Solved Stuck at "Welcome"

After downloading and installing the most recent 22 updates from MSFT, and Restarting Vista, unable to get to Desktop. Gets as far as "Welcome" and rotating circle and stays there for hours.

Tried Startup Repair more than once and System Restore more than once, each time going back further in time.

Was able to Boot to Desktop using OS Reinstallation DVD, but got rotating circle when tried to select any program to run. Safe Mode seems to work fine. Ran Virus scan and Registry Cleaner in Safe mode but this did not alter ability to proceed any further.

Aware of any bugs in latest MSFT update release? Have dealt with those before, but got error messages and was able to repair. Limited knowledge here and feel I've exhausted my knowledge base. Appreciate any thoughts. Thanks!!

Welcome
See if this procedure helps
If you create a recovery DVD, you may be able to boot to recovery options
Create Recovery DVD.
Hard Disc Controller must be set to IDE in BIOS and Bios must be set to boot from the CD Boot Priority - Change

The Vista recovery disk is used to boot Vista when it won't boot - to run Startup Repair, System Restore, access a Command Line, Recover using a Vista Backup Image, etc.
System Recovery Options. Choose an option tht will not cause you to lose your stuff.

If Vista will not start now, boot the Recovery CD to run Startup Repair which automates System Restore as well as numerous other tests including System File Checker which can repair system files which are not corrupted beyond repair.

If Vista still will not start, try booting into Safe Mode to run sfc /scannow to repair System files.
Special Thanks Given to Seven Forums.





Below is a bulletin distributed by MS to explain the start up procedure when Windows will not boot.

• Startup Repair. Startup Repair is a Windows recovery tool that can fix certain problems, such as missing or damaged system files, that might prevent Windows from starting. Startup Repair is located on the System Recovery Options menu, which is on the Windows Vista installation disc. If your computer has preinstalled recovery options, it might also be stored on your computer's hard disk. For more information, see Startup Repair: frequently asked questions and What are the system recovery options in Windows Vista? If your computer does not include Startup Repair, your computer manufacturer might have customized or replaced the tool. Check the information that came with your computer or go to the manufacturer's website.
• Change restart settings in safe mode. If your computer is stuck in a loop where Windows fails, attempts to restart, and then fails again repeatedly, restart your computer in safe mode and select the Disable automatic restart on system failure checkbox. For more information, see Advanced startup options (including safe mode).
• Reinstall. If no other options have solved the problem, and you are sure that your computer's hardware is functioning normally, you might need to reinstall Windows. A custom (clean) installation of Windows will permanently delete all of the files on your computer and reinstall Windows, so only use this option if all other recovery options have been unsuccessful. After the installation, you will need to reinstall your programs and restore your files from backup copies. For more information, see Installing and reinstalling Windows**.

If this does not work, post and we will save your stuff and then restore to factory specs.

Thanks richc46

I may have misled you by saying I "tried" Startup Repair and System Restore and not indicating that I was able to run them in Safe Mode without any problem. Do I still need to create a Recovery CD, or was that as you thought the two diagnostics wouldn't run? Running them did not alter the symptom.

Since receiving your response I did run sfc/scannow. Resulting message was "WRP found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them..." I attempted to get list from Log, as scannow indicates I can, but while program did set up text file on SafeMode desktop in Notebook, it is empty. ??? I also ran the Memory Diag. Tool which indicated no problems.

One clue which may alter the process here, has to do with the updates I was running which appears to have created the problem. As you know, the last phase of the update indicates something like: "Running Phase 3 of 3 Updates. Do not turn off your computer." Well, if there are updates of meaningful size I usually run them overnight. I did in this case and when I went to check in the next morning that message was still displayed. Couldn't stop it any other way, so I turned off my computer! Stupid perhaps, but what else to do?

So question now is do I still need to create Recovery CD because it does something different that running the diagnostics in SafeMode does not? Is there somthing else I should attempt in light of my turning off the computer while running updates? I am really hoping I don't have to reload Vista.

Sorry for the long response and my former omission!! Thanks!!!

OK does not sound good. Want to save your stuff before the next step?

Sounds like that is probably the best course. I have an old Backup DVD drive that I used on my old machine with XP. Is it possible to install in SafeMode??, even if it works and I can find driver? Have a fair number of blank CD-R's I can use. MOST of the really important stuff is backed-up on memory sticks AND cloud, but there are other things I would prefer to not lose, so what should I do now?

I really do appreciate you assistance!!!!!!

If your problem is not due to hardware failure, you will be able to install Ubuntu. Install and follow instructions to get your stuff.
Use Ubuntu Live CD to Backup Files from Your Dead Windows Computer - How-To Geek

I stumbled through that! Version of Ubuntu used in graphics not same as downloaded, but got disk made. Able to open hard drive, but wouldn't let me make copies by drag & drop. Bought a back-up hard drive this AM and was able to make copy of my User file in SafeMode. My application files that are important to me I backup regularly, so I think I have what I need. One can only hope, and pray.

Something tells me I'm at the dangerous point now where I have to erase/install the OS. Do I need to copy thing like drivers before I do this, or does the system disk look for this stuff?

Thanks again!!

If you install,while online the necessary drivers should be installed, but to have a little insurance
try driver max.
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/wind...-windows-drivers-from-one-machine-to-another/

OK, the drivers are backed-up. Time to reinstall? Just put in the reinstall DVD and let her rip??

Thanks

I can give you detail instructions. Do you want to format (I think that you should), it takes longer than just an upgrade, but upgrade is not as good.

Please do offer instrux. If reformat/format is way to go, then I probably should.

Thanks

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/151606-vista-sp1-slipstream-installation-dvd.html
Id give this a try.
Then the clean install
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/117366-clean-install-full-version-vista.html