Vista - After vista sp2 installation computer won't boot

Okay so guys, I have a serious problem my computer works fine with Vista sp1 but whenever i tried to install sp2 it will install perfectly and then at the last part where it restarts and at the window's loading screen it sits there forever and doesnt load.....this has been going on ever since the beta I thought i would get it at the final release where it would actually fix the problem but it's still there.....


I have vista sp1 ultimate x86 ( 32bit ) right now

Wow this is the worst forums ever, 3 hours wait and sitll no reply...

I don't think people take it kindly when they see this kind of comment.

have the same issue running vista x64 ultimate... legit copy... already activated, etc. sp1 ran great. WTH?

Simple Google search would have given instant results guys!! First thing to try is to make sure all AV and Anti-Spy/Anti Adware Programs are OFF. This is critical. The install process does take quite some time after rebooting for configuration...some patience is required. If still no joy,turn off anything else which may be running on start-up that is not absolutely necessary.These steps should alleviate your problem.

Just remember that we aren't all in your time zone! People do sleep.

Best practice generic advice. [Here we leave all turned on.]

Thanks JMH

I did a quick google search, that's how I found this forum and the answer wasn't on this forum or any other. AV was off, install gave zero errors, this is the 2nd time it's done this on the same machine (two clean installs) - also, the first time, I waited for the install process to complete over night. The 2nd time I gave it two hours. It shouldn't take more than 15 minutes given I have a pretty crazy setup. So while I understand patience, I don't understand broken service patches which is what this is. Thanks for you post though. Anyone have an answer on this? Or, if I failed to locate it with my Google search, how about a URL that you found which gives the answer...

Hi,

Best way is to get hold of the Vista SP2 integrated . iso and clean install.

You can save the existing data into a folder called Windows.old.
To do that , do not format the partition you wish to install to - just click on it and you will get that option.

Otherwise, you can try booting to Safe Mode and select Last known Good Configuration.

Or boot the Vista dvd to sytem recovery options and system restore to before the problem started.

Or Boot the Vista dvd to the system recovery options command prompt and replace the registry manually.

biscuitownz & bbqchickenrobot
Welcome to the friendly forum.
Was SP2 offered to you via Windows Update ?
If you had the beta version did you remove it via the recommended procedure prior to installing SP2?
Did you read this article prior to downloading?
Information about Service Pack 2 for Windows Vista and for Windows Server 2008