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Windows Vista Laptop not starting(constant unsuccessful updates)

  • 23-10-2010 12:04PM
    #1
    TangyZizzle
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,292 ✭✭✭


    Hi,

    When I turn on my laptop, it should go straight to the screen where you choose which profile to sign in to but instead it says 'Configuring updates 3 of 3, 0 %,' the little loading symbol is in the centre of the screen for about 20 minutes. The laptop then restarts itself and starts this cycle all over again.

    Help?

    Cheers.


Comments

  • #2
    JonathanAnon
    Closed Accounts Posts: 23,718 ✭✭✭✭JonathanAnon


    Hi Tangy,

    this is a common enough problem with Wonderful Vista..

    There is a file called pending.xml in the c:\Windows\winsxs folder.. If you rename this file or delete, your system should reboot... You will need to boot to command prompt, or some other boot disk to access the filesystem (outside of Windows, as Windows wont boot properly)

    This is a Microsoft document about the issue.. http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;949358

    I usually turn of windows updates to prevent this from recurring..


  • #3
    TangyZizzle
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,292 ✭✭✭TangyZizzle


    Hey John, I cant even try that because I cant get past the damn 'configuring updates' message. What would you suggest next? Iv also tried starting in safe mode, btw.. fruitless.


  • #4
    mp22
    Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators, Regional South Moderators Posts: 6,854 Mod ✭✭✭✭mp22


    you need a linux live cd to boot the pc,then remove the offending item.


  • #5
    Capt'n Midnight
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 96,509 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    if you can get into safe mode you could try system restore too


  • #6
    JonathanAnon
    Closed Accounts Posts: 23,718 ✭✭✭✭JonathanAnon


    TangyZizzle wrote: »
    Hey John, I cant even try that because I cant get past the damn 'configuring updates' message. What would you suggest next? Iv also tried starting in safe mode, btw.. fruitless.

    I usually just pull out the hard disk and put it in to a second computer, then work on it from there. However this may not be an option for you..

    You could also use the Ultimate Boot CD http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ which allows you to access the NTFS partition, there's a program called NTFStoDOS on it..... It may also be possible to do this by booting to the Windows CD and loading recovery console..


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