server restarts but never gets to the ctrl alt del message

I have installed the latest security updates and restarted the server. When
the server restarts, it gets stuck at the window saying 'applying server
settings' and does not move on to ctrl alt del.
Same behavior using RDC.
Is there any way to access the server by any other way and allow it to
finish the startup process, so that the interactive console is available?
Thanks!
Olivier

 

How long have you let it wait?

Are you running APC UPS software? (Ver 6?)

Have you tried safe mode?

Matt Gibson - GSEC

 

Thank you for replying so quickly!

yes, it is running APC business software.
I was not aware that it might affect the server other than by not running.
What would you suggest as the next step?

I have not tried safe mode yet, as I wanted first to get an idea of what may
be causing the problem. The server is higly used and it is difficult to get
it offline too long.
Olivieri

 

sign onto a workstation as the domain administrator.
open the local management console (rt-click My Computer, Manage)
rt-click My Computer in the management console and 'connect to another
computer', select the server.
under Services and Applications, Services, disable the APC services.
rt-click My Computer in the management console and 'properties'.
on the advanced page, Startup and recovery, hit the shutdown button, select
restart and force apps closed 'if hung'. Click OK.

You might also manually stop the Exchange services before attempting the
shutdown. (bit of 'belt and braces' doesn't hurt)

Does the server restart normally?

 

Start in Safe mode and disable the APC services and und upgrade to version 7