This is not a permanent solution but does stop auto updates.
- You can do this using the Windows Update service. Via Control Panel > Administrative Tools, you can access Services.
- In the Services window, scroll down to Windows Update and turn off the process.
- To turn it off, right-click on the process, click on Properties and select Disabled.
at least until you get things sorted out. I had the same thing happen to me about the personalized settings, it did it the last update, I solved it, and now another update and it did it again.. Tried the task mgr, but it wouldn't come up either on the black screen. I just did a hard re-boot, and it did the same thing again but I just waited and personalized settings did load. But it still PISSES ME OFF that every time I get an update from Microsoft, I have to wait with baited breath if my system is going to work right if at all. That is totally unacceptable and I'm considering just dumping windows and going with LINUX which, pay attention MICROSOFT, is free. I am not a happy camper and take note of that Microsoft, I am not happy. That is how YOU lose customers and I'm not going to let your crap make ME lose clients. I'm pissed.