Vista - system restore update configuration loop

Help!
Had an incomplete install of a program...computer otherwise working fine...did a system restore to try to go back to preinstall...in the system restore shutdown and restart, now hung up in a update configuation loop that is in third step up to 99% that shuts down only to do the same thing over and over again. So my system never gets to the mainscreen acknowledging system was restored.
I tried F8 going to safe mode, but configuation step 3 takes over again, goes to 99% and shuts down to restart.
I tried the vista 64 sp1 disc...cannot acccess another restore point since it says the system is already in restore mode....just never gets there with the endless 3rd step update configuration loop.
The disc also does not offer the repair/update mode as an option...only full install.
I do have norton ghost 14 on the system...so there is a complete backup file on another internal drive...but no way to get to it to initiate a recovery.
VERY FRUSTRATING!!!
Could time remedy the situation...letting the computer lay idle for a few days...then try to boot up??? I've heard that this on occaision could work with Vista.
Any other thoughts???
Thanks!

BTW, computer is a hp desktop with Vista Ultimate 64 sp1, 4 gb ram, and intel dual core processor, with a bunch of bells and whistles.

Hello peterpy.

Can you get to bios setup so you can change the boot order to boot from the Vista install CD?

Keep us informed!













Later Ted

Yes, can boot from the cd without needing to go into bios...as long as the cd is in the machine, booting from cd is offered as an option. But even with the cd boot, there are not many options for correction. Can't initiate another restore, since the machine is saying it is already in restore mode. Can't do an vista install update since that is not listed as an option...only full install. Can get to a command prompt...don't know if that can help.

Hello again.

I'm just going to post this whole thing as I noticed you have an HP machine.
It is an option.

HP Recovery Center

Be advised that this will take the machine back to the point when you first took it of the box.
The "HP Recovery Center" will give you the option to send to backup anything you
don't want to lose, so have backup media available to use if you choose this option.

With the machine off press the power button, as soon as you do that start tapping the F11 key.
That should take you to the HP Recovery Center. When there just follow the prompts.
It is pretty much self explanatory. From the time you boot into F11 (not counting
any backups you choose to make) you should be back on a working desktop in about
30 minutes. After it restarts just follow the prompts again to finish the process.

If your first option is system restore select no, which should take you to system recovery.
You want to try system recovery not system restore, unless you have good restore points!

Keep us informed!


Later Ted

Update...all is well.
Ted, thanks for taking the time for some input here.
During one of the loops, I turned off the computer as it was booting up in restart.
Then I turned it back on booting from a Vista 64 sp1 disc.
Went into "repair" and this time the computer noted there was a "startup problem" and offered to repair it with a repair selection to click on. Then it went to a selection for "restore" to an earlier time. About 15 minutes later, the computer suggested to try to restart...and it booted up to the welcome screen without problem!
The computer also indicated if there was still a startup issue, it would proceed to try to correct....don't know if that means the program would continue to pop up to repair.
I tell you, for all the bad things said about MS, and the initial frustrations/worries, there are some potential easy fixes built into the system. Problem is knowing how to get them to initiate!

BTW, F11 did not open up the system restore screen as it should have done...problem was that computer knew it was already in restore mode and was trying to complete the process with apparently a update configuration somehow trying to complete itself at the same time. The problem may be an issue of being sure that these silent background automatic updates are completed/configured BEFORE attempting any system restores in the future.

Hello again.

I'm pleased you've found a solution. Were I you, I would disable automatic update ...




Later Ted