Windows could not check for updates automatically (Important) -V. Slow

First attempt failed, tried the option to go online and get updates and it hung for a couple of hours with no movement.

Trying again with no update this time, any other suggestions?

running the install without updates was slightly more successful in that it actually did something but its now hanging having gone through a reboot and several stages...

its copied and expanded windows files, installed features, installed updates (???) and its now hanging around 90% complete at completing installation.

running the install without updates was slightly more successful in that it actually did something but its now hanging having gone through a reboot and several stages...

its copied and expanded windows files, installed features, installed updates (???) and its now hanging around 90% complete at completing installation.

SUCCESS!

I`m not counting chickens, but its just rebooted and come back to life...I`ll keep you posted.

hmmm...not good, device drivers not loading, no network connectivity, cant get internet, no troubleshooters loading...blah
<sits in the corner sobbing>

Update:

Its dead!

I finished the install, then tried to get an internet connection to update the version of windows, couldnt connect, plug and play usb mouse not working, usb dead, networking disabled - troubleshooter not working, can recognise any fault.

It seems like whatever the problem was, its still there...

Well, a good friend of mine has taken the laptop and fixed it for me.

Purely software issues.

He has put an unencumbered version of 8.1 on which he had several licences for. It has no bloatware etc and is now running faster than ever. Thanks Mr G.

Noel, thank you for all the time you took to try to help me out. I`m still not sure what caused the problem, but I`m thinking either a failed update or an iTunes problem as previously mentioned.

thanks again - issue closed