Vista constantly rebooting after this week's updates - "Configuring updates stage 3 of 3"

My son (away at university) has just installed this week's Microsoft updates
and now is unable to get his laptop re-started (it's an Acer Aspire 5633
about a year old).

It says "Configuring Updates. Stage 3 of 3 0% Complete.
Then it says "Shutting Down" and restarts the whole cycle. This goes on and
on....

He has tried to get it into Safe Mode but it won't, just goes back into the
cycle described above.

I've searched on Google and come up with only one hit - that described
identical symptoms and was posted in a blog about three hours ago. There
are some references to the same message related to SP1 installation but my
son is just using the standard Microsoft Update service - not gone near SP1.

Is anyone else getting this symptom and has anyone any ideas how to get out
of it without wiping the whole machine?

Many thanks for any help.

Tom Walker

Have your son try Last Known Good Configuration.

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Win...d1033.mspx#EOC

"Tom Walker" <> wrote in message
news:...
> My son (away at university) has just installed this week's Microsoft
> updates and now is unable to get his laptop re-started (it's an Acer
> Aspire 5633 about a year old).
>
> It says "Configuring Updates. Stage 3 of 3 0% Complete.
> Then it says "Shutting Down" and restarts the whole cycle. This goes on
> and on....
>
> He has tried to get it into Safe Mode but it won't, just goes back into
> the cycle described above.
>
> I've searched on Google and come up with only one hit - that described
> identical symptoms and was posted in a blog about three hours ago. There
> are some references to the same message related to SP1 installation but my
> son is just using the standard Microsoft Update service - not gone near
> SP1.
>
> Is anyone else getting this symptom and has anyone any ideas how to get
> out of it without wiping the whole machine?
>
> Many thanks for any help.
>
> Tom Walker

I ran into a different problem with my Vista. Had to reset network
connections multiple times on all accounts in Vista Business. Anybody else
had these problems after the latest updates?

"Bob" <> wrote in message
news:. ..
> Have your son try Last Known Good Configuration.
>
> http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Win...d1033.mspx#EOC
>
> "Tom Walker" <> wrote in message
> news:...
>> My son (away at university) has just installed this week's Microsoft
>> updates and now is unable to get his laptop re-started (it's an Acer
>> Aspire 5633 about a year old).
>>
>> It says "Configuring Updates. Stage 3 of 3 0% Complete.
>> Then it says "Shutting Down" and restarts the whole cycle. This goes on
>> and on....
>>
>> He has tried to get it into Safe Mode but it won't, just goes back into
>> the cycle described above.
>>
>> I've searched on Google and come up with only one hit - that described
>> identical symptoms and was posted in a blog about three hours ago. There
>> are some references to the same message related to SP1 installation but
>> my son is just using the standard Microsoft Update service - not gone
>> near SP1.
>>
>> Is anyone else getting this symptom and has anyone any ideas how to get
>> out of it without wiping the whole machine?
>>
>> Many thanks for any help.
>>
>> Tom Walker
>

Start a new thread.

"PcDoc" <> wrote in message
news:47b4e1fa$0$17361$...
> I ran into a different problem with my Vista. Had to reset network
> connections multiple times on all accounts in Vista Business. Anybody else
> had these problems after the latest updates?
>
> "Bob" <> wrote in message
> news:. ..
>> Have your son try Last Known Good Configuration.
>>
>> http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Win...d1033.mspx#EOC
>>
>> "Tom Walker" <> wrote in message
>> news:...
>>> My son (away at university) has just installed this week's Microsoft
>>> updates and now is unable to get his laptop re-started (it's an Acer
>>> Aspire 5633 about a year old).
>>>
>>> It says "Configuring Updates. Stage 3 of 3 0% Complete.
>>> Then it says "Shutting Down" and restarts the whole cycle. This goes on
>>> and on....
>>>
>>> He has tried to get it into Safe Mode but it won't, just goes back into
>>> the cycle described above.
>>>
>>> I've searched on Google and come up with only one hit - that described
>>> identical symptoms and was posted in a blog about three hours ago.
>>> There are some references to the same message related to SP1
>>> installation but my son is just using the standard Microsoft Update
>>> service - not gone near SP1.
>>>
>>> Is anyone else getting this symptom and has anyone any ideas how to get
>>> out of it without wiping the whole machine?
>>>
>>> Many thanks for any help.
>>>
>>> Tom Walker
>>
>

Thanks for all the comments - have now tried several things:

1. Disconnected all networks and re-boot - no change

2. Select "Last known good configuration" in boot options - no change

3. Select boot normally with vga 640x480 - no change.

Going to try and contact Microsoft in the UK and am also posting re-install
CDs/DVDs today as a last resort!

Tom Walker

"Bob" <> wrote in message
news:. ..
> Have your son try Last Known Good Configuration.
>
> http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Win...d1033.mspx#EOC
>
> "Tom Walker" <> wrote in message
> news:...
>> My son (away at university) has just installed this week's Microsoft
>> updates and now is unable to get his laptop re-started (it's an Acer
>> Aspire 5633 about a year old).
>>
>> It says "Configuring Updates. Stage 3 of 3 0% Complete.
>> Then it says "Shutting Down" and restarts the whole cycle. This goes on
>> and on....
>>
>> He has tried to get it into Safe Mode but it won't, just goes back into
>> the cycle described above.
>>
>> I've searched on Google and come up with only one hit - that described
>> identical symptoms and was posted in a blog about three hours ago. There
>> are some references to the same message related to SP1 installation but
>> my son is just using the standard Microsoft Update service - not gone
>> near SP1.
>>
>> Is anyone else getting this symptom and has anyone any ideas how to get
>> out of it without wiping the whole machine?
>>
>> Many thanks for any help.
>>
>> Tom Walker
>

Just got an email response back from Microsoft in the UK - see below. For
non-UK folk, 0870 numbers cost more than standard land-line calls and a
proportion of this charge gets paid to Microsoft!

You couldn't make it up.

------------------
"Dear Sir/Madam,

Thank you for your email about issues with Microsoft® Windows® Updates.

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

If you do not find the answer you are looking for and wish to discuss your
alternative support options, please call our Customer Support team on 0870
60 10 100. The lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, excluding
public holidays.

Thank you again for getting in touch.

Kind Regards,

PARASHIVA MURTHY
Customer Service Professional
Microsoft Customer Services"
------------------------------




"Tom Walker" <> wrote in message
news:...
> Thanks for all the comments - have now tried several things:
>
> 1. Disconnected all networks and re-boot - no change
>
> 2. Select "Last known good configuration" in boot options - no change
>
> 3. Select boot normally with vga 640x480 - no change.
>
> Going to try and contact Microsoft in the UK and am also posting
> re-install CDs/DVDs today as a last resort!
>
> Tom Walker
>
> "Bob" <> wrote in message
> news:. ..
>> Have your son try Last Known Good Configuration.
>>
>> http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Win...d1033.mspx#EOC
>>
>> "Tom Walker" <> wrote in message
>> news:...
>>> My son (away at university) has just installed this week's Microsoft
>>> updates and now is unable to get his laptop re-started (it's an Acer
>>> Aspire 5633 about a year old).
>>>
>>> It says "Configuring Updates. Stage 3 of 3 0% Complete.
>>> Then it says "Shutting Down" and restarts the whole cycle. This goes on
>>> and on....
>>>
>>> He has tried to get it into Safe Mode but it won't, just goes back into
>>> the cycle described above.
>>>
>>> I've searched on Google and come up with only one hit - that described
>>> identical symptoms and was posted in a blog about three hours ago.
>>> There are some references to the same message related to SP1
>>> installation but my son is just using the standard Microsoft Update
>>> service - not gone near SP1.
>>>
>>> Is anyone else getting this symptom and has anyone any ideas how to get
>>> out of it without wiping the whole machine?
>>>
>>> Many thanks for any help.
>>>
>>> Tom Walker
>>
>

Skype
http://www.skype.com/

"Tom Walker" <> wrote in message
news:...
> Just got an email response back from Microsoft in the UK - see below. For
> non-UK folk, 0870 numbers cost more than standard land-line calls and a
> proportion of this charge gets paid to Microsoft!
>
> You couldn't make it up.
>
> ------------------
> "Dear Sir/Madam,
>
> Thank you for your email about issues with Microsoft® Windows® Updates.
>
> 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
>
> If you do not find the answer you are looking for and wish to discuss your
> alternative support options, please call our Customer Support team on 0870
> 60 10 100. The lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, excluding
> public holidays.
>
> Thank you again for getting in touch.
>
> Kind Regards,
>
> PARASHIVA MURTHY
> Customer Service Professional
> Microsoft Customer Services"
> ------------------------------
>
>
>
>
> "Tom Walker" <> wrote in message
> news:...
>> Thanks for all the comments - have now tried several things:
>>
>> 1. Disconnected all networks and re-boot - no change
>>
>> 2. Select "Last known good configuration" in boot options - no change
>>
>> 3. Select boot normally with vga 640x480 - no change.
>>
>> Going to try and contact Microsoft in the UK and am also posting
>> re-install CDs/DVDs today as a last resort!
>>
>> Tom Walker
>>
>> "Bob" <> wrote in message
>> news:. ..
>>> Have your son try Last Known Good Configuration.
>>>
>>> http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Win...d1033.mspx#EOC
>>>
>>> "Tom Walker" <> wrote in message
>>> news:...
>>>> My son (away at university) has just installed this week's Microsoft
>>>> updates and now is unable to get his laptop re-started (it's an Acer
>>>> Aspire 5633 about a year old).
>>>>
>>>> It says "Configuring Updates. Stage 3 of 3 0% Complete.
>>>> Then it says "Shutting Down" and restarts the whole cycle. This goes
>>>> on and on....
>>>>
>>>> He has tried to get it into Safe Mode but it won't, just goes back into
>>>> the cycle described above.
>>>>
>>>> I've searched on Google and come up with only one hit - that described
>>>> identical symptoms and was posted in a blog about three hours ago.
>>>> There are some references to the same message related to SP1
>>>> installation but my son is just using the standard Microsoft Update
>>>> service - not gone near SP1.
>>>>
>>>> Is anyone else getting this symptom and has anyone any ideas how to get
>>>> out of it without wiping the whole machine?
>>>>
>>>> Many thanks for any help.
>>>>
>>>> Tom Walker
>>>
>>
>

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. When you call, clearly state that your problem is related
to a Security Update and cite the update's KB number (e.g., KB123456).

If your problem relates to a Cumulative Security Update for IE, call the
above number (or the toll-free number for your locale) and ask to be
transferred to the Consumer IE7 queue (which is 47830).

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.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)
AumHa VSOP & Admin; DTS-L.net


Tom Walker wrote:
> Just got an email response back from Microsoft in the UK - see below. For
> non-UK folk, 0870 numbers cost more than standard land-line calls and a
> proportion of this charge gets paid to Microsoft!
>
> You couldn't make it up.
>
> ------------------
> "Dear Sir/Madam,
>
> Thank you for your email about issues with Microsoft® Windows® Updates.
>
> 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
>
> If you do not find the answer you are looking for and wish to discuss your
> alternative support options, please call our Customer Support team on 0870
> 60 10 100. The lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, excluding
> public holidays.
>
> Thank you again for getting in touch.
>
> Kind Regards,
>
> PARASHIVA MURTHY
> Customer Service Professional
> Microsoft Customer Services"
> ------------------------------
>
>
>
>
> "Tom Walker" <> wrote in message
> news:...
>> Thanks for all the comments - have now tried several things:
>>
>> 1. Disconnected all networks and re-boot - no change
>>
>> 2. Select "Last known good configuration" in boot options - no change
>>
>> 3. Select boot normally with vga 640x480 - no change.
>>
>> Going to try and contact Microsoft in the UK and am also posting
>> re-install CDs/DVDs today as a last resort!
>>
>> Tom Walker
>>
>> "Bob" <> wrote in message
>> news:. ..
>>> Have your son try Last Known Good Configuration.
>>>
>>> http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Win...d1033.mspx#EOC
>>>
>>> "Tom Walker" <> wrote in message
>>> news:...
>>>> My son (away at university) has just installed this week's Microsoft
>>>> updates and now is unable to get his laptop re-started (it's an Acer
>>>> Aspire 5633 about a year old).
>>>>
>>>> It says "Configuring Updates. Stage 3 of 3 0% Complete.
>>>> Then it says "Shutting Down" and restarts the whole cycle. This goes
>>>> on
>>>> and on....
>>>>
>>>> He has tried to get it into Safe Mode but it won't, just goes back into
>>>> the cycle described above.
>>>>
>>>> I've searched on Google and come up with only one hit - that described
>>>> identical symptoms and was posted in a blog about three hours ago.
>>>> There are some references to the same message related to SP1
>>>> installation but my son is just using the standard Microsoft Update
>>>> service - not gone near SP1.
>>>>
>>>> Is anyone else getting this symptom and has anyone any ideas how to get
>>>> out of it without wiping the whole machine?
>>>>
>>>> Many thanks for any help.
>>>>
>>>> Tom Walker

Thanks, Bob - there's also a "saynoto0870" website in the UK that gives
standard number alternatives to 0870 numbers.

I've seen a couple of posts now where people have managed to get in to the
Repair My Computer area in the advanced boot menu and have been able to
restore back to before the updates. Can also be done with a bootable Vista
DVD.

The text below comes from other forums I've found with Google during the
day.

I've mailed various startup disks to my son in the hope that he can wind it
back without having to wipe it.

Tom Walker

-------
I was able to get this resolved temporarily by booting from the Vista DVD,
choosing the repair option and running system restore back to the 13th. I
will have to disable automatic updates until I can figure out what is
happening with the updates.


Not to jump into the middle of this conversation...but I just got off the
phone with MS Tech Support with my Stage 3 of 3: 0% problem...

My Vista HPrem laptop downloaded updates from 2/12/2008 and got stuck in a
reboot loop.
None of the adv. reboot options worked (Safe Mode, etc.)

The MS support guy had me boot to my Vista CD, and run startup repair. This
process had me "Restore' and after a reboot I was back into my desktop.

Apparently, so MS says ( ;-) ), my machine was restarted thinking it had
downloaded an update, but really the update hadn't been downloaded. So,
upon reboot, it couldn't find the update and Vista kept trying to install it
endlessly.

So, after renaming some update related folders in safe mode, now I'm trying
to install the updates again.


"Bob" <> wrote in message
news:. ..
> Skype
> http://www.skype.com/
>
> "Tom Walker" <> wrote in message
> news:...
>> Just got an email response back from Microsoft in the UK - see below.
>> For non-UK folk, 0870 numbers cost more than standard land-line calls and
>> a proportion of this charge gets paid to Microsoft!
>>
>> You couldn't make it up.
>>
>> ------------------
>> "Dear Sir/Madam,
>>
>> Thank you for your email about issues with Microsoft® Windows® Updates.
>>
>> 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
>>
>> If you do not find the answer you are looking for and wish to discuss
>> your alternative support options, please call our Customer Support team
>> on 0870 60 10 100. The lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday,
>> excluding public holidays.
>>
>> Thank you again for getting in touch.
>>
>> Kind Regards,
>>
>> PARASHIVA MURTHY
>> Customer Service Professional
>> Microsoft Customer Services"
>> ------------------------------
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> "Tom Walker" <> wrote in message
>> news:...
>>> Thanks for all the comments - have now tried several things:
>>>
>>> 1. Disconnected all networks and re-boot - no change
>>>
>>> 2. Select "Last known good configuration" in boot options - no change
>>>
>>> 3. Select boot normally with vga 640x480 - no change.
>>>
>>> Going to try and contact Microsoft in the UK and am also posting
>>> re-install CDs/DVDs today as a last resort!
>>>
>>> Tom Walker
>>>
>>> "Bob" <> wrote in message
>>> news:. ..
>>>> Have your son try Last Known Good Configuration.
>>>>
>>>> http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Win...d1033.mspx#EOC
>>>>
>>>> "Tom Walker" <> wrote in message
>>>> news:...
>>>>> My son (away at university) has just installed this week's Microsoft
>>>>> updates and now is unable to get his laptop re-started (it's an Acer
>>>>> Aspire 5633 about a year old).
>>>>>
>>>>> It says "Configuring Updates. Stage 3 of 3 0% Complete.
>>>>> Then it says "Shutting Down" and restarts the whole cycle. This goes
>>>>> on and on....
>>>>>
>>>>> He has tried to get it into Safe Mode but it won't, just goes back
>>>>> into the cycle described above.
>>>>>
>>>>> I've searched on Google and come up with only one hit - that described
>>>>> identical symptoms and was posted in a blog about three hours ago.
>>>>> There are some references to the same message related to SP1
>>>>> installation but my son is just using the standard Microsoft Update
>>>>> service - not gone near SP1.
>>>>>
>>>>> Is anyone else getting this symptom and has anyone any ideas how to
>>>>> get out of it without wiping the whole machine?
>>>>>
>>>>> Many thanks for any help.
>>>>>
>>>>> Tom Walker
>>>>
>>>
>>
>

That's what I did in Microsoft's UK site to generate the "helpful" response
I displayed in my previous post.

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" <> wrote in message
news:eBu9hU$...
> 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. When you call, clearly state that your problem is
> related to a Security Update and cite the update's KB number (e.g.,
> KB123456).
>
> If your problem relates to a Cumulative Security Update for IE, call the
> above number (or the toll-free number for your locale) and ask to be
> transferred to the Consumer IE7 queue (which is 47830).
>
> 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.
> --
> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
> MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)
> AumHa VSOP & Admin; DTS-L.net
>
>
> Tom Walker wrote:
>> Just got an email response back from Microsoft in the UK - see below.
>> For
>> non-UK folk, 0870 numbers cost more than standard land-line calls and a
>> proportion of this charge gets paid to Microsoft!
>>
>> You couldn't make it up.
>>
>> ------------------
>> "Dear Sir/Madam,
>>
>> Thank you for your email about issues with Microsoft® Windows® Updates.
>>
>> 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
>>
>> If you do not find the answer you are looking for and wish to discuss
>> your
>> alternative support options, please call our Customer Support team on
>> 0870
>> 60 10 100. The lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday,
>> excluding
>> public holidays.
>>
>> Thank you again for getting in touch.
>>
>> Kind Regards,
>>
>> PARASHIVA MURTHY
>> Customer Service Professional
>> Microsoft Customer Services"
>> ------------------------------
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> "Tom Walker" <> wrote in message
>> news:...
>>> Thanks for all the comments - have now tried several things:
>>>
>>> 1. Disconnected all networks and re-boot - no change
>>>
>>> 2. Select "Last known good configuration" in boot options - no change
>>>
>>> 3. Select boot normally with vga 640x480 - no change.
>>>
>>> Going to try and contact Microsoft in the UK and am also posting
>>> re-install CDs/DVDs today as a last resort!
>>>
>>> Tom Walker
>>>
>>> "Bob" <> wrote in message
>>> news:. ..
>>>> Have your son try Last Known Good Configuration.
>>>>
>>>> http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Win...d1033.mspx#EOC
>>>>
>>>> "Tom Walker" <> wrote in message
>>>> news:...
>>>>> My son (away at university) has just installed this week's Microsoft
>>>>> updates and now is unable to get his laptop re-started (it's an Acer
>>>>> Aspire 5633 about a year old).
>>>>>
>>>>> It says "Configuring Updates. Stage 3 of 3 0% Complete.
>>>>> Then it says "Shutting Down" and restarts the whole cycle. This goes
>>>>> on
>>>>> and on....
>>>>>
>>>>> He has tried to get it into Safe Mode but it won't, just goes back
>>>>> into
>>>>> the cycle described above.
>>>>>
>>>>> I've searched on Google and come up with only one hit - that described
>>>>> identical symptoms and was posted in a blog about three hours ago.
>>>>> There are some references to the same message related to SP1
>>>>> installation but my son is just using the standard Microsoft Update
>>>>> service - not gone near SP1.
>>>>>
>>>>> Is anyone else getting this symptom and has anyone any ideas how to
>>>>> get
>>>>> out of it without wiping the whole machine?
>>>>>
>>>>> Many thanks for any help.
>>>>>
>>>>> Tom Walker
>