Solved Update Hell

Koukol

Member
As a few know here my HP Pavilion dv7-2170us notebook running Windows Vista Home Premium 64 crashed.
As a last resort I did a System Recovery which sets the CP back to the day it was bought.
When this happens it will automatically install the basics like Norton Security for 60 days and Internet Explorer.

So what usually happens (I did this before) is I do updates for about 2 days.
Whenever I shut down it wants to install more.

Well right now something is wrong.
I'm in a Updating Loop From Hell.

When I shut down with updating it wants to install 60 updates.
Then it shuts down after updating.
When I turn it back on I get a black screen going through all the updates (80,000+)
However it stops around 60,000 before opening up. (I don't know if this s important)
Then I get the screen saying configuring update 1`3
1 and 2 happen fast but configuring 3 takes about a half with 0% done shown all the time.

Then I get a message saying "Updates were not configured correctly...reversing changes...please wait"
After a while the PC restarts and everything seems fine (I think) except it wants to download those 60 updates again.

I've gone through this 3 times already.

BTW~I don't know if this is important but I have TWO Sevice Packs 2 installed...

MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB954430)
MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB973688)

Also, A few days ago Avast! deleted a windows file with my permission.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion dv7
I would do the factory restore with the internet disconnected. When you can boot your machine disable Windows Updates before you connect. Whatever service packs you wish to install I would download and install manually after changing the Windows Update settings to Never Install Updates.

Once your system is normal you can search updates to see what it would do if you let it before making a final decision.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion m9515y
    CPU
    Phenom X4 9850
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Some Radeon Cheapie with 512 MB Ram
    Monitor(s) Displays
    CRT
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    750 GB SATA 3G
    2 SIIG Superspeed docks w/WD Caviar Black Sata II or III
I would do the factory restore with the internet disconnected. When you can boot your machine disable Windows Updates before you connect. Whatever service packs you wish to install I would download and install manually after changing the Windows Update settings to Never Install Updates.

Once your system is normal you can search updates to see what it would do if you let it before making a final decision.

Thanks MA,


I've had a series of problems in which Richard has been kind enough to help me out.
He got another kind member (Peter aka Ex-Brit) to send me a Vista ISO file (I believe SP2)to burn to DVD
Should I do what you say but after I disable Windows Update...put in the disc?

BTW~Do you mind if I ask why you still have the SP1?
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion dv7
I thought that problem was solved. Did it occur again?
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
This is something different, Richard.

Before I was stuck in "Start-up Repair" without my consent.
It automatically goes into fix mode but fails and then shuts down only to do the same when I restart.

This time my PC is up and running ( with a few glitches like Internet Explorer not closing when opened) but when I click "shutdown with updates" it updates 60 files telling me not to touch the PC.

The next day when I start the PC I get a black page that show a flashing list of files at the top (dll & exe) which I assume are the files from last night finishing downloading.
The odd thing is it never reaches the end. (it stops around 60,000 out of 80,000)
I then get a "wait while we configure 3 of 3"
1 & 2 happen fast but 3 takes about 20 minutes with 0% downloading showing all the time.
THEN...I get the message that the configuration needs to be undone.
After another 20 minutes of undoing the CP restarts and I'm back to square one.
(a working PC that still has messages that I need to update)

I'm concerned I deleted an important file through Avast! a day or two ago.
Avast! warned me about it and asked me if I wanted to keep it so I tossed it without knowing what it was.
It was a Windows file.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion dv7
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • Operating System
    Windows 8.1 Industry Pro x64
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavillion Elite HPE-250f
    CPU
    Intel i7 860 Quad core 2.8 ghz
    Memory
    8 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5770 1 gb ram
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Alienware 25 AW2521HF
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080 &1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    1 TB x2
    Other Info
    https://www.cnet.com/products/hp-pavilion-elite-hpe-250f/
  • Operating System
    Windows 2012 R2 Data center/Linux Mint
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Poweredge T140
    CPU
    i3 9100 3.6GHz, 8M cache, 4C/4T
    Memory
    8GB 2666MT/s DDR4 ECC UDIMM
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    1 TB & 360 GB x2
    Other Info
    https://www.dell.com/en-us/work/shop/productdetailstxn/poweredge-t140?~ck=bt
I discovered this morning that I'm back to not getting my PC running in any of the safe modes.
It freezes at about the same windows file.
This has been a problem for me for years and I just lived with it.

Since my PC right now has zero downloads (except for the windows updates.)..I think I'll take your first suggestion and start fresh again unplugged.

Would turning off Windows Updating and downloading SP2 only be enough?
Or would this leave my PC vulnerable like what Windows warn?
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion dv7
I discovered this morning that I'm back to not getting my PC running in any of the safe modes.
It freezes at about the same windows file.
This has been a problem for me for years and I just lived with it.

Since my PC right now has zero downloads (except for the windows updates.)..I think I'll take your first suggestion and start fresh again unplugged.

Would turning off Windows Updating and downloading SP2 only be enough?
Or would this leave my PC vulnerable like what Windows warn?

I don't know any way to guarantee anything 100%. But once you get SP2 on you should be able to see how many updates you would need to get current. Do you have an external USB drive large enough to save images of the system? You could use an imaging tool such as Macrium Reflect or EaseUS ToDo Backup to save an image of the system at stages along the way. That would avoid going back to square one if a problem popped up. Both those programs have free versions. Also you can find more on:
Free Hard Disk Backup and Restore, Hard Disk Image and Cloning Utilities (thefreecountry.com)

If you get SP2 on and things seem normal make an image to an external disk before deciding the next step.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion m9515y
    CPU
    Phenom X4 9850
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Some Radeon Cheapie with 512 MB Ram
    Monitor(s) Displays
    CRT
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    750 GB SATA 3G
    2 SIIG Superspeed docks w/WD Caviar Black Sata II or III
OK,

I did a Systen Recovery setting my PC back to day one.

I disconnected Windows Update and tried to install Vista SP2 with the ISO disc but failed since it didn't like the number I gave it off my battery.
So I downloaded SP2 off the internet which took SO long (the complete bar was completely full) that I decided to restart myself.
I think it worked because SP2 is now listed and I did a boot in Safe Mode and that worked too.

Before we close this thread I'd like to ask if it's alright that i keep the Windows Update off?
If not what setting should I use?
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion dv7
No do not keep it off. You can set it to notify and that you install. They should all be installed, but you must install all that are important or are for security.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
No do not keep it off. You can set it to notify and that you install. They should all be installed, but you must install all that are important or are for security.


OK,

Thank you VERY much guys!


One final question (hopefully)

Should I use the Windows Firewall or Panda?
Which is better?
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion dv7
You need both. They do different things. Panda protects you from virus and malware. You should also scan once a week with the free Malwarebytes.
A firewall is a wall between your computer and crap in cyberspace. You alreadyhave a built in firewall, just make sure it is turned on.
If you do have more questions, please ask, that is the only reason that we are here.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
Even though it says choose only one so they don't conflict with each other?

Also, it now says I have 157 "important updates" and 25 "optional updates"

I looked at the optional updates and I have NO idea what they do so how does someone clueless choose?:o.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion dv7
Only one what and where was that statement made?. A firewall never conflicts with an antivirus and almost everyone here has an anti virus and they make a weekly check with Malwarebytes.
It is wise to download all updates. If you prefer not to use the optional updates, you can click on the update and it will give more information. If you are not proficient with computers and cannot decide, I suggest install all.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
Only one what and where was that statement made?. A firewall never conflicts with an antivirus and almost everyone here has an anti virus and they make a weekly check with Malwarebytes.
It is wise to download all updates. If you prefer not to use the optional updates, you can click on the update and it will give more information. If you are not proficient with computers and cannot decide, I suggest install all.


I was in the Window Update settings when I got a pop up that told me there's no firewall on.
It gave me the option to turn on Windows or Panda with the suggestion to choose only one so there's be no conflict.

OK, I'll install all and hope I don't get into the Update Loop From Hell again.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion dv7
I am talking about Panda antivirus, are you?
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
I was in the Window Update settings when I got a pop up that told me there's no firewall on.
It gave me the option to turn on Windows or Panda with the suggestion to choose only one so there's be no conflict.

OK, I'll install all and hope I don't get into the Update Loop From Hell again.

That's why I suggested the image backup. Do it now before messing with updates. That way if you have to restore the image it will already have SP2 on. You won't be back at square one. A USB docking station and a bare Sata III drive(if your system supports sata III) may be cheaper than an external USB drive. Docking stations are under $20 these days.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion m9515y
    CPU
    Phenom X4 9850
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Some Radeon Cheapie with 512 MB Ram
    Monitor(s) Displays
    CRT
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    750 GB SATA 3G
    2 SIIG Superspeed docks w/WD Caviar Black Sata II or III
I am talking about Panda antivirus, are you?

Yes,

Anyways, I chose the Panda firewall and I guess my system didn't like the choice as I was asked to turn on the Windows Firewall at a later point in time.

i JUST got this warning from AVAST! "we STRONGLY suggest you remove the add-on Microsoft .NET Framework Assistant"
Should I do this?
Should I delete anything Avast! tells me too?
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion dv7
That's why I suggested the image backup. Do it now before messing with updates. That way if you have to restore the image it will already have SP2 on. You won't be back at square one. A USB docking station and a bare Sata III drive(if your system supports sata III) may be cheaper than an external USB drive. Docking stations are under $20 these days.


Thanks,

I got this post after doing some updates however I will do this now as I do believe I have an external drive with enough space
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion dv7
Yes,

Anyways, I chose the Panda firewall and I guess my system didn't like the choice as I was asked to turn on the Windows Firewall at a later point in time.

i JUST got this warning from AVAST! "we STRONGLY suggest you remove the add-on Microsoft .NET Framework Assistant"
Should I do this?
Should I delete anything Avast! tells me too?

As far as I know Panda does not have a free firewall, but I could be wrong. Even from the information that you give about turning on the Windows Firewall indicates you do not have a Panda firewall.
Regardless of what you have
You must have 1 firewall
1 Anti Virus,
and should have the free Malwarebytes for a weekly scan.

That net framework or browser add on, is considered to be a PUP by some (a PUP is not good) I would not want it. If you do not use it yes uninstall. It is almost impossible to uninstall however.
If Avast tell you to uninstall something, and you are not sure, we are always here to help.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
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