Vista Tutorial - continuous reboot loop after automatic update

After an automatic windows update 4 days ago, my Dell Inspiron 1501 keeps saying it is configuring the third of 3 updates, then immediately shuts down, reboots, and goes through the same loop again and again. I have tried system repair and system restore, but neither fixed it. I saw on some geek sites that this is not an uncommon problem, but the suggested fixes mentioned above didn't solve it. Any suggestions would be very welcome.

When you restore system:Hold & Stop Windows Update service
and try use any alternative tool for update-for example Offline Update
http://www.technize.com/2009/05/31/5...omment-page-1/

Flavius: Thanks for responding. I haven't been able to successfully complete a system restore. It goes through almost to the end and then gives the error message. I am about to give the computer to the office IT folks to see if they can fix the problem.

is it service pack 2?

Sorry to seem so stupid, but I really don't know and with the computer caught in an endless loop I don't know how to check.

i was just asking because i had the same issue but with service pack 2 , i cant really comment on your issue if i dont know if its the same thing , SP2 has been out a while so you most likely already have it anyway

if yuor stuck in an update loop like that and theres no safemode available then the only way out of it is a reformat there really is no other option , do you have an operating system disc (vista on dvd) a repair install could be an option , but if its anything like the problem i had with SP2 your gonna have to go the reformat route

see what your tech guys say .............. i know what there gonna say already office tech guys really know their way aroung an office network but give them an actual pc issue and they will run for the hills

I really appreciate your helping me with this. I can get into safe mode and have gone there, tried system repair and system restore. Neither fixed it. I wish I knew better what I might do once I am in safe mode. I saw that I can restore factory defaults and a couple of other options, but have hesitated because I am not really sure what I am doing. I do have the reinstall disk and might just do that.

you can get into safemode??!!

you didnt mention that!!

dont do anything yet! wait till i or someone else has chance to talk you through some other options , we may be be able to help you yet

Im busy at the mo but ill be back

first things first try this

How to perform a clean boot procedure to determine whether background programs are interfering with a game or a program that you currently use

I don't really "get into" safe mode. I get the option through clicking F8, and choose it, but when the computer starts to boot up it still goes directly to the reconfiguring updates loop. The start button never appears.

oh i see DOH!!

i really dont see any way forward then , your going to have to reformat

you could try the repair option instead of a full format first , that way it will repair the operating system and keep all your files programs etc