Configure Update Loop - Event ID 4376

There are a great number of threads relating to an Update Loop which forces
restarts etc., but my problem appears less serious but no less annoying.

I have a virtually new laptop installed with Vista Business SP1 and quite
normally, numerous updates and security patches were downloaded for Vista,
IE7 and Office 2007.

The status shows that all updates were successfully installed but at each
and every shut-down, I have the message 'Configuring Updates, stage 2 of 3'
and it runs to 100% and then shuts down. On boot-up, I have the message
'Configuring Updates, stage 3 of 3' and this goes to 100% and the laptop
operates normally.

The problem is that this happens each and every time I shut-down and reboot.

On reviewing the Event Log, I have hundreds of Event ID 4376 and having
looked into the Registry, the value for CurrentState is '7' (installed) for
every package except KB938371 where it shows as '4'.

I don't feel qualified to try to mess with the Registry without advice but
would really appreciate any and all assistance.

In theory, this shouldn't happen with a brand-new Vista SP1 machine.

That being said, go to http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949358 | Scroll down
to the bottom of the page & see the section "How to avoid this problem."
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

Christopher wrote:
> There are a great number of threads relating to an Update Loop which
> forces
> restarts etc., but my problem appears less serious but no less annoying.
>
> I have a virtually new laptop installed with Vista Business SP1 and quite
> normally, numerous updates and security patches were downloaded for Vista,
> IE7 and Office 2007.
>
> The status shows that all updates were successfully installed but at each
> and every shut-down, I have the message 'Configuring Updates, stage 2 of
> 3'
> and it runs to 100% and then shuts down. On boot-up, I have the message
> 'Configuring Updates, stage 3 of 3' and this goes to 100% and the laptop
> operates normally.
>
> The problem is that this happens each and every time I shut-down and
> reboot.
>
> On reviewing the Event Log, I have hundreds of Event ID 4376 and having
> looked into the Registry, the value for CurrentState is '7' (installed)
> for
> every package except KB938371 where it shows as '4'.
>
> I don't feel qualified to try to mess with the Registry without advice but
> would really appreciate any and all assistance.

Thanks for your response.
I just tried your fix and after downloading, received the message "This
download does not apply to your system".
I had previously raised a Windows Update Support Incident request [as I had
noted you advised this to others] and Microsoft closed the incident
immediately and sent me the following email ...
QUOTE
Dear Sir/Madam,



Thank you for your email.



To enable us to help you resolve this issue, may I suggest on one of the
following:



A useful resource is the Knowledge Base on our website, where we have
published a large collection of articles and FAQs about our products. You
can access it by going to our website at:



http://support.microsoft.com/search/?adv=1



You can also go online and visit our UK newsgroups to exchange ideas and
information with other Microsoft product users. There is also the chance to
talk to our Most Valued Professional (MVP).



http://support.microsoft.com/newsgroups/default.aspx





Thank you again for getting in touch.



Kind Regards,



Jacob Raj
Customer Service Professional
Microsoft Customer Service

UNQUOTE





"PA Bear [MS MVP]" <> wrote in message
news:...
> In theory, this shouldn't happen with a brand-new Vista SP1 machine.
>
> That being said, go to http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949358 | Scroll
> down to the bottom of the page & see the section "How to avoid this
> problem."
> --
> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/
>
> Christopher wrote:
>> There are a great number of threads relating to an Update Loop which
>> forces
>> restarts etc., but my problem appears less serious but no less annoying.
>>
>> I have a virtually new laptop installed with Vista Business SP1 and quite
>> normally, numerous updates and security patches were downloaded for
>> Vista,
>> IE7 and Office 2007.
>>
>> The status shows that all updates were successfully installed but at each
>> and every shut-down, I have the message 'Configuring Updates, stage 2 of
>> 3'
>> and it runs to 100% and then shuts down. On boot-up, I have the message
>> 'Configuring Updates, stage 3 of 3' and this goes to 100% and the laptop
>> operates normally.
>>
>> The problem is that this happens each and every time I shut-down and
>> reboot.
>>
>> On reviewing the Event Log, I have hundreds of Event ID 4376 and having
>> looked into the Registry, the value for CurrentState is '7' (installed)
>> for
>> every package except KB938371 where it shows as '4'.
>>
>> I don't feel qualified to try to mess with the Registry without advice
>> but
>> would really appreciate any and all assistance.
>

Give this a whirl, Christopher:

1. Stop the Automatic Updates service:

Start > Run > (type in) services.msc > [OK]
Double-click Automatic Updates > Click on Stop
(Stopping the service will take a moment)

2. Delete the contents of the Download folder:

Start > Run > (type in) %windir%\SoftwareDistribution > [OK]
Open the Download folder and delete its contents
Close the window.

3. Configure Automatic Updates to the third setting option ("Check for
updates but..."); see this page:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/dow...dowsvista.mspx

4. Start the Automatic Updates service:

Start > Run > (type in) services.msc > [OK]
Double-click Automatic Updates > Click on Start
(Starting the service will take a moment)

Automatic Updates will now offer updates but you will have to choose (1)
which updates to download, (2) which downloaded updates are installed and
(3) when they're installed. Start by allowing the download/install of any
Important (security) updates but only do one at a time. If you can then
identify an Important update that's causing the looping, you will qualify
for free support from MS. [1] To recover from the looping, you'll need to
do Steps #1, #2 and #4 above again, then do not approve the new download of
the update in question, at least for the time being.

If, however, all goes well after installing all the Important updates, start
installing the Recommended updates, again one at a time. If you can
identify one or more that cause the looping again, repeat Steps #1, #2 and
#4 above then hide the update. [2]

NOTE: You will only qualify for free support if the update causing the
looping is an Important (security) update. Since you weren't able to
identity which update(s) was causing the problem, MS Support sent you that
reply. Otherwise, you'll need to seek support from the machine
manufacturer...yes, even though an MS update appeared to be causing the
looping.

If this was happening on my brand-new Vista machine, I'd return it and
demand either a replacement or a full refund.

=====================================
[1] Start a free Windows Update support incident request:
https://support.microsoft.com/oas/de...spx?gprid=6527

For home users, no-charge support is available by calling 1-866-PCSAFETY in
the United States and in Canada or by contacting your local Microsoft
subsidiary. There is no-charge for support calls that are associated with
security updates. When you call, clearly state that your problem is related
to a Security Update and cite the update's KB number (e.g., KB999999).

For more information about how to contact your local Microsoft subsidiary
for security update support issues, visit the International Support Web
site: http://support.microsoft.com/common/international.aspx

For enterprise customers, support for security updates is available through
your usual support contacts.

[2] How to hide updates in Vista: Click View available updates | Right-click
on the update you wish to hide | Click Hide Update | Confirm the UAC (User
Account Control) if appropriate.

To restore/unhide updates in Vista: Start | Control Panel | System And
Maintenance (If you are using Classic View, skip this step) | Windows Update
| Restore Hidden Updates | Find and select the update you wish to install |
Restore. You can now reselect it and install through the normal process.
--
~PA Bear

Christopher wrote:
> Thanks for your response.
> I just tried your fix and after downloading, received the message "This
> download does not apply to your system".
> I had previously raised a Windows Update Support Incident request [as I
> had
> noted you advised this to others] and Microsoft closed the incident
> immediately and sent me the following email ...
> QUOTE
> Dear Sir/Madam,
>
> Thank you for your email.
>
> To enable us to help you resolve this issue, may I suggest on one of the
> following:
>
> A useful resource is the Knowledge Base on our website, where we have
> published a large collection of articles and FAQs about our products. You
> can access it by going to our website at:
>
> http://support.microsoft.com/search/?adv=1
>
> You can also go online and visit our UK newsgroups to exchange ideas and
> information with other Microsoft product users. There is also the chance
> to
> talk to our Most Valued Professional (MVP).
>
> http://support.microsoft.com/newsgroups/default.aspx
>
> Thank you again for getting in touch.
>
> Kind Regards,
> Jacob Raj
> Customer Service Professional
> Microsoft Customer Service
>
> UNQUOTE
>
> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
>> In theory, this shouldn't happen with a brand-new Vista SP1 machine.
>>
>> That being said, go to http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949358 | Scroll
>> down to the bottom of the page & see the section "How to avoid this
>> problem."
>> --
>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
>> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
>> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/
>>
>> Christopher wrote:
>>> There are a great number of threads relating to an Update Loop which
>>> forces
>>> restarts etc., but my problem appears less serious but no less
>>> annoying.
>>>
>>> I have a virtually new laptop installed with Vista Business SP1 and
>>> quite
>>> normally, numerous updates and security patches were downloaded for
>>> Vista,
>>> IE7 and Office 2007.
>>>
>>> The status shows that all updates were successfully installed but at
>>> each
>>> and every shut-down, I have the message 'Configuring Updates, stage 2 of
>>> 3'
>>> and it runs to 100% and then shuts down. On boot-up, I have the message
>>> 'Configuring Updates, stage 3 of 3' and this goes to 100% and the laptop
>>> operates normally.
>>>
>>> The problem is that this happens each and every time I shut-down and
>>> reboot.
>>>
>>> On reviewing the Event Log, I have hundreds of Event ID 4376 and having
>>> looked into the Registry, the value for CurrentState is '7' (installed)
>>> for
>>> every package except KB938371 where it shows as '4'.
>>>
>>> I don't feel qualified to try to mess with the Registry without advice
>>> but
>>> would really appreciate any and all assistance.

Thanks again
I let you know what happens.


"PA Bear [MS MVP]" <> wrote in message
news:...
> Give this a whirl, Christopher:
>
> 1. Stop the Automatic Updates service:
>
> Start > Run > (type in) services.msc > [OK]
> Double-click Automatic Updates > Click on Stop
> (Stopping the service will take a moment)
>
> 2. Delete the contents of the Download folder:
>
> Start > Run > (type in) %windir%\SoftwareDistribution > [OK]
> Open the Download folder and delete its contents
> Close the window.
>
> 3. Configure Automatic Updates to the third setting option ("Check for
> updates but..."); see this page:
> http://www.microsoft.com/windows/dow...dowsvista.mspx
>
> 4. Start the Automatic Updates service:
>
> Start > Run > (type in) services.msc > [OK]
> Double-click Automatic Updates > Click on Start
> (Starting the service will take a moment)
>
> Automatic Updates will now offer updates but you will have to choose (1)
> which updates to download, (2) which downloaded updates are installed and
> (3) when they're installed. Start by allowing the download/install of any
> Important (security) updates but only do one at a time. If you can then
> identify an Important update that's causing the looping, you will qualify
> for free support from MS. [1] To recover from the looping, you'll need to
> do Steps #1, #2 and #4 above again, then do not approve the new download
> of the update in question, at least for the time being.
>
> If, however, all goes well after installing all the Important updates,
> start installing the Recommended updates, again one at a time. If you can
> identify one or more that cause the looping again, repeat Steps #1, #2 and
> #4 above then hide the update. [2]
>
> NOTE: You will only qualify for free support if the update causing the
> looping is an Important (security) update. Since you weren't able to
> identity which update(s) was causing the problem, MS Support sent you that
> reply. Otherwise, you'll need to seek support from the machine
> manufacturer...yes, even though an MS update appeared to be causing the
> looping.
>
> If this was happening on my brand-new Vista machine, I'd return it and
> demand either a replacement or a full refund.
>
> =====================================
> [1] Start a free Windows Update support incident request:
> https://support.microsoft.com/oas/de...spx?gprid=6527
>
> For home users, no-charge support is available by calling 1-866-PCSAFETY
> in the United States and in Canada or by contacting your local Microsoft
> subsidiary. There is no-charge for support calls that are associated with
> security updates. When you call, clearly state that your problem is
> related to a Security Update and cite the update's KB number (e.g.,
> KB999999).
>
> For more information about how to contact your local Microsoft subsidiary
> for security update support issues, visit the International Support Web
> site: http://support.microsoft.com/common/international.aspx
>
> For enterprise customers, support for security updates is available
> through your usual support contacts.
>
> [2] How to hide updates in Vista: Click View available updates |
> Right-click on the update you wish to hide | Click Hide Update | Confirm
> the UAC (User Account Control) if appropriate.
>
> To restore/unhide updates in Vista: Start | Control Panel | System And
> Maintenance (If you are using Classic View, skip this step) | Windows
> Update | Restore Hidden Updates | Find and select the update you wish to
> install | Restore. You can now reselect it and install through the normal
> process.
> --
> ~PA Bear
>
> Christopher wrote:
>> Thanks for your response.
>> I just tried your fix and after downloading, received the message "This
>> download does not apply to your system".
>> I had previously raised a Windows Update Support Incident request [as I
>> had
>> noted you advised this to others] and Microsoft closed the incident
>> immediately and sent me the following email ...
>> QUOTE
>> Dear Sir/Madam,
>>
>> Thank you for your email.
>>
>> To enable us to help you resolve this issue, may I suggest on one of the
>> following:
>>
>> A useful resource is the Knowledge Base on our website, where we have
>> published a large collection of articles and FAQs about our products. You
>> can access it by going to our website at:
>>
>> http://support.microsoft.com/search/?adv=1
>>
>> You can also go online and visit our UK newsgroups to exchange ideas and
>> information with other Microsoft product users. There is also the chance
>> to
>> talk to our Most Valued Professional (MVP).
>>
>> http://support.microsoft.com/newsgroups/default.aspx
>>
>> Thank you again for getting in touch.
>>
>> Kind Regards,
>> Jacob Raj
>> Customer Service Professional
>> Microsoft Customer Service
>>
>> UNQUOTE
>>
>> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
>>> In theory, this shouldn't happen with a brand-new Vista SP1 machine.
>>>
>>> That being said, go to http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949358 | Scroll
>>> down to the bottom of the page & see the section "How to avoid this
>>> problem."
>>> --
>>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
>>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
>>> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
>>> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/
>>>
>>> Christopher wrote:
>>>> There are a great number of threads relating to an Update Loop which
>>>> forces
>>>> restarts etc., but my problem appears less serious but no less
>>>> annoying.
>>>>
>>>> I have a virtually new laptop installed with Vista Business SP1 and
>>>> quite
>>>> normally, numerous updates and security patches were downloaded for
>>>> Vista,
>>>> IE7 and Office 2007.
>>>>
>>>> The status shows that all updates were successfully installed but at
>>>> each
>>>> and every shut-down, I have the message 'Configuring Updates, stage 2
>>>> of
>>>> 3'
>>>> and it runs to 100% and then shuts down. On boot-up, I have the
>>>> message
>>>> 'Configuring Updates, stage 3 of 3' and this goes to 100% and the
>>>> laptop
>>>> operates normally.
>>>>
>>>> The problem is that this happens each and every time I shut-down and
>>>> reboot.
>>>>
>>>> On reviewing the Event Log, I have hundreds of Event ID 4376 and having
>>>> looked into the Registry, the value for CurrentState is '7' (installed)
>>>> for
>>>> every package except KB938371 where it shows as '4'.
>>>>
>>>> I don't feel qualified to try to mess with the Registry without advice
>>>> but
>>>> would really appreciate any and all assistance.
>

PABear
You are a 'star'!
The problem appears to have been resolved by following your advice to the
letter and 16 updates were installed one by one with reboots and we do not
seem to have a 'llop' any more.
The offending update [KB938371] no longer appears on the list.
You may be amused by an email recieved from Microsoft after I had followed
up their closure of the incident - "Thank you for your reply. Unfortunately,
I do not have the technical expertise to advise you on this issue....." At
least the guy was honest!
Many thanks again
Christopher


"Christopher" <> wrote in message
news:C94EB3B4-2702-40E5-BC25-...
> Thanks again
> I let you know what happens.
>
>
> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" <> wrote in message
> news:...
>> Give this a whirl, Christopher:
>>
>> 1. Stop the Automatic Updates service:
>>
>> Start > Run > (type in) services.msc > [OK]
>> Double-click Automatic Updates > Click on Stop
>> (Stopping the service will take a moment)
>>
>> 2. Delete the contents of the Download folder:
>>
>> Start > Run > (type in) %windir%\SoftwareDistribution > [OK]
>> Open the Download folder and delete its contents
>> Close the window.
>>
>> 3. Configure Automatic Updates to the third setting option ("Check for
>> updates but..."); see this page:
>> http://www.microsoft.com/windows/dow...dowsvista.mspx
>>
>> 4. Start the Automatic Updates service:
>>
>> Start > Run > (type in) services.msc > [OK]
>> Double-click Automatic Updates > Click on Start
>> (Starting the service will take a moment)
>>
>> Automatic Updates will now offer updates but you will have to choose (1)
>> which updates to download, (2) which downloaded updates are installed and
>> (3) when they're installed. Start by allowing the download/install of
>> any Important (security) updates but only do one at a time. If you can
>> then identify an Important update that's causing the looping, you will
>> qualify for free support from MS. [1] To recover from the looping,
>> you'll need to do Steps #1, #2 and #4 above again, then do not approve
>> the new download of the update in question, at least for the time being.
>>
>> If, however, all goes well after installing all the Important updates,
>> start installing the Recommended updates, again one at a time. If you
>> can identify one or more that cause the looping again, repeat Steps #1,
>> #2 and #4 above then hide the update. [2]
>>
>> NOTE: You will only qualify for free support if the update causing the
>> looping is an Important (security) update. Since you weren't able to
>> identity which update(s) was causing the problem, MS Support sent you
>> that reply. Otherwise, you'll need to seek support from the machine
>> manufacturer...yes, even though an MS update appeared to be causing the
>> looping.
>>
>> If this was happening on my brand-new Vista machine, I'd return it and
>> demand either a replacement or a full refund.
>>
>> =====================================
>> [1] Start a free Windows Update support incident request:
>> https://support.microsoft.com/oas/de...spx?gprid=6527
>>
>> For home users, no-charge support is available by calling 1-866-PCSAFETY
>> in the United States and in Canada or by contacting your local Microsoft
>> subsidiary. There is no-charge for support calls that are associated
>> with security updates. When you call, clearly state that your problem is
>> related to a Security Update and cite the update's KB number (e.g.,
>> KB999999).
>>
>> For more information about how to contact your local Microsoft subsidiary
>> for security update support issues, visit the International Support Web
>> site: http://support.microsoft.com/common/international.aspx
>>
>> For enterprise customers, support for security updates is available
>> through your usual support contacts.
>>
>> [2] How to hide updates in Vista: Click View available updates |
>> Right-click on the update you wish to hide | Click Hide Update | Confirm
>> the UAC (User Account Control) if appropriate.
>>
>> To restore/unhide updates in Vista: Start | Control Panel | System And
>> Maintenance (If you are using Classic View, skip this step) | Windows
>> Update | Restore Hidden Updates | Find and select the update you wish to
>> install | Restore. You can now reselect it and install through the normal
>> process.
>> --
>> ~PA Bear
>>
>> Christopher wrote:
>>> Thanks for your response.
>>> I just tried your fix and after downloading, received the message "This
>>> download does not apply to your system".
>>> I had previously raised a Windows Update Support Incident request [as I
>>> had
>>> noted you advised this to others] and Microsoft closed the incident
>>> immediately and sent me the following email ...
>>> QUOTE
>>> Dear Sir/Madam,
>>>
>>> Thank you for your email.
>>>
>>> To enable us to help you resolve this issue, may I suggest on one of the
>>> following:
>>>
>>> A useful resource is the Knowledge Base on our website, where we have
>>> published a large collection of articles and FAQs about our products.
>>> You
>>> can access it by going to our website at:
>>>
>>> http://support.microsoft.com/search/?adv=1
>>>
>>> You can also go online and visit our UK newsgroups to exchange ideas and
>>> information with other Microsoft product users. There is also the
>>> chance to
>>> talk to our Most Valued Professional (MVP).
>>>
>>> http://support.microsoft.com/newsgroups/default.aspx
>>>
>>> Thank you again for getting in touch.
>>>
>>> Kind Regards,
>>> Jacob Raj
>>> Customer Service Professional
>>> Microsoft Customer Service
>>>
>>> UNQUOTE
>>>
>>> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
>>>> In theory, this shouldn't happen with a brand-new Vista SP1 machine.
>>>>
>>>> That being said, go to http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949358 | Scroll
>>>> down to the bottom of the page & see the section "How to avoid this
>>>> problem."
>>>> --
>>>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
>>>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
>>>> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
>>>> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/
>>>>
>>>> Christopher wrote:
>>>>> There are a great number of threads relating to an Update Loop which
>>>>> forces
>>>>> restarts etc., but my problem appears less serious but no less
>>>>> annoying.
>>>>>
>>>>> I have a virtually new laptop installed with Vista Business SP1 and
>>>>> quite
>>>>> normally, numerous updates and security patches were downloaded for
>>>>> Vista,
>>>>> IE7 and Office 2007.
>>>>>
>>>>> The status shows that all updates were successfully installed but at
>>>>> each
>>>>> and every shut-down, I have the message 'Configuring Updates, stage 2
>>>>> of
>>>>> 3'
>>>>> and it runs to 100% and then shuts down. On boot-up, I have the
>>>>> message
>>>>> 'Configuring Updates, stage 3 of 3' and this goes to 100% and the
>>>>> laptop
>>>>> operates normally.
>>>>>
>>>>> The problem is that this happens each and every time I shut-down and
>>>>> reboot.
>>>>>
>>>>> On reviewing the Event Log, I have hundreds of Event ID 4376 and
>>>>> having
>>>>> looked into the Registry, the value for CurrentState is '7'
>>>>> (installed)
>>>>> for
>>>>> every package except KB938371 where it shows as '4'.
>>>>>
>>>>> I don't feel qualified to try to mess with the Registry without advice
>>>>> but
>>>>> would really appreciate any and all assistance.
>>
>

You're very welcome and thanks very much for your feedback!

Since it was a brand-new machine, I don't think KB938371 should've been
offered by AU in the first place. Why it was is anybody's guess.

> You may be amused by an email recieved from Microsoft after I had followed
> up their closure of the incident - "Thank you for your reply.
> Unfortunately,
> I do not have the technical expertise to advise you on this issue....."
> At
> least the guy was honest!

That just cracks me up & thanks very much for telling me this! I'm going to
pass it on to my contacts at MS, for sure.

PS: MVPs do it for free! <wink>

Christopher wrote:
> PABear
> You are a 'star'!
> The problem appears to have been resolved by following your advice to the
> letter and 16 updates were installed one by one with reboots and we do not
> seem to have a ['loop'] any more.
> The offending update [KB938371] no longer appears on the list.
> You may be amused by an email recieved from Microsoft after I had followed
> up their closure of the incident - "Thank you for your reply.
> Unfortunately,
> I do not have the technical expertise to advise you on this issue....."
> At
> least the guy was honest!
> Many thanks again
> Christopher
>
> "Christopher" wrote:
>> Thanks again
>> I let you know what happens.
>>
>> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
>>> Give this a whirl, Christopher:
>>>
>>> 1. Stop the Automatic Updates service:
>>>
>>> Start > Run > (type in) services.msc > [OK]
>>> Double-click Automatic Updates > Click on Stop
>>> (Stopping the service will take a moment)
>>>
>>> 2. Delete the contents of the Download folder:
>>>
>>> Start > Run > (type in) %windir%\SoftwareDistribution > [OK]
>>> Open the Download folder and delete its contents
>>> Close the window.
>>>
>>> 3. Configure Automatic Updates to the third setting option ("Check for
>>> updates but..."); see this page:
>>> http://www.microsoft.com/windows/dow...dowsvista.mspx
>>>
>>> 4. Start the Automatic Updates service:
>>>
>>> Start > Run > (type in) services.msc > [OK]
>>> Double-click Automatic Updates > Click on Start
>>> (Starting the service will take a moment)
>>>
>>> Automatic Updates will now offer updates but you will have to choose (1)
>>> which updates to download, (2) which downloaded updates are installed
>>> and
>>> (3) when they're installed. Start by allowing the download/install of
>>> any Important (security) updates but only do one at a time. If you can
>>> then identify an Important update that's causing the looping, you will
>>> qualify for free support from MS. [1] To recover from the looping,
>>> you'll need to do Steps #1, #2 and #4 above again, then do not approve
>>> the new download of the update in question, at least for the time being.
>>>
>>> If, however, all goes well after installing all the Important updates,
>>> start installing the Recommended updates, again one at a time. If you
>>> can identify one or more that cause the looping again, repeat Steps #1,
>>> #2 and #4 above then hide the update. [2]
>>>
>>> NOTE: You will only qualify for free support if the update causing the
>>> looping is an Important (security) update. Since you weren't able to
>>> identity which update(s) was causing the problem, MS Support sent you
>>> that reply. Otherwise, you'll need to seek support from the machine
>>> manufacturer...yes, even though an MS update appeared to be causing the
>>> looping.
>>>
>>> If this was happening on my brand-new Vista machine, I'd return it and
>>> demand either a replacement or a full refund.
>>>
>>> =====================================
>>> [1] Start a free Windows Update support incident request:
>>> https://support.microsoft.com/oas/de...spx?gprid=6527
>>>
>>> For home users, no-charge support is available by calling 1-866-PCSAFETY
>>> in the United States and in Canada or by contacting your local Microsoft
>>> subsidiary. There is no-charge for support calls that are associated
>>> with security updates. When you call, clearly state that your problem
>>> is
>>> related to a Security Update and cite the update's KB number (e.g.,
>>> KB999999).
>>>
>>> For more information about how to contact your local Microsoft
>>> subsidiary
>>> for security update support issues, visit the International Support Web
>>> site: http://support.microsoft.com/common/international.aspx
>>>
>>> For enterprise customers, support for security updates is available
>>> through your usual support contacts.
>>>
>>> [2] How to hide updates in Vista: Click View available updates |
>>> Right-click on the update you wish to hide | Click Hide Update | Confirm
>>> the UAC (User Account Control) if appropriate.
>>>
>>> To restore/unhide updates in Vista: Start | Control Panel | System And
>>> Maintenance (If you are using Classic View, skip this step) | Windows
>>> Update | Restore Hidden Updates | Find and select the update you wish to
>>> install | Restore. You can now reselect it and install through the
>>> normal
>>> process.
>>> --
>>> ~PA Bear
>>>
>>> Christopher wrote:
>>>> Thanks for your response.
>>>> I just tried your fix and after downloading, received the message "This
>>>> download does not apply to your system".
>>>> I had previously raised a Windows Update Support Incident request [as I
>>>> had
>>>> noted you advised this to others] and Microsoft closed the incident
>>>> immediately and sent me the following email ...
>>>> QUOTE
>>>> Dear Sir/Madam,
>>>>
>>>> Thank you for your email.
>>>>
>>>> To enable us to help you resolve this issue, may I suggest on one of
>>>> the
>>>> following:
>>>>
>>>> A useful resource is the Knowledge Base on our website, where we have
>>>> published a large collection of articles and FAQs about our products.
>>>> You
>>>> can access it by going to our website at:
>>>>
>>>> http://support.microsoft.com/search/?adv=1
>>>>
>>>> You can also go online and visit our UK newsgroups to exchange ideas
>>>> and
>>>> information with other Microsoft product users. There is also the
>>>> chance to
>>>> talk to our Most Valued Professional (MVP).
>>>>
>>>> http://support.microsoft.com/newsgroups/default.aspx
>>>>
>>>> Thank you again for getting in touch.
>>>>
>>>> Kind Regards,
>>>> Jacob Raj
>>>> Customer Service Professional
>>>> Microsoft Customer Service
>>>>
>>>> UNQUOTE
>>>>
>>>> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
>>>>> In theory, this shouldn't happen with a brand-new Vista SP1 machine.
>>>>>
>>>>> That being said, go to http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949358 | Scroll
>>>>> down to the bottom of the page & see the section "How to avoid this
>>>>> problem."
>>>>> --
>>>>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
>>>>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
>>>>> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
>>>>> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/
>>>>>
>>>>> Christopher wrote:
>>>>>> There are a great number of threads relating to an Update Loop which
>>>>>> forces
>>>>>> restarts etc., but my problem appears less serious but no less
>>>>>> annoying.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I have a virtually new laptop installed with Vista Business SP1 and
>>>>>> quite
>>>>>> normally, numerous updates and security patches were downloaded for
>>>>>> Vista,
>>>>>> IE7 and Office 2007.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The status shows that all updates were successfully installed but at
>>>>>> each
>>>>>> and every shut-down, I have the message 'Configuring Updates, stage 2
>>>>>> of
>>>>>> 3'
>>>>>> and it runs to 100% and then shuts down. On boot-up, I have the
>>>>>> message
>>>>>> 'Configuring Updates, stage 3 of 3' and this goes to 100% and the
>>>>>> laptop
>>>>>> operates normally.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The problem is that this happens each and every time I shut-down and
>>>>>> reboot.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> On reviewing the Event Log, I have hundreds of Event ID 4376 and
>>>>>> having
>>>>>> looked into the Registry, the value for CurrentState is '7'
>>>>>> (installed)
>>>>>> for
>>>>>> every package except KB938371 where it shows as '4'.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I don't feel qualified to try to mess with the Registry without
>>>>>> advice
>>>>>> but
>>>>>> would really appreciate any and all assistance.