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
    2015-09-29T10:37:02+00:00

    I been working on this problem for a little bit now . Never thought about it being caused by microsoft. Figures I didn't finish my bootable usb drive windows pe Os with all resorces and tools possible squeezed on. Now I am stuck in windows upgrade strongarm loop virus limbo with the rest of you. 3 is my lucky number and I am so sick of it I will be happy not seeing it anytime soon.

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  2. Anonymous
    2015-09-05T14:31:54+00:00

    This solution worked well! It solved the problem as described.

    Thanks a lot buddy :)

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  3. Anonymous
    2015-09-03T04:20:54+00:00

    Thanks,

    You need to open Reg edit usin Admin Access, please follow the steps:

    Click on search >> type : regedit.msc >> right click on regedit.msc >> open as Administrator by right click.

    Thank You..

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  4. Anonymous
    2015-09-01T11:08:50+00:00

    Hello and thanks for your post.

    When i reach the regedit steps, i can not select "On the File menu, click Load Hive.", it's grey and i can not select this menu item.

    What can i do?

    Thanks

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