Computer won't start up after several failed attempts to install updates

prizice24 · 11-03-2009, 02:08 PM

Like many times in the past, windows had been prompting me to install updates. I selected the option to install these updates before I shut my computer down. My screen would read "installing update 1 of 3" or something similar, but that would stay on that screen for hours until I would perform a hard shut down. This happened several times before my computer simply stopped starting up. System Restore doesn't work and neither does anything else. A Startup Repair message flashes on my screen saying "Windows cannot repair this computer automatically. If you have recently attached a device to this computer, such as a camera or portable music player, remove it and restart your computer. If you continue to see this message contact your system administrator or computer manufacturer for assistance."

Please help

joeten · 11-03-2009, 02:16 PM

Hi and welcome to TSF please post your make and model and full spec,is it laptop or desktop,do you have any service packs installed,have you tried safe mode.

prizice24 · 11-04-2009, 07:33 AM

Compaq Presario C700 notebook with Windows Vista. If I have ever been prompted to install a service pack then I have done it. When I attempt to use safe mode, I receive a blue screen which says a problem has been detected and then my computer immediately shuts down again.

**jcgriff2** · 11-04-2009, 08:12 AM

Please follow these instructions --> http://www.techsupportforum.com/1871981-post2.html

Attach the resulting zip files to your next post.

jcgriff2

.

prizice24 · 11-05-2009, 08:26 AM

Thanks, but unforutnately, I cannot even get my computer started so I am unable to follow those instructions.

**spike2me** · 11-05-2009, 01:11 PM

If you have your Vista DVD, boot off of that and choose to Repair your computer. Vista will try and repair itself from the DVD if that fails it will give you the option to do a System Restore, Repair Install or go to the Recovery Console, where you can type chkdsk /f/r to run the Check Disk Utility.

**jenae** · 11-05-2009, 07:45 PM

Hi, looks like you have been stuck by the endless update loop. I agree that chkdsk should be run however not just yet (it will not fix the problem). Follow Spikes advice to boot from the Vista DVD , use the command prompt and to save time here is the tech note fix for your problem from my company's data base:-

Code:

1.  Insert the Windows Server installation disc in the disc drive, and then restart the computer. 
2.  When you are prompted to restart from the disc, press any key. 
3.  When you are prompted, configure the Language to install, Time and currency format , and Keyboard or input method options that you want, and then click Next . 
4.  On the Install Windows page, click Repair your computer . 
5.  On the System Recovery Options page, click the version of the Windows Server operating system that you want to repair, and then click Next . 
Use the System Recovery options to rename the Pending.xml file and edit the registry : 1.  On the System Recovery Options page, click Command Prompt . 
2.  Type cd C:\windows\winsxs , and then press ENTER. 
3.  Type ren pending.xml pending.old , and then press ENTER. 
4.  Type regedit , and then press ENTER. 
5.  Select HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE . 
6.  On the File menu, click Load Hive . 
7.  Locate the following folder: C:\windows\system32\config\components 
8.  When you are prompted for a name, type Offline_Components . 
9.  In Registry Editor, locate and then delete the following registry subkey:
HLKM\Offline Components\AdvancedInstallersNeedResolving
HKLM\Offline Components\PendingXmlIdentifier 
Exit Registry Editor :
9.1.  At the command prompt, type exit to exit Registry Editor. 
9.2.  Press ENTER. 
9.3.  Click Restart .

Do not worry if in step 9 you cannot find the registry keys, just proceed. When back into windows then run chkdsk and also run a defrag.

prizice24 · 11-08-2009, 10:53 AM

Thank you so much. I reinstalled the Windows Server Installation disc and my computer is back up and running!

11-03-2009, 02:08 PM	#1 (permalink)
prizice24 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4 OS: Windows Vista	Computer won't start up after several failed attempts to install updates Like many times in the past, windows had been prompting me to install updates. I selected the option to install these updates before I shut my computer down. My screen would read "installing update 1 of 3" or something similar, but that would stay on that screen for hours until I would perform a hard shut down. This happened several times before my computer simply stopped starting up. System Restore doesn't work and neither does anything else. A Startup Repair message flashes on my screen saying "Windows cannot repair this computer automatically. If you have recently attached a device to this computer, such as a camera or portable music player, remove it and restart your computer. If you continue to see this message contact your system administrator or computer manufacturer for assistance." Please help

11-03-2009, 02:16 PM	#2 (permalink)
joeten Tech Hardware Team Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 3,220 OS: vista	Re: Computer won't start up after several failed attempts to install updates Hi and welcome to TSF please post your make and model and full spec,is it laptop or desktop,do you have any service packs installed,have you tried safe mode. __________________

11-04-2009, 07:33 AM	#3 (permalink)
prizice24 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4 OS: Windows Vista	Re: Computer won't start up after several failed attempts to install updates Compaq Presario C700 notebook with Windows Vista. If I have ever been prompted to install a service pack then I have done it. When I attempt to use safe mode, I receive a blue screen which says a problem has been detected and then my computer immediately shuts down again.

11-04-2009, 08:12 AM	#4 (permalink)
jcgriff2 Moderator, Microsoft Supp Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: The Great State of New Jersey - away from the gross corruption of the Riverside County, CA, S.O. . . . . . . . SHAMEFUL ACTIVITIES INDEED ! ! ! Posts: 10,177 OS: Windows 7, Vista Ultimate My System	Re: Computer won't start up after several failed attempts to install updates Please follow these instructions --> http://www.techsupportforum.com/1871981-post2.html Attach the resulting zip files to your next post. jcgriff2 . __________________ . . . . . . . . BSOD Posting Instructions B Expecting a reply and waiting > 36 hours ? Send a PM to me containing a link to your thread Glad to be home in the Great State of New Jersey ! !

11-05-2009, 08:26 AM	#5 (permalink)
prizice24 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4 OS: Windows Vista	Re: Computer won't start up after several failed attempts to install updates Thanks, but unforutnately, I cannot even get my computer started so I am unable to follow those instructions.

11-05-2009, 01:11 PM	#6 (permalink)
spike2me TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 2,676 OS: XP SP3, Vista SP2, Windows7	Re: Computer won't start up after several failed attempts to install updates If you have your Vista DVD, boot off of that and choose to Repair your computer. Vista will try and repair itself from the DVD if that fails it will give you the option to do a System Restore, Repair Install or go to the Recovery Console, where you can type chkdsk /f/r to run the Check Disk Utility. __________________ Spike Baron A Plus, MCSE, MCAS (office 2007) MOUS, CNA

11-08-2009, 10:53 AM	#8 (permalink)
prizice24 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4 OS: Windows Vista	Re: Computer won't start up after several failed attempts to install updates Thank you so much. I reinstalled the Windows Server Installation disc and my computer is back up and running!