Latest Vista Update stuck in Stage 3/restart loop

Anonymous
2009-07-26T19:43:12+00:00

I have Vista Business system on a Toshiba notebook, latest Service Pack and with all updates.  It was fully functional when i last shut it down.  I just booted it up to find the Stage 3 page of a Windows update.  0% progress shown, then it restarts, and opens at the same page again.  Stuck in this loop.  Have tried using F8 to get last good installation, and to stop auto restart, without success, it just keeps returning to the Stage 3 page and reboots.  Tried Systems Repair which offered a System Restore, but that wouldn't start.  System Repair now just keeps showing progress (for 3/4 hour) without any HD activity.  I shut it down and it still restarts at same Stage 3 page.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Performance and system failures

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Anonymous
2009-07-29T01:37:10+00:00

Configuring updates stage 3 of 3. 0% complete

Road Map:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949358

Use the System Recovery options to rename the Pending.xml file and edit

the registry:

On the System Recovery Options page, click Command Prompt.

Type cd C:\windows\winsxs, and then press ENTER.

Type ren pending.xml pending.old, and then press ENTER.

Type regedit, and then press ENTER.

Select HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.

On the File menu, click Load Hive.

Locate the following folder:

C:\windows\system32\config\components

When you are prompted for a name, type Offline_Components.

In Registry Editor, locate and then delete the following registry

subkey:

HLKM\Offline Components\AdvancedInstallersNeedResolving

HKLM\Offline Components\PendingXmlIdentifier

Exit Registry Editor:

At the command prompt, type exit to exit Registry Editor.

Press ENTER.

Click Restart.

Kindly reply to me if the steps worked.

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  1. Anonymous
    2009-10-06T21:09:39+00:00

    I have upgraded my home premium to Ultimate and updated all windows update.

    Then i have tried vista SP1 ,  when its installing the stage 3 it was keep on rebooting.

    I have tried to start in all the modes ...but it still doing the installation and restarting.

    When i checked with my recovery disc, windows not showing any restore point.

    I dont want to loose any data in the laptop ...So i didnt recover my laptop to its original state.

    Then i tried to do the things in http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949358 

    I put my vista upgrade DVD and tried to do the 3rd step from the above link

    when i do  On the System Recovery Options page, click Command Prompt.

    My system shows x:\sources

    How can i do the Use the System Recovery options to rename the Pending.xml file and edit the registry:

    Pl let me know...I am worried 

    Thanks

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  2. Anonymous
    2009-09-13T15:25:58+00:00

    Does anyone know if this is a service pack 2 problem? My laptop worked without a hitch until recently and the only way I solved the problem was to go back to manufacturer's settings - before I learnt about the above solutions. That of course was a pain with the reloading of programmes etc!

    I discovered that these problems only started after SP2 had been automatically downloaded a few days before.

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  3. Anonymous
    2009-09-10T15:41:26+00:00

    I agree but this is more than a silly problem.  It's the epitome why the PC vs. Mac TV ads exist. I'm a PC but right now I wish I was a MAC.

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  4. Anonymous
    2009-08-30T09:32:39+00:00

    Hi...I am having the same problem, and am struggling to submit a question

    I cannot get out of the loop and dont have the Vista Disc...I don't think we got one from Acer?

    So, how can I break the loop to get to DOS

    I saw that one of the options was as follows, but I tried this but never go a welcome screen, just the same loop

     1.     Restart your computer if it is powered on.

     2.     Tap the F8 key after your computer initially powers on.

     3.     Once you see the Advanced Boot Options menu you can stop tapping.

     4.     Use the up/down arrow keys to highlight your selection.

     5.     Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

     6.     You should see drivers loading, and then please wait for the welcome screen.

     7.     Logon to your computer using an account with Administrator privileges.

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