stuck on updates

My desktop is stuck at the point: "configuring updates 3 of 3 - 0% complete" from here the computer powers down and starts back up. It gets to the configuring updates screen then powers down again....any ideas on how to break this cycle?

Thanks

What have you tried, power off?

I have powered down and then back on but it is stuck in this cycle.

To allow us to help you better we need more details please.
Have you Vista SP1 or SP2 installed?
Do you happen to have the problem KB# - number? That would make it a little easier to narrow the problem down.

If the problem update is KB937287 [ associated with SP1] these links may help.
The update is not installed successfully, you receive a message, and the computer restarts when you try to install an update in Windows Vista

Microsoft Update Product Team Blog : Windows Vista SP1 Prerequisite KB937287

Are you able to get into your computer?

Try booting into safe mode. If you are able to get into your computer, Try renaming your software distribution folder

It sounds like you have powered down your computer before the updates were completed. That will crash your operating system and leave the installing updates at a loop and the shut the computer down at step 3. I say this because I had the same problem. If this is the same issue I decided to reinstall Vista. That did take care of my issues but I am not sure if there is a better solution to fix it.

Techymike said:

It sounds like you have powered down your computer before the updates were completed. That will crash your operating system and leave the installing updates at a loop and the shut the computer down at step 3. I say this because I had the same problem. If this is the same issue I decided to reinstall Vista. That did take care of my issues but I am not sure if there is a better solution to fix it.

Click to expand...

Read exactly linked solutions in post 4 (especially first one)

i am having the same problem, i ended up shutting down as it wasn't going anywhere and thought this would help. i also then tried rebooting into safe mode but it launched me into this cycle of loading, shutting down etc. any ideas?

pickjs said:

. any ideas?

Click to expand...

Read exactly solutions described in first link in post 4 (system restore by using Vista DVD,or removing pending.xml and entries in registry)

we'll have to track down whether a system restore was sent with our sony. i have tried to go into safe mode etc but after choosing any option (including debug, etc) if goes back to the standard start throwing me back into the '3 of 3' update screen.

thank you for the advice and i'll keep trying. any other ideas welcome.

pickjs said:

we'll have to track down whether a system restore was sent with our sony. i have tried to go into safe mode etc but after choosing any option (including debug, etc) if goes back to the standard start throwing me back into the '3 of 3' update screen.

thank you for the advice and i'll keep trying. any other ideas welcome.

Click to expand...

Well for you only leave the most hard method to break loop:
from KB949358

Method 3: Rename the Pending.xml file, and then edit the registry

Notes Read the following important notes before you use this troubleshooting method.

• Use this method to resolve the restart symptom that is described in the "Symptoms" section so that you can back up data before you reinstall Windows. You should use this troubleshooting method only if you intend to back up data and to reinstall Windows.
• Use this method only after you try the other methods.
  
  Note If your computer is not configured to start from a CD or from a DVD, see the documentation that was included with the computer for instructions about how to continue.
• Use this method only if the computer has no restore points or if you cannot start your computer at a point where the System Restore feature is available.
• After you use this method, the following conditions may exist until you reinstall Windows:
  • An update that is being installed may not be installed correctly.
  • Windows Update may not function correctly.
  • If an update is being installed, you may be unable to stop the installation process.
  • You may be unable to enable and disable certain optional Windows features.
  • Certain optional Windows features may not function correctly.
  • The computer may be in an unprotected state.

To rename the Pending.xml file and to edit the registry, follow these steps.

Start Windows Vista and go to the System Recovery options:

1. Insert the Windows Vista installation disc in the disc drive, and then restart the computer.
2. When you are prompted to restart from the disc, press any key.
3. When you are prompted, configure the Language to install, Time and currency format, and Keyboard or input method options that you want, and then click Next.
4. On the Install Windows page, click Repair your computer.
5. On the System Recovery Options page, click the version of the Windows Vista operating system that you want to repair, and then click Next.

Use the System Recovery options to rename the Pending.xml file and edit the registry:

1. On the System Recovery Options page, click Command Prompt.
2. Type cd C:\windows\winsxs, and then press ENTER.
3. Type ren pending.xml pending.old, and then press ENTER.
4. Type regedit, and then press ENTER.
5. Select HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.
6. On the File menu, click Load Hive.
7. Locate the following folder: C:\windows\system32\config\components
8. When you are prompted for a name, type Offline_Components.
9. In Registry Editor, locate and then delete the following registry subkey: HLKM\Offline Components\AdvancedInstallersNeedResolving
   HKLM\Offline Components\PendingXmlIdentifier

Exit Registry Editor:

1. At the command prompt, type exit to exit Registry Editor.
2. Press ENTER.
3. Click Restart.

Click to expand...

This is so frustrating. Had exactly this issue and we are running Vista Home Premium 32 bit SP2. Therefore the SP1 issue cannot be the problem here, and indeed if I download and try to install that patch, it tells me that it is not for our system. I managed to restore back to 26 Aug and all is working fine again, but I know that as soon as it does the next update it will be back to this annoying rebooting issue. (been through this once already!).
Checked the updates page and the 'important' update available is KB968389 so I'm wondering if this is the problem. I really don't want to turn automatic updates off, but really if it's going to screw the computer up, it's the only option.
Anyone resolved this without restoring from the delivery DVD?

gvl62 said:

Checked the updates page and the 'important' update available is KB968389 so I'm wondering if this is the problem. I really don't want to turn automatic updates off, but really if it's going to screw the computer up, it's the only option.
Anyone resolved this without restoring from the delivery DVD?

Click to expand...

Uninstall all protected software: non-system firewall,antivirus,antispyware,update all drivers,disable all non-system services How to perform a clean boot procedure to determine whether background programs are interfering with a game or a program that you currently use and try install this hotfix from Microsoft Download Center http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...2c-f061-4907-b9bc-de2a1497dcfd&displaylang=en

If still no results try reregister WU How do I reset Windows Update components?
and CheckSur Description of the System Update Readiness Tool for Windows Vista, for Windows Server 2008, and for Windows 7

I managed to get my pc back up and running. I hit the f12 key on the Acer startup screen and ran diagnostics....it came out of the loop....it looks like others are having the same problem. Now my laptop is in the same cycle...