System locks up after updates

I have a Gateway Laptop MX8711, 32-Bit Operating System, Running Vista Home
Premium.

Started having a problem on December 21st. Had the system up and running and
left it for a bit. Came back to find it locked up. Ctrl Alt Delete didn't
work so finally shut it down. Started it in safe mode and everything appeared
ok. Rebooted and it locked again. After messing around with it I've
determined that if I do a system restore back to December 20th and tell it
NOT to do automatic windows updates, the system is okay. However, when I shut
it down and turn it on again, automatic updates are turned back on, and
shortly after the system is running it locks up again. Any ideas? Also, when
I'm getting the system back after one of these lockups, I have some issues
with my network adapter shutting down.

Are you running Vista or Vista SP1? <=just a question, not a recommendation
or suggestion

1. See Figure 2 on this page:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tuto...torial140.html

Which of the first three options (i.e., Install updates automatically;
Download updates but...; or Check for updates but...) are selected on your
machine?

Is the Recommended Updates box checked, too?

> ...However, when I
> shut it down and turn it on again, automatic updates are turned back on,
> and
> shortly after the system is running it locks up again.

2. Are any updates installed between the time you turn on the machine again
and when it locks up?

3a. What anti-virus application or security suite is installed and is your
subscription current? What anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)?
What third-party firewall (if any)?

3b. Has a Norton or Mcafee application ever been installed on the machine
(e.g., a free-trial that came preinstalled when you bought the machine)?
--
~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/

MuzziV wrote:
> I have a Gateway Laptop MX8711, 32-Bit Operating System, Running Vista
> Home
> Premium.
>
> Started having a problem on December 21st. Had the system up and running
> and
> left it for a bit. Came back to find it locked up. Ctrl Alt Delete didn't
> work so finally shut it down. Started it in safe mode and everything
> appeared ok. Rebooted and it locked again. After messing around with it
> I've
> determined that if I do a system restore back to December 20th and tell it
> NOT to do automatic windows updates, the system is okay. However, when I
> shut it down and turn it on again, automatic updates are turned back on,
> and
> shortly after the system is running it locks up again. Any ideas? Also,
> when
> I'm getting the system back after one of these lockups, I have some issues
> with my network adapter shutting down.

I'm running Vista with the SP1.

I had been running install updates automatically, but since I found that it
locks up I've been trying to have it check and inform me of updates and let
me decide.

yes that check box is checked to include recommended updates.

Question 2 - yes when I get the system up after one of these episodes, new
updates have been added.

Question 3 - I'm running McAfee Internet Security Suite. I believe the
system did have a short term offering of McAfee, but I have a 3 user license
to cover all of my computers.

Another bit of info (and this is probably big since you were asking about
anti-virus) is this last time I got it up and running (right now) McAfee is
saying it is missing some components and I need to reinstall McAfee.

No other protection software except McAfee and Defender, although the Google
toolbar that was on this computer when I got it says it defends against
malware.

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> Are you running Vista or Vista SP1? <=just a question, not a recommendation
> or suggestion
>
> 1. See Figure 2 on this page:
> http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tuto...torial140.html
>
> Which of the first three options (i.e., Install updates automatically;
> Download updates but...; or Check for updates but...) are selected on your
> machine?
>
> Is the Recommended Updates box checked, too?
>
> > ...However, when I
> > shut it down and turn it on again, automatic updates are turned back on,
> > and
> > shortly after the system is running it locks up again.
>
> 2. Are any updates installed between the time you turn on the machine again
> and when it locks up?
>
> 3a. What anti-virus application or security suite is installed and is your
> subscription current? What anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)?
> What third-party firewall (if any)?
>
> 3b. Has a Norton or Mcafee application ever been installed on the machine
> (e.g., a free-trial that came preinstalled when you bought the machine)?
> --
> ~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/
>
> MuzziV wrote:
> > I have a Gateway Laptop MX8711, 32-Bit Operating System, Running Vista
> > Home
> > Premium.
> >
> > Started having a problem on December 21st. Had the system up and running
> > and
> > left it for a bit. Came back to find it locked up. Ctrl Alt Delete didn't
> > work so finally shut it down. Started it in safe mode and everything
> > appeared ok. Rebooted and it locked again. After messing around with it
> > I've
> > determined that if I do a system restore back to December 20th and tell it
> > NOT to do automatic windows updates, the system is okay. However, when I
> > shut it down and turn it on again, automatic updates are turned back on,
> > and
> > shortly after the system is running it locks up again. Any ideas? Also,
> > when
> > I'm getting the system back after one of these lockups, I have some issues
> > with my network adapter shutting down.
>
>

OK, we're making some progress here.

> ...when I get the system up after one of these episodes, new
> updates have been added.

What specific updates are added/offered (e.g., KB960714)? Do you approve &
install them, then the machine locks up...or does the machine lock up before
you can approve/install them?

> ...I'm running McAfee Internet Security Suite. I believe the
> system did have a short term offering of McAfee, but I have a 3 user
> license
> to cover all of my computers...

After making sure you have your Product ID (license) handy, run this
three-step fix:
http://service.mcafee.com/FAQDocumen...33&id=TS100507

TIP: Reboot *twice* before reinstalling the McAfee Internet Security!
--
~PA Bear

MuzziV wrote:
> I'm running Vista with the SP1.
>
> I had been running install updates automatically, but since I found that
> it
> locks up I've been trying to have it check and inform me of updates and
> let
> me decide.
>
> yes that check box is checked to include recommended updates.
>
> Question 2 - yes when I get the system up after one of these episodes, new
> updates have been added.
>
> Question 3 - I'm running McAfee Internet Security Suite. I believe the
> system did have a short term offering of McAfee, but I have a 3 user
> license
> to cover all of my computers.
>
> Another bit of info (and this is probably big since you were asking about
> anti-virus) is this last time I got it up and running (right now) McAfee
> is
> saying it is missing some components and I need to reinstall McAfee.
>
> No other protection software except McAfee and Defender, although the
> Google
> toolbar that was on this computer when I got it says it defends against
> malware.
>
> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
>> Are you running Vista or Vista SP1? <=just a question, not a
>> recommendation or suggestion
>>
>> 1. See Figure 2 on this page:
>> http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tuto...torial140.html
>>
>> Which of the first three options (i.e., Install updates automatically;
>> Download updates but...; or Check for updates but...) are selected on
>> your
>> machine?
>>
>> Is the Recommended Updates box checked, too?
>>
>>> ...However, when I
>>> shut it down and turn it on again, automatic updates are turned back on,
>>> and
>>> shortly after the system is running it locks up again.
>>
>> 2. Are any updates installed between the time you turn on the machine
>> again
>> and when it locks up?
>>
>> 3a. What anti-virus application or security suite is installed and is
>> your
>> subscription current? What anti-spyware applications (other than
>> Defender)? What third-party firewall (if any)?
>>
>> 3b. Has a Norton or Mcafee application ever been installed on the machine
>> (e.g., a free-trial that came preinstalled when you bought the machine)?
>> --
>> ~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/
>>
>> MuzziV wrote:
>>> I have a Gateway Laptop MX8711, 32-Bit Operating System, Running Vista
>>> Home
>>> Premium.
>>>
>>> Started having a problem on December 21st. Had the system up and running
>>> and
>>> left it for a bit. Came back to find it locked up. Ctrl Alt Delete
>>> didn't
>>> work so finally shut it down. Started it in safe mode and everything
>>> appeared ok. Rebooted and it locked again. After messing around with it
>>> I've
>>> determined that if I do a system restore back to December 20th and tell
>>> it
>>> NOT to do automatic windows updates, the system is okay. However, when I
>>> shut it down and turn it on again, automatic updates are turned back on,
>>> and
>>> shortly after the system is running it locks up again. Any ideas? Also,
>>> when
>>> I'm getting the system back after one of these lockups, I have some
>>> issues
>>> with my network adapter shutting down.

Okay.....had a chance to follow through with your recommendations.

In answer to your first question, after one of the episodes, to get the
system running again, I would use system restore back to Dec. 20th, which was
a point I knew I wasn't have any problems at. The system would reset auto
update and go ahead and load what was available, and then lock up. If I would
catch it and change the setting to inform me of updates and let me load them,
it's okay, but when I shut down and then reboot it locks up.

Now to today's report :-) I followed your instructions to uninstall McAfee
and do the clean up with MCPR.exe. Everything ran perfectly, except I lost my
internet access for a bit (wireless connection was lost but came back-not
uncommon here). So I uninstalled McAfee, ran MCPR and rebooted twice before
reinstalling McAfee. System was fine, I left it up and running for about 3
hours afterward last night and it was fine - out on the internet, played a
game or two. It did tell me that there were 3 windows updates, I told it to
go ahead and install them - system said one wasn't installed - unnecessary.
It did not however tell me what the updates were. Played with it for a while
longer - fine. And then I decided to shut it down and turn it back on. Came
back up, internet connection came up, everything looked good. Got a McAfee
notice that a program (Lexmark Printer) was asking for an internet
connnection and should it let it, when it froze up again. This time the
curser was just sitting there, the arrow, not stuck in the spinning circle
thinking mode. C-A-D doesn't work to clear it so I shut it down. Today,
(actually just now) I turned it on, system goes to black screen saying system
didn't shut down properly, and to start in safe mode (I did with networking).
I am currently using the system in safe mode to type this. I tried to go in
to Windows update to see what it loaded - thinking I can uninstall them and
see if it frees up. Windows update will not open. Other programs like
Gateway's Big Fix did. I also see the notice from McAfee that my system is
not protected (it was fine last night). When I ask it to fix the problem, it
says it can't because of an error.

Sorry for the book - I'm going to not do anything more on this computer till
I hear from you....I will check for responses on my other computer.

Thanks for all of your help and Happy New Year!

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> OK, we're making some progress here.
>
> > ...when I get the system up after one of these episodes, new
> > updates have been added.
>
> What specific updates are added/offered (e.g., KB960714)? Do you approve &
> install them, then the machine locks up...or does the machine lock up before
> you can approve/install them?
>
> > ...I'm running McAfee Internet Security Suite. I believe the
> > system did have a short term offering of McAfee, but I have a 3 user
> > license
> > to cover all of my computers...
>
> After making sure you have your Product ID (license) handy, run this
> three-step fix:
> http://service.mcafee.com/FAQDocumen...33&id=TS100507
>
> TIP: Reboot *twice* before reinstalling the McAfee Internet Security!
> --
> ~PA Bear
>
> MuzziV wrote:
> > I'm running Vista with the SP1.
> >
> > I had been running install updates automatically, but since I found that
> > it
> > locks up I've been trying to have it check and inform me of updates and
> > let
> > me decide.
> >
> > yes that check box is checked to include recommended updates.
> >
> > Question 2 - yes when I get the system up after one of these episodes, new
> > updates have been added.
> >
> > Question 3 - I'm running McAfee Internet Security Suite. I believe the
> > system did have a short term offering of McAfee, but I have a 3 user
> > license
> > to cover all of my computers.
> >
> > Another bit of info (and this is probably big since you were asking about
> > anti-virus) is this last time I got it up and running (right now) McAfee
> > is
> > saying it is missing some components and I need to reinstall McAfee.
> >
> > No other protection software except McAfee and Defender, although the
> > Google
> > toolbar that was on this computer when I got it says it defends against
> > malware.
> >
> > "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
> >> Are you running Vista or Vista SP1? <=just a question, not a
> >> recommendation or suggestion
> >>
> >> 1. See Figure 2 on this page:
> >> http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tuto...torial140.html
> >>
> >> Which of the first three options (i.e., Install updates automatically;
> >> Download updates but...; or Check for updates but...) are selected on
> >> your
> >> machine?
> >>
> >> Is the Recommended Updates box checked, too?
> >>
> >>> ...However, when I
> >>> shut it down and turn it on again, automatic updates are turned back on,
> >>> and
> >>> shortly after the system is running it locks up again.
> >>
> >> 2. Are any updates installed between the time you turn on the machine
> >> again
> >> and when it locks up?
> >>
> >> 3a. What anti-virus application or security suite is installed and is
> >> your
> >> subscription current? What anti-spyware applications (other than
> >> Defender)? What third-party firewall (if any)?
> >>
> >> 3b. Has a Norton or Mcafee application ever been installed on the machine
> >> (e.g., a free-trial that came preinstalled when you bought the machine)?
> >> --
> >> ~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/
> >>
> >> MuzziV wrote:
> >>> I have a Gateway Laptop MX8711, 32-Bit Operating System, Running Vista
> >>> Home
> >>> Premium.
> >>>
> >>> Started having a problem on December 21st. Had the system up and running
> >>> and
> >>> left it for a bit. Came back to find it locked up. Ctrl Alt Delete
> >>> didn't
> >>> work so finally shut it down. Started it in safe mode and everything
> >>> appeared ok. Rebooted and it locked again. After messing around with it
> >>> I've
> >>> determined that if I do a system restore back to December 20th and tell
> >>> it
> >>> NOT to do automatic windows updates, the system is okay. However, when I
> >>> shut it down and turn it on again, automatic updates are turned back on,
> >>> and
> >>> shortly after the system is running it locks up again. Any ideas? Also,
> >>> when
> >>> I'm getting the system back after one of these lockups, I have some
> >>> issues
> >>> with my network adapter shutting down.
>
>

I would avoid any further use of System Restore if I were you.

You may be seeing the affects of a hijackware infection.

1. See if you can download/run the MSRT manually:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/ma...e/default.mspx

2. Run this online scan (in safe mode w/networking, if need be):
http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/center/howsafe.htm

3. Run additional checks for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis
log to an appropriate forum.

Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware

When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
(http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use (in
conjuction with some other utilities). HijackThis will NOT fix anything on
its own, but it will help you to both identify and remove any
hijackware/spyware with assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachi...php?board=10.0,
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30, or another appropriate forum for review
by an expert in such matters, not here.**

If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this
isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA) computer repair shop.
=====================
Start a free Windows Update support incident request:
https://support.microsoft.com/oas/de...spx?gprid=6527

Support for Windows Update:
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/wusupport

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.
--
~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/

MuzziV wrote:
> Okay.....had a chance to follow through with your recommendations.
>
> In answer to your first question, after one of the episodes, to get the
> system running again, I would use system restore back to Dec. 20th, which
> was a point I knew I wasn't have any problems at. The system would reset
> auto update and go ahead and load what was available, and then lock up. If
> I would catch it and change the setting to inform me of updates and let me
> load them, it's okay, but when I shut down and then reboot it locks up.
>
> Now to today's report :-) I followed your instructions to uninstall McAfee
> and do the clean up with MCPR.exe. Everything ran perfectly, except I lost
> my internet access for a bit (wireless connection was lost but came
> back-not
> uncommon here). So I uninstalled McAfee, ran MCPR and rebooted twice
> before
> reinstalling McAfee. System was fine, I left it up and running for about 3
> hours afterward last night and it was fine - out on the internet, played a
> game or two. It did tell me that there were 3 windows updates, I told it
> to
> go ahead and install them - system said one wasn't installed -
> unnecessary.
> It did not however tell me what the updates were. Played with it for a
> while
> longer - fine. And then I decided to shut it down and turn it back on.
> Came
> back up, internet connection came up, everything looked good. Got a McAfee
> notice that a program (Lexmark Printer) was asking for an internet
> connnection and should it let it, when it froze up again. This time the
> curser was just sitting there, the arrow, not stuck in the spinning circle
> thinking mode. C-A-D doesn't work to clear it so I shut it down. Today,
> (actually just now) I turned it on, system goes to black screen saying
> system didn't shut down properly, and to start in safe mode (I did with
> networking). I am currently using the system in safe mode to type this. I
> tried to go in to Windows update to see what it loaded - thinking I can
> uninstall them and see if it frees up. Windows update will not open. Other
> programs like Gateway's Big Fix did. I also see the notice from McAfee
> that
> my system is not protected (it was fine last night). When I ask it to fix
> the problem, it says it can't because of an error.
>
> Sorry for the book - I'm going to not do anything more on this computer
> till
> I hear from you....I will check for responses on my other computer.
>
> Thanks for all of your help and Happy New Year!
>
> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
>
>> OK, we're making some progress here.
>>
>>> ...when I get the system up after one of these episodes, new
>>> updates have been added.
>>
>> What specific updates are added/offered (e.g., KB960714)? Do you approve
>> &
>> install them, then the machine locks up...or does the machine lock up
>> before you can approve/install them?
>>
>>> ...I'm running McAfee Internet Security Suite. I believe the
>>> system did have a short term offering of McAfee, but I have a 3 user
>>> license
>>> to cover all of my computers...
>>
>> After making sure you have your Product ID (license) handy, run this
>> three-step fix:
>> http://service.mcafee.com/FAQDocumen...33&id=TS100507
>>
>> TIP: Reboot *twice* before reinstalling the McAfee Internet Security!
>> --
>> ~PA Bear
>>
>> MuzziV wrote:
>>> I'm running Vista with the SP1.
>>>
>>> I had been running install updates automatically, but since I found that
>>> it
>>> locks up I've been trying to have it check and inform me of updates and
>>> let
>>> me decide.
>>>
>>> yes that check box is checked to include recommended updates.
>>>
>>> Question 2 - yes when I get the system up after one of these episodes,
>>> new
>>> updates have been added.
>>>
>>> Question 3 - I'm running McAfee Internet Security Suite. I believe the
>>> system did have a short term offering of McAfee, but I have a 3 user
>>> license
>>> to cover all of my computers.
>>>
>>> Another bit of info (and this is probably big since you were asking
>>> about
>>> anti-virus) is this last time I got it up and running (right now) McAfee
>>> is
>>> saying it is missing some components and I need to reinstall McAfee.
>>>
>>> No other protection software except McAfee and Defender, although the
>>> Google
>>> toolbar that was on this computer when I got it says it defends against
>>> malware.
>>>
>>> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
>>>> Are you running Vista or Vista SP1? <=just a question, not a
>>>> recommendation or suggestion
>>>>
>>>> 1. See Figure 2 on this page:
>>>> http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tuto...torial140.html
>>>>
>>>> Which of the first three options (i.e., Install updates automatically;
>>>> Download updates but...; or Check for updates but...) are selected on
>>>> your
>>>> machine?
>>>>
>>>> Is the Recommended Updates box checked, too?
>>>>
>>>>> ...However, when I
>>>>> shut it down and turn it on again, automatic updates are turned back
>>>>> on,
>>>>> and
>>>>> shortly after the system is running it locks up again.
>>>>
>>>> 2. Are any updates installed between the time you turn on the machine
>>>> again
>>>> and when it locks up?
>>>>
>>>> 3a. What anti-virus application or security suite is installed and is
>>>> your
>>>> subscription current? What anti-spyware applications (other than
>>>> Defender)? What third-party firewall (if any)?
>>>>
>>>> 3b. Has a Norton or Mcafee application ever been installed on the
>>>> machine
>>>> (e.g., a free-trial that came preinstalled when you bought the
>>>> machine)?
>>>> --
>>>> ~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/
>>>>
>>>> MuzziV wrote:
>>>>> I have a Gateway Laptop MX8711, 32-Bit Operating System, Running Vista
>>>>> Home
>>>>> Premium.
>>>>>
>>>>> Started having a problem on December 21st. Had the system up and
>>>>> running
>>>>> and
>>>>> left it for a bit. Came back to find it locked up. Ctrl Alt Delete
>>>>> didn't
>>>>> work so finally shut it down. Started it in safe mode and everything
>>>>> appeared ok. Rebooted and it locked again. After messing around with
>>>>> it
>>>>> I've
>>>>> determined that if I do a system restore back to December 20th and
>>>>> tell
>>>>> it
>>>>> NOT to do automatic windows updates, the system is okay. However, when
>>>>> I
>>>>> shut it down and turn it on again, automatic updates are turned back
>>>>> on,
>>>>> and
>>>>> shortly after the system is running it locks up again. Any ideas?
>>>>> Also,
>>>>> when
>>>>> I'm getting the system back after one of these lockups, I have some
>>>>> issues
>>>>> with my network adapter shutting down.