reinstall Drivers

This approach ensures you have the correct and most up-to-date driver directly from the manufacturer or allows for a clean reinstallation.

Identify the problematic device: Check your system's Device Manager. Look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark, indicating a driver issue. For an HP USB device, check under "Universal Serial Bus controllers" or "Other devices."
Uninstall the current driver:
- Right-click the device in Device Manager.
- Select "Uninstall device."
- If prompted, check "Delete the driver software for this device" and confirm.
Download the correct driver:
- Visit the official HP Support website for your specific device model.
- Download the latest compatible driver for your operating system.
Install the new driver:
- Run the downloaded driver installer.
- Alternatively, in Device Manager, right-click on the device (it might appear as an "Unknown device") and select "Update driver" > "Browse my computer for driver software" and point to the downloaded driver files.
Restart your computer.

2. Hide the Problematic Update (Windows Update)

If the error consistently appears through Windows Update for an optional driver, you can hide that specific update to prevent Windows from trying to install it again.

Download the "Show or hide updates" troubleshooter: Microsoft previously provided a tool called wushowhide.diagcab. Search for "Show or hide updates troubleshooter" online or use a direct download if available from a reputable source like Microsoft's archive.
Run the troubleshooter:
- Open wushowhide.diagcab.
- Click "Next," then select "Hide updates."
- Choose the problematic driver update (e.g., "HP - [Device Type] - [Driver Name]") from the list.
- Click "Next" to hide it.
Restart your computer. This prevents Windows Update from automatically trying to install that specific driver again.

3. Use the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

Windows includes built-in troubleshooters that can automatically detect and fix common issues.

Open Settings: Press Windows key + I.
Navigate to Troubleshoot: Go to "Update & Security" > "Troubleshoot" (on Windows 10) or "System" > "Troubleshoot" > "Other troubleshooters" (on Windows 11).
Run the troubleshooter:
- Find "Hardware and Devices" (or "Device Troubleshooter" on newer Windows versions) and click "Run the troubleshooter."
- Follow the on-screen instructions.

4. Clear Windows Update Cache

Corrupted or incomplete update files in the cache can lead to installation errors. Clearing the cache forces Windows Update to download fresh files.

Stop Windows Update Services:
- Type services.msc in the Windows Search bar and press Enter.
- Find "Windows Update," "Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)," and "Cryptographic Services."
- Right-click each service and select "Stop."
Delete Cache Files:
- Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download in File Explorer.
- Delete all the contents within this folder (Ctrl + A, then Delete).
Restart Windows Update Services:
- Go back to the services.msc window.
- Right-click "Windows Update," "Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)," and "Cryptographic Services" and select "Start."
Try installing the driver again or check for updates.

5. Perform a System File Check (SFC)

Corrupted system files can sometimes interfere with driver installations. The System File Checker can repair these.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
- Type cmd in the Windows Search bar.
- Right-click "Command Prompt" and select "Run as administrator."
Run SFC scan:
- Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
- Wait for the scan to complete. It will attempt to repair any corrupted system files.
Restart your computer.

6. Update Your System BIOS (if applicable)

In some complex cases, an outdated BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) can cause compatibility issues with new hardware or drivers.

Caution: Updating BIOS/UEFI is a critical process and, if done incorrectly, can render your computer unbootable. Only proceed if you are comfortable with the process and have a stable power supply.
Visit your computer manufacturer's website (e.g., HP Support) to find the latest BIOS/UEFI update for your specific model. Follow their instructions carefully.

Prevention Tips

To minimize the recurrence of Error 0x80070103:

Only Install Necessary Drivers: Avoid installing optional driver updates from Windows Update unless you are experiencing issues or know they are critical for performance.
Check Driver Compatibility: Always download drivers directly from the manufacturer's official website (e.g., HP for HP devices) and ensure they are compatible with your specific operating system version and hardware.
Regular System Maintenance: Keep your Windows operating system up to date with security patches, but be mindful of optional driver updates. Regularly check Device Manager for any yellow exclamation marks.

Common Error Codes and Their Meanings

Error Code	General Meaning	Common Scenario
0x80070103	Driver update compatibility/redundancy issue	Windows Update, manual driver installation
0x80070002	Files not found, update missing, or system clock incorrect	Windows Update download failure
0x800F081F	Source files for features could not be found	.NET Framework installation, DISM command failures
0x80070490	Element not found, component store corruption	Windows Update, System Restore, component-based servicing