Vista - Update installation hung up in a loop

I'm running Vista HP with SP2. The update package from 9/8 keeps hanging on the "Stage 3" part. It is in a loop where it is in the configuring updates mode for a while, then does a restart. Next time through, the same thing. It has cycled through this at least 10 times without finishing the updates. What's the problem?

Restore system to any previous checkpoint and try again install updates but from Microsoft Download Center.Difficult to say whats cause this:it wouldby any uncompatible hardware,drivers or software.I recommend update all drivers before updating

MS about loop:
The update is not installed successfully, you receive a message, and the computer restarts when you try to install an update in Windows Vista

sorry didn't know to click the link

I had the same problem on the 9th of September this week. It has nothing to do with the drivers I think, it is a Microsoft related problem. It happened after I went to the Microsoft update website and clicked all updates (so not just the automatic updates, but everything that was available).

After watching the computer closing down and starting up for a number of times (it did not even get to the password stage before it closed down automatically) I started up in SAFE mode and went back to a previous restore point. While in this loop the black DOS screen, just after boot-up showed a message very briefly that said 2/3932 I think. That was the only other thing different.
SAFE mode and restore solved the problem of starting up.

Windows then did a normal automatic update (only high priority, not the recommended ones) and that worked fine. I needed a reboot, which worked fine this time. I then went back to Microsoft update and downloaded the recommended updates. This time around no problems.

My guess, just a glitch at Microsoft, it happens now and then.

Thanks, Flavius, for your help. Downloading the updates from the download center directly and installing them outside of Update did work.