Windows 8 not allowing updates, refresh, or upgrade to 8.1

[SerenityNot]

My Windows 8 machine is not allowing updates, refresh, or upgrade to 8.1 and above.
When trying updates I get error code 80073712. I have tried various suggestions including something to do with DISM. It shows that some component is corrupt and repairable but it refuses to restore health and give me errors like 14098. I have tried a refresh but that also failed. I tried upgrading to Windows 8.1 as it is available at the Store but when I click on it, it says I must perform some updates first before upgrading. So I am stuck and I have had 2 people from Microsoft try sort this remotely and they have both failed.

Please help.


I use a Samsung with Intel Celeron processor, CPU 847@1.10GHz. Memory is 4GB(3,71 usable). System is 64 bit. And it's Windows 8 single language.

 

[jpolacko]

I'd give this a try

1 - Go to Services Console and STOP BITS and Windows Update services
2 - Go to Windows directory and delete ALL contents in SoftwareDistribution subdirectory
3 - Install the following Win8.1 update - KB3172614
Microsoft Update Catalog
4 - Restart your computer as directed
5 - Go to Control Panel and perform Check for Updates