Stage 3 of 3 - 0% then reboots
- When installing Vista SP1 RC1 (or possibly one of the prerequisite updates), it does the Windows Update thing just fine, but when I restarted the computer and it said "Configuring Updates" it got to "Stage 3 of 3 - 0%", paused for a few minutes, then said "Shutting Down..." and rebooted. Upon Reboot it sits at stage 3 for a bit, and reboots again. and again. and again.
Is there a way to boot to safe mode and uninstall the updates? Or to force it to start over from stage 1? Or... something? I tried F8 to get to safe mode but it wasn't working for some reaoson.
Answers
This is what worked for me:
- completely shut down computer by press & hold of start button
- start it by pressing start button
- when DELL screen appears, pressed F2 to enter Setup
- changed the order of booting device, and made sure that 'From CD/DVD' is the first option
- inserted the Windows Vista Business DVD
- continued booting, and it now booted from the DVD
- the first screen that comes up seems to indicate that VISTA will be reinstalled. This is not true though. When clicking NEXT, another screen comes up, and there I found the option in the left bottom corner to 'Repair Windows'
- I clicked on 'Repair Windows'
- Next screen I selected the C drive on which windows is installed
- Next screen shows several options, of which I did the following:
(-) Startup Repair => This did not find any problems
(-) System Restore => I restored it to a point, two days ago
- The System Restore took a while
- When it rebooted, I again pressed F2 to enter Setup
- Changed the order of booting device, and made sure that from disk is the first option
- I removed the VISTA CD, and continued the boot process
- It now came up OK
Just to be sure this does not happen again, I changed my setting of Windows Update, so it will ask me first if it should install the updates or not.
Hope this helps,
Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.
-Arjaan
Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in Windows Vista.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949358/en-us
A software update is available for the Windows Vista installation software feature
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/937287/en-us
1) not an SP1 problem start a new thread.
2) Try F1 then reset the start up sequence to allow the CD/DVD drive to boot up first then load OS disk.
3) Sounds like a hardware problem. Take it to a shop to have the hardware checked. Likely causes ....... RAM, power supply, motherboard, CPU (In this order of probability). Take out the RAM then reinstall it first, this might fix it, maybe. Check for loose connections. Unplug it and touch the screw on a light switch or some other metal object, first. Static electricity can ZAP electronic components! By ZAP, I mean destroy them.
Old PC? Get yourself a new one .......... Merry Christmas!
It has been nearly a year hasn't it.
All Replies
- I had the same behavior. :-(
The system will be restarted 6 or more times and then I got the "stop: 0x00000079" error and the system crashed. I have the same problem minus the reboot, system just stops responding. Upon resetting the system it offers the choice of booting to safe mode, and starts stage 3 again, percentage goes up to 100% and restarts but reports that the Service Pack was not installed and begins reverting changes.
I've tried both the Windows Update, and the full Service Pack download methods, no previous versions of the sp installed.
Ralph-
Please reply with your email, so that I can send you a link to upload your dump file.
Thanks,
John E [MSFT]
- Hi John,
here is my adress: goeldner AT reiseland-brandenburg DOT de
Bye
Ralf
I've tried several times now, and with the same results. Error Code: 0x80070426Hi Ralf,
I am also helping investigate the root cause of this problem. If you have the time and John hasn't already asked for them.
I'll be sending you an email with instructions to find and upload the following servicing logs:
(All files and sub-folders) %windir%\logs\cbs\
(All files and sub-folders) %windir%\Panther\
(All files and sub-folders) %windir%\Performance\WinSAT\Datastore\
(Might not exist) %windir%\winsxs\pending.xml
(Might not exist) %windir%\winsxs\poqexec.logThank you in advance,
Geoffrey Raynor
Microsoft Windows TechBeta Team
wolfblitz1979,
If you have the time I'd also like to obtain the service logs from this failing partition. It is possible to copy the files after booting with a Vista setup DVD and gaining access to the command console. Options are to copy to another partition, USB drive or other removable media.
If you could provide an address to write (be sure to 'encode' your address).
These are the locations of the logs:
(All files and sub-folders) %windir%\logs\cbs\
(All files and sub-folders) %windir%\Panther\
(All files and sub-folders) %windir%\Performance\WinSAT\Datastore\
(Might not exist) %windir%\winsxs\pending.xml
(Might not exist) %windir%\winsxs\poqexec.logThank you in advance,
Geoffrey Raynor
Microsoft Windows TechBeta Team
Vickor0,
If you have the time I'd also like to obtain the service logs from this failing partition. It is possible to copy the files after booting with a Vista setup DVD and gaining access to the command console. Options are to copy to another partition, USB drive or other removable media.
If you could provide an address to write (be sure to 'encode' your address).
These are the locations of the logs:
(All files and sub-folders) %windir%\logs\cbs\
(All files and sub-folders) %windir%\Panther\
(All files and sub-folders) %windir%\Performance\WinSAT\Datastore\
(Might not exist) %windir%\winsxs\pending.xml
(Might not exist) %windir%\winsxs\poqexec.logThank you in advance,
Geoffrey Raynor
Microsoft Windows TechBeta Team
- I had the same problem, except it reverted to Windows Vista Build 6000. This happened twice, it would get to Stage 3 0f 3, 35 percent completed and then revert. The third time was successful only after I turned off all programs that were in my taskbar. For example my anti-virus, printer software, etc:. Either I didn't read the instructions properly the first time or Microsoft failed to mention that ant-virus, anti-spyware programs should be turned off. Try turning off all programs and reinstall through Windows Update.
Thanks for the reply Geoffrey, I have gathered all but one of the files (pending.xml did not exist) here is my address: wolfblitz1979(at)yahoo.com.(nospam).
Much the same here but I recieve the full down load 100% then it appears to times out and reverts. Stage three also hangs at its start, at 60% and then a very long one at 100%. Just prior to stage three some files load some of the time but not always. It also hangs at 99% during the down load. My guess is the file is corrupt.
Bare with me, this is my first post here. I'm very much on the learning curve. For instance>>>Does this thing have a spell checker in it? Does it cut and paste?
- Geoffrey, I've already used System Restore to revert the update, so I doubt the logs exist anymore. Thanks anyways for your efforts.
Addendum
With all non essential programs disabled Vista SP1 (RC) still failing. Same results 3rd of 3 stages of restart at 100% it then reverts. Several hangs, at 99% of download a long hang, at start and 60% of stage three short hangs then a long one at 100%. I believe the problem is at the 99% hang during the down load of the software in up dates, this creates the revert in stage 3.
I see I maybe on the wrong forum.
Addendum
...................................................................................................
Please see last note at bottom. This could be important. These areas are for my notes.
Items in () are deleted items.
...................................................................................................
+ System
- Provider
[ Name] Microsoft-Windows-WindowsUpdateClient
[ Guid] {945a8954-c147-4acd-923f-40c45405a658}
EventID 20
Version 0
Level 2
Task 1
Opcode 13
Keywords 0x8000000000000028
- TimeCreated[ SystemTime] 2007-12-19T01:08:09.752Z
EventRecordID 194180
Correlation
- Execution[ ProcessID] 1044
[ ThreadID] 4892
Channel System
Computer (I have deleted this)
- Security[ UserID] (I have deleted this)
- EventData
errorCode 0x80004005
updateTitle Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Release Candidate 1 - Build 6001.17052 (x86)
updateGuid {CD2040EE-6100-4C6C-BDF4-6925050B8643}
updateRevisionNumber 101.....................................................................................
Error code 0x80004005
.....................................................................................+ System
- Provider
[ Name] Microsoft-Windows-Servicing
[ Guid] {bd12f3b8-fc40-4a61-a307-b7a013a069c1}
[ EventSourceName] Microsoft-Windows-Servicing
- EventID 4374[ Qualifiers] 32768
Version 0
Level 3
Task 0
Opcode 0
Keywords 0x80000000000000
- TimeCreated[ SystemTime] 2007-12-19T01:27:06.000Z
EventRecordID 194199
Correlation
- Execution[ ProcessID] 0
[ ThreadID] 0
Channel System
Computer (I have deleted this)
- Security[ UserID] (I have deleted this)
- UserData
- CbsPackageChangeState
PackageIdentifier KB936330
ReleaseType Service Pack
PackageState Absent
PackageAssembly Package_1_for_KB936330~31bf3856ad364e35~x86~~6.0.1.17052
Operation Absent
OperationCompleted True
ErrorCode 0x0
RebootOption False <<<I believe this is incorrect
MissingElements
....................................................................................
Note: RebootOption above is False. Shouldn't this be true? This could can be corrected in regedit if I'm correct.
.....................................................................................Had the same problem this morning.
Downloaded SP1 from MSDN (rc0 i believe) self-extracting exe, and installed on my portable (Dell D830)
Machine started installing SP1, rebooted and got stuck on Stage 3 of 3 - 0%
After two hours at that stage, although it said do not power of, I pulled the plug on the machine. Upon reboot it offered me the traditional "safe mode" options which I ignored, i rebooted the normal way.
The setup picked up again, and after a few reboots and some more windows with stage 3 of 3 I ended up with a succesfully installed SP1
If anyone at microsoft wants some logfiles, just let me know by email: microsoftATroad2resultDOTbe
This method failed for me my SP1 goes to 100% installed. I tried restarting, by pushing the tower button, several different ways and all failed. I did notice again that things went bad at the 99% mark of stage 3. I manually restarted at the BIOs window, at the end of stage 3 and then again after waiting a good while but before the revert.
Hi dango517,
The "RebootOption False" is fine. It's by design.
There is something else going wrong within your system.
I would like to send you a message and a place to upload those setup servicing logs listed on previous posts of mine.
Please provide an address ("encoded" for your protection) where I might send.
Thank you,
Geoffrey Raynor
Microsoft Windows Beta Team
- I am stuck at Stage 3 of 3 - 0 % for more than 4 hours now with endlessly repeating re-starts. Pulling the plug and rebooting does not work. Stage 3 of 3 - 0 % reappears whatever start-up option (safe-mode, last known working configuration) I choose. It's a mess.
Same thing happens to me. Saying it's our system that is the problem is an easy way out.
Oh lord what a mess. I was just trying to make that god awful system a little better. Little did I know..
have beeb trying to resolve this issue also for last week.
Machine just keeps rebooting
1. can access with ERD 2005 but wont attach to Vista OS
supposedly DaRT will do this but have been able to find a copy
of it yet.
2. Tried hitting f5 and f8 keys but doesnt bring up ability to boot into safe
mode or repair mode.
thanks
mailto:budelove@pacbell.net
Hi all,
I had the exact same problem. The installation hanging at stage 3 of 3, 0 %.
What did the trick for me was booting in 'safe mode with networking'. Force a reboot, press F8, and select said mode, and it might be working for you as it was for me. The only drawback is you have to do this a few times, viz. each time the computer reboots.
You might as well add the line SAFEBOOT_OPTION=Network in your boot.ini (provided you cn still get into Windows, of course). Hope this may help some.Not that installing SP1 RC1 solved any of my problems, but that's another matter.
sandokan
That seemed to do the trick for me. If it hangs on Stage 3 at 0%. Reboot, F8, select safe mode w/networking. Stage 3 will continue and finish normally.
I'm still getting this exact same issue with the RC Refresh via WU, still have yet to get the Service Pack to install.
The only good news I can give you is that the revert process is a lot faster this version.
Build 6001.17128 (x86)
- I was installing the update last night and went to sleep. Woke up the next day and saw the message "config updates 3 of 3, etc." on the screen. It kept on doing it for about 2 minutes and then automatically shuts down. It happens again and again and again. Been going on for 1 hour with no success. I tried safe mode, safe mode with network, safe mode with command prompt, etc. Still no sucess. I dont even know how to stop the configuration, Please HELP!!!!
Did you find a solution for this problem? I have exactly the same problem and could not find a solution, yet.
Thank you very much in advance.
- ... same problem here. Safe mode with networking was no help. Not running the SP1 beta, just the standard Vista update from last night. Please help, or at least give some guidance on backing out the upgrade. Please send any requests for data collection to will\DOT/harper{AT}gmail[DOT]com.
Same problem here guys. Any1 been able to fix and get around thisHi all. i had the same problem - got to stage 3 of 3 stuck at 0%. Rebooting to safe mode (with or without networking) did not help. I managed to perform a system restore by booting to Vista DVD - enter location details, hit next and choose option to repair. Have disabled auto updates - update history shows 3 failed attempts to install an update that is apparently a pre-requisite for SP1. Doesn't bode well, does it??
I've run into the same problem. stuck at stage 3 of 3 at 0%. I've tried safe mode and safe mode w/ networking...no luck. The system still keeps getting stuck and reboots.
- If you are getting stuck in Stage 3 with 0%. When you restore your system, do try uninstalling your anti-virus scanner, or anything that might be nuisance in the system tray. Just re-install them after SP1 installs successfully.
SpySweeper and Norton Antivirus were the two I uninstalled and it installed fine afterwards on a machine. - Hi EliteTech,
When you say "restore", how do you mean? A complete refresh of the system? - Same exact problem with my system (Lenovo T61P) with dual-boot Vista and Ubuntu 7.10. Ubuntu works just fine. When I boot into Vista it displays:
Configuring updates: Stage 3 of 3 - 0% complete.This message displays for about 30 seconds and then another it shuts down and reboots. I've tried everything I can think of but no luck. Good thing I have Ubuntu to go out to the web and find out what's going on... - Hi Geoffrey,
Is there any progress on this? I ran into this exact same problem last night. - ... I'm also dual booting Ubuntu, helpful for dumping the logs from the Vista partition (and overall stabililty for times like this). No AV or Spysweeper installed for me, so that's not it.
Sorry Geoffrey that I haven't responded sooner. I did attempt to up load those files you requested but they were so large. I couldn't get them into note pad. Shortly after the attempt I had a dual hard drive crash so that solved the SP1 problem for me. I'll just wait for the final release in about a month and "hope" it's fixed. I'm currently using several beta editions of Microsoft software and there working out great. No problems at all with .net 3.5 beta, Parallel Extensions and an XMl reader. Not a bug in the bunch.
I do have a question though. I'm trying to install the Windows debugger files in process explorer but can't find the right file any suggestions/re-directions you might have concerning this would be appreciated.
Also on one of the sites concerning the symbols server there is an error in one of the addresses so connects to the sight can not be made. You might wish to pass this along.
The addresses are associated with this site:
http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/devtools/debugging/debugstart.mspx
Though addresses are provided here they maybe correct. The addresses I was using were on a different page that I am unable to find. Have them check them all.
- Time for me to chime in here. I too have the same reboot problem where it gives the "configuring updates stage 3 of 3"
then reboots ad infinitum. I am unsure as to what to do, because entering safe mode gives the same screen (but larger, of course due to limited video drivers). But further more, I have no restore points saved apparently, so going back to a known previous good config is no good either! Does anyone have a last ditch solution?! I hate to reformat the damned thing, but I feel as if the tripods are fast approaching the town and there is little else to do but to hide in the basement until the germs take back the planet! My rig is an HP pavillion DV9000, btw. Thanks. I'll add this to my post. The SP1 can be sort of removed by using the "hide" function in updates. Unfortunately you have to have one to hide before you can do so. This being the case I can't give you specific instructions on how to do this. I checked the "help" but it also said simply to hide it. I'm sure you'll figure it out.
If you remove it, you might wish to put a folder named "SP1 update" on your desk top. You have to remove the RC/Refresh versions before you download the real thing, this will be your reminder.
How's the Peach schnapps? Just watched that flick last week. Good show.
How does one do a system restore to revert the update ?
I never did this, so if you could write the exact steps, I would be very thankful...
- Not to jump into the middle of this conversation...but I just got off the phone with MS Tech Support with my Stage 3 of 3: 0% problem...
My Vista HPrem laptop downloaded updates from 2/12/2008 and got stuck in a reboot loop.
None of the adv. reboot options worked (Safe Mode, etc.)
The MS support guy had me boot to my Vista CD, and run startup repair. This process had me "Restore' and after a reboot I was back into my desktop.
Apparently, so MS says ( ;-) ), my machine was restarted thinking it had downloaded an update, but really the update hadn't been downloaded. So, upon reboot, it couldn't find the update and Vista kept trying to install it endlessly.
So, after renaming some update related folders in safe mode, now I'm trying to install the updates again...
Regards,
bickabah bickabah wrote: Not to jump into the middle of this conversation...but I just got off the phone with MS Tech Support with my Stage 3 of 3: 0% problem...
My Vista HPrem laptop downloaded updates from 2/12/2008 and got stuck in a reboot loop.
None of the adv. reboot options worked (Safe Mode, etc.)
The MS support guy had me boot to my Vista CD, and run startup repair. This process had me "Restore' and after a reboot I was back into my desktop.
Apparently, so MS says ( ;-) ), my machine was restarted thinking it had downloaded an update, but really the update hadn't been downloaded. So, upon reboot, it couldn't find the update and Vista kept trying to install it endlessly.
So, after renaming some update related folders in safe mode, now I'm trying to install the updates again...
Regards,
bickabahthat works for u??... 'cause ihave the same problem an i don'thavethe software disc near myself.... exist other diferents solutions???
- Yes...It worked. The updates installed fine.
None of these options worked for me.
My recovery disk for Vista Home premium 64-bit seems to only allow a reinstall? Am I missing something else?
I booted from the disk and have tried multiple options to install this update or restore. It always goes to windows INSTALL after that. No option to repair there.
Is there a boot disk I can download for 64-bit home premium? I hate to reinstall.. I have so many things...
- The repair is not available if you install the disk while in the OS it must be loaded at the BIOs screen. Once installed you will be presented with the language options then a scan runs on the next screen in the lower left hand corner choose repair options then choose "restart repair" on the next screen. That's four screens/windows/applets total.
- I'm no expert...all I know is, when my system booted to Vista, I had the option to "repair" on the bottom left. After choosing my installation partitiion, a window popped up and asked me if I wanted to restore.
Perhaphs you could call MS, like I did...This problem is being reported all over the place...
Since this problem is related to a "security" issue (KB 941172 or KB 937287), they are supposed to give tech support for *free*...and they did in my case. I found this info. on the web elsewhere...
***************
SS = Product Support Services
Start a free Windows Update support incident request:
https://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=6527Support for Windows Update:
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/wusupportFor home users, no-charge support is available by calling 1-866-PCSAFETY in
the United States and in Canada or by contacting your local Microsoft
subsidiary. There is no-charge for support calls that are associated with
security updates. When you call, clearly state that your problem is related
to a Security Update and cite the update's KB number (e.g., KB123456).If your problem relates to a Cumulative Security Update for IE, call the
above number and ask to be transferred to the Consumer IE7 queue (which is
47830).For more information about how to contact your local Microsoft subsidiary
for security update support issues, visit the International Support Web
site: http://support.microsoft.com/common/international.aspxFor enterprise customers, support for security updates is available through
your usual support contacts.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)
AumHa VSOP & Admin; DTS-L.net*******************
Just call and give them the KB number you'll calling about...
Hope this helps...
Ya I do that.. I boot from the recovery CD.. select my languages... and next window ssays "Type your profcut key for activation" There is no repair option on the bottom left. Only something that says "What is activation?" and "Read our privacy statement"
Then it says "Where do you want to install Windows?"
Then it says it will put my old windows in folder called windows.old...
I downloaded a recovery disk from another site.. just to recover it, but I believe its for a different version of vista so will not work. So wondering if there is a sepcific one for my version. Nothing illegal please, legit boot disks only.
*edit* My version is Vista Home Premium 64-bit
- Just double checking here. Shut down your computer then turn it on using the tower power button when the first screen appears the BIOs screen (usually the brand of computer you have appears here.) load the OS install disk here. If you load the disk after you log on to the OS the repair option does not appear. If your doing this then I can't help you. I'm using Vista Business.
Guess it doesnt matter, it is a manufacturer's recovery disk. It won't repair.. it only reinstalls.
It skips the repair option screen and goes straight to CD key entry screen.
This is what I get for updating windows? Why don't these MS people help?
- Bickabah,
Can you list the folders that you had to rename?
I do not have any system restore points, but I do have the means to write to my Vista partiition via Linux dual-boot.
I read somewhere to rename \Windows\SoftwareDistribution, but that alone did not get it.
TIA,
shonenfan Yes, SoftwareDistribution...but also, windows\system32\catroot2. However, I renamed them from within Safe Mode (after my "restore" of my startup files), and I had to STOP a few services to accomplish that (Cryptographic Services, Windows Update, adn Background Intelligent Updater (I think)...
I'd have no idea what would happen accessing catroot2 from a Linux part.
This is what worked for me:
- completely shut down computer by press & hold of start button
- start it by pressing start button
- when DELL screen appears, pressed F2 to enter Setup
- changed the order of booting device, and made sure that 'From CD/DVD' is the first option
- inserted the Windows Vista Business DVD
- continued booting, and it now booted from the DVD
- the first screen that comes up seems to indicate that VISTA will be reinstalled. This is not true though. When clicking NEXT, another screen comes up, and there I found the option in the left bottom corner to 'Repair Windows'
- I clicked on 'Repair Windows'
- Next screen I selected the C drive on which windows is installed
- Next screen shows several options, of which I did the following:
(-) Startup Repair => This did not find any problems
(-) System Restore => I restored it to a point, two days ago
- The System Restore took a while
- When it rebooted, I again pressed F2 to enter Setup
- Changed the order of booting device, and made sure that from disk is the first option
- I removed the VISTA CD, and continued the boot process
- It now came up OK
Just to be sure this does not happen again, I changed my setting of Windows Update, so it will ask me first if it should install the updates or not.
Hope this helps,
Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.
-Arjaan
- For what it's worth, I did a system restore to take my system back prior to the updates. Then I installed all but the three Vista OS updates and set a restore point right there. Then I installed the three updates. No problem. So I can't reproduce the problem. It could be a one-off glitch or something in the order of installing all of the updates at once. Who knows.
Hello,
For this specific issue if you are running into this reboot problem from the current downloads for the pre-reqs for SP1 or for SP1 itself.
I would like to see some log files so as to determine a cause for the issue
Can you send me some of the log files from the system?
%windir%\logs\cbs\*.*
%windir%\WindowsUpdate*.log
%windir%\inf\setupapi.dev.log
%windir%\winsxs\poqexec.log (if exists)
%windir%\winsxs\pending.* (if exists)
%windir%\Performance\WinSAT\Datastore\*.*
%windir%\System32\winevt\Logs\application.evtx
Try booting to the Windows Vista DVD, choose the repair option in the lower
left-hand corner.
Choose to boot to a CMD prompt, copy the log files to a temp folder (or
onto removable media if available)while in the repair more after copying the files to a temp location, you
should be able to choose the system restore option.
This should get you back operational.
Then send me the log file.
Remove the online the email darrellg@online.microsoft.com.
Thanks,
Darrell Gorter[MSFT]This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights
Hi Darrell, thanks for the reply.
I can aqire those logs for you if you still require, however how would you suggest those of us without a recent restore point proceed at eliminating the problem?
Thanks
Bon
Darrell Gorter [MSFT] wrote: Hello,
For this specific issue if you are running into this reboot problem from the current downloads for the pre-reqs for SP1 or for SP1 itself.
I would like to see some log files so as to determine a cause for the issue
Can you send me some of the log files from the system?
%windir%\logs\cbs\*.*
%windir%\WindowsUpdate*.log
%windir%\inf\setupapi.dev.log
%windir%\winsxs\poqexec.log (if exists)
%windir%\winsxs\pending.* (if exists)
%windir%\Performance\WinSAT\Datastore\*.*
%windir%\System32\winevt\Logs\application.evtx
Try booting to the Windows Vista DVD, choose the repair option in the lower
left-hand corner.
Choose to boot to a CMD prompt, copy the log files to a temp folder (or
onto removable media if available)while in the repair more after copying the files to a temp location, you
should be able to choose the system restore option.
This should get you back operational.
Then send me the log file.
Remove the online the email darrellg@online.microsoft.com.
Thanks,
Darrell Gorter[MSFT]This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights
- Darrell,
Good to see someone here from MS. I don't have system restore enabled, requested log files are on their way to your email. These total over 10M, will your SMTP server accept it? I do have read/write access to the Vista partition, so it would be great if you could tell us how to edit or rename something to back out the upgrade.
In my case, Windows update installed approximately nine updates, asked me to reboot, and then wanted to install one more. I suspect that the last update wasn't really there.
Log files are on the way.
TIA,
shonenfan Hello Shonefan,
Can you compress the logs file? I am not sure how much my Exchange server will handle. Or you can split them into multiple emails. I have gotten upto 6 meg files that I recall
Thanks
Darrell Gorter[MSFT]
Hi there, I have sent you 3 emails, one with all in one (around 8mb) and 2 with either half of the files
Hope it helps
Jon
Darrell Gorter [MSFT] wrote: Hello Shonefan,
Can you compress the logs file? I am not sure how much my Exchange server will handle. Or you can split them into multiple emails. I have gotten upto 6 meg files that I recall
Thanks
Darrell Gorter[MSFT]
- sent
sf - Arrgh, I have the same problem, but I can't even do a system restore point as my recovery Vista bootup cannot see my RAID1 configuration, it asks me to load a "Setup Information" 'driver' - I can't seem to find anything on the internet that doesn't map as a floppy disk image that I've long since deparated from. I have a - Intel(R) 82801FR SATA RAID Controller - any ideas?
ok so i got nothin if i put the dvdrom in it juat stays on a black screen with a little white line flashing in the upper left cornerif i eject the disc it just goes on its merry way doing the stage 3 of 3 0% then reboot and so on and so on, i tried starting it in all the safe modes and nothin I NEED HELP PLEASE i am not very computer literate
- I have exactly the same issue resulting from the latest Vista updates. I renamed the windir\SoftwareDistribution and windir\sytem32\catroot2 folders using my Linux install (system dual-boots). Unfortunately this did not result in any changes to the behaviour of Vista, it still Shuts down after the "Stage 3 of 3 - 0%" message. One thing I did notice is that before the "Shutting down" message appears, the User login screen appears but only for a split second.
I have experienced this once before in Vista after installing updates, however last time it was a hardware update and the system would reset when loading Vista (no soft shut-down or reboot - literally dumped you back to bios). At that time nobody else reported the same problem so I assumed it was specific to my system, however with so many reports of this latest issue surely Microsoft must commit to finding a resolution? ad101 wrote: This is what worked for me:
- completely shut down computer by press & hold of start button
- start it by pressing start button
- when DELL screen appears, pressed F2 to enter Setup
- changed the order of booting device, and made sure that 'From CD/DVD' is the first option
- inserted the Windows Vista Business DVD
- continued booting, and it now booted from the DVD
- the first screen that comes up seems to indicate that VISTA will be reinstalled. This is not true though. When clicking NEXT, another screen comes up, and there I found the option in the left bottom corner to 'Repair Windows'
- I clicked on 'Repair Windows'
- Next screen I selected the C drive on which windows is installed
- Next screen shows several options, of which I did the following:
(-) Startup Repair => This did not find any problems
(-) System Restore => I restored it to a point, two days ago
- The System Restore took a while
- When it rebooted, I again pressed F2 to enter Setup
- Changed the order of booting device, and made sure that from disk is the first option
- I removed the VISTA CD, and continued the boot process
- It now came up OK
I too have the dreaded "Stage 3 of 3: 0%" syndrome!
I tried this solution, but my problem is at no time do I get an option to "Repair Windows".
I have a new PC from CyperPowerPC. It came with a Vista Home Premium recovery DVD. When I boot from the DVD, it asks for language, then my product key. After this is asks me where I want to install windows. If I select my C: drive it says there may be windows files on that drive, and that my old Windows files will be stored in windows.old (I will be able to access them, but I will not be able to run my previous version of windows). If I select my second hard drive it simply starts copying files. If at any point I stop the install, it asks me if I am sure, then it reboots. And the cycle starts again, ad naseum...
Again, I get no "Repair Windows" option. Is this a limitation of a recovery disk? Is there a way around this?
I am (trying to) run Vista Home Premium.So I too will chime in. I've been working on this for 8 hours. I get the same Stage 3 of 3 0% syndrome.
I have tried to enter the system restore menu a million different ways. What happens is that a blue screen (not the blue screen of death just like a desktop blue) is displayed blank with a my mouse cursor active.
Options I've tried
I have selected F11 to get to the system recovery.
I have used my Vista System Recovery Disk 1.
I have downloaded and created a disk using the Ultimate Boot CD: http://www.ubcd4win.com/
I have select F8 to get to the safe mode place and selected System recovery option
In ALL of these cases I get the white status bar indicating that its loading windows files.
Then I get a small vista windows green status bar.
Then the empty blue screen with the active mouse appears.
Then nothing... it just sits there with a blue screen and I can move the mouse all over, but it does no good its just a blank screen.
I can't think of anything else to do...BTW I was on the phone with microsoft(india) and HP for a total of 6 hours.
I really just want to copy a folder off of this computer then I'll just reformat the darn thing if i need to.
I just can't believe Microsoft could have something so destructive in their updates, wait what am I saying?!
I have a Desktop HP Pavilion a6177c.
Any help appreciated.
E
I, too, have been having this problem with a HP dv6000 laptop since yesterday about 7pm when my laptop decided to reboot automatically due to the Windows Update. I've got no restore points, either, so I need another solution.
For those of you trying to find "Repair Windows", this easiest way should be <F8> upon boot -- same screen that gives you the "Last known good" option which didn't work for me. And you don't need a Linux boot CD to get to the file system: From the Repair Windows options, select a command prompt and you should be able to see all your files. Notepad, RegEdit and other apps work from here, too. If you use a Vista install disk to get to Repair Windows (option is on lower left of same screen that has the "Install" option), you don't even have to know an administrator's password to get to the filesystem!
But until someone figures out what to delete or edit to stop the rebooting, I'm still stuck with a brick instead of a laptop.
I've looked around for files/folders modified in the last two days and renamed any that I've found, including the SoftwareDistribution and CatRoot2 folders mentioned earlier, and used RegEdit to snoop around, but nothing helps!
So, who's going to find the solution first? Microsoft or us little guys that are being called stupid for trusting Windows Update?
Hello
Just an update on this thread.
I have gotten five sets of logs that are currently being investigated. Thanks for the logs I have recieved to date.
If the machine came with Windows Vista Pre-installed try using F8 safe mode options.
They may have installed the repair scenarios\system restore option onto the hard disk as a Safe Mode option.
You may be able to do system restore from those scenarios. Your options in Safe Mode may be different depending on the vendor you got your machine from and to whether they offer this choice.
System Restore is best solution right now whether that is booting from media or from a F8 ( Safe mode option)
We are still looking for other workaround other than using System Restore if your machine doesn't have any restore points available.
Thanks,
Darrell Gorter[MSFT]This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights
- Solution is to Disconect all USB devises, turn off antivirus/ antispyware and see:
Please see post: http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=2849211&SiteID=17 I managed to get the machine up.
What I did is renamed the following files:
C:\windows\winsxs\pending.xml C:\windows\winsxs\pending.old.xml
C:\windows\winsxs\cleanup.xml -> C:\windows\winsxs\cleanup.old.xml
As well as the folder:
C:\windows\winsxs\temp - C:\windows\winsxs\temp.old
I also renamed:
C:\windows\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\windows\system32\wuaueng,dll
But that didn’t make a difference.
After the Restart it once again came up with the Stage 3 of 3 but this time after +- 5min it completed
I hope Microsoft can come to the bottom of this error, as well as give some recognition to me for this resolution
- Thank you Ernest! I can confirm on my system, simply edit: moving C:\Windows\winsxs\pending.xml has givenme access to my desktop!
I didn't need to touch any of the other files.
I've no idea what state the updates are in at the moment, first thing I'm going to do is turn auto updates offand create a restore point!But at least I now have a functioning system!!! Ernest, This makes good logic. My reservation would be.........XML, why not C++. Let's see what the Microsoft people say. It may not apply in every situation. I think this is an installation problem and has nothing to do with drivers so this leans in that direction. Drivers might be another problem with SP1 that I've had no experience with. If this does stop the looping you do deserve some credit for a good solve. Patience now, patience.
The least they could do is send you a few copies of Vista. They wont of course.
ERNEST -
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! That fixed the problem! I've been in tinkering with files since Saturday with no solution, but this was it!
I hope Microsoft gives you recognition for this, because you're great!
Thank you so much!!!!
Hello,
Please hold on deleting the pending.xml file for the time being. This is not a complete solution, there are other things that may have to happen to the system as well, up to potentially reinstalling the OS if this file is deleted.
Thanks,
Darrell Gorter[MSFT]This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights
Yes please guys do not just delete the file, as not every install is failing on this point. Rather just rename it; if it doesn't work at least you can recover the file.
Also I went in gun's blazing, that is not always the right way, I would recommend in hind sight to do these one at a time, starting with the rename of pending.xml and testing before renaming any of the other files / folders.
Thus just try and rename c:\windows\winsxs\pending.xml via CMD
Enjoy your day
Ps. Every one makes mistakes now and then, we are all human even Bill Gates and the guy's at Microsoft
How do you get to a dos prompt to rename the files? Even when hitting f8 and seleting a command prompt, I still get the stage 3 of 3 screen. Thank you.
It depends on the installation, Some have an option when hitting F8 - Repair, some don't, if yours don't you will need Original Media and boot from it, after selecting language and input types your will get to a screen to reinstall. One of the options there would be to repair, once you click on it, it will search the drive for the Vista installation, after that click next and select Command Prompt, after it opens type notepad and select open, then at lease you have some type of control to rename files.
- I think I'm about 70% right here. A MS Tech could chime in. Vista no longer has DOS installed within it. The command line function can be access per the instructions given. MS Tech what is being run in Vista? I've heard it runs straight too assemble language, again this may be flawed information. Just making sure we're all same page. Crossing the Ts and dotting the Is.
Speaking of getting it "right".
Not>>> "Just making sure we're all same page."
Right>>> "Just making sure we're all on the same page."
Ooooops!
- Here is the solution. No restore point needed. No installation disk needed. It is not my solution. I found it posted by Ernest Dunhin.
- After BIOS screen, hit F8 for the windows boot menu.
- Select the "repair" option (it is first on the list)
- Open a command prompt (it is last on the list)
- Rename the following files:
C:\windows\winsxs\pending.xml C:\windows\winsxs\pending.old.xml
C:\windows\winsxs\cleanup.xml -> C:\windows\winsxs\cleanup.old.xml
- Reboot.
Windows will boot into the same "Configuring Updates" screen, but it will shortly dissappear and you will be presented with the normal logon screen.
- More information, currently have MSXML 4.0 SP2 installed on computer, with KB936181 and KB941833. I do not recall if these were installed while I was having the 3of3 problem or not. I do know I had a Beta installer, installed at this time but have been unable to identify it at this writing. This was obtained from the beta downloads site several months ago.
- I am completely stuck with this.
I have an Acer laptop which keeps rebooting with this problem. I have not installed SP1, it just started doing this on Saturday.
It has Vista pre-installed and there is no CD/DVD supplied with it.
Pressing F8 during reboot gives a menu, but everything I try from the menu produces the "Stage 3 of 3" then reboot problem.
Even when I choose "Repair Your Computer" from the F8 menu it seems to just attempt a normal boot (which of course has the same problem).
So I can't get to a system restore option, and I can't get a command prompt to try renaming the pending.xml file.
I just know that if I contact Acer they will just tell me to reinstall the OS - I want to avoid that at all costs! I'm really annoyed that Microsoft have done this to my laptop.
Is there a bootable CD disk image I can download from somewhere that would allow me to get command line access to the hard drive?
Another idea: My only other PC is running Windows 2000. If I removed the hard drive from my vista PC and plugged it into my Windows 2000 using a USB external hard drive adaptor would I be able to rename the pending.xml file from Windows 2000? I know that Vista uses a later version of NTFS than windows 2000 so I don't want to wreck the vista hard drive file system. Try: http://www.bootdisk.com/ntfs.htm -Free NTFS BOOT Disk
Your second Idea would also work:
NTFS has five released versions: (the alternate names are due to the fact that the OS version is sometimes set in line with the NTFS version)
- v1.0 with NT 3.1,[citation needed] released mid-1993
- v1.1 with NT 3.5,[citation needed] released autumn 1994
- v1.2 written by NT 3.51 (mid-1995) and NT 4 (mid-1996) (occasionally referred to as "NTFS 4.0", because OS version is 4.0)
- v3.0 from Windows 2000 (occasionally "NTFS V5.0")
- v3.1 from Windows XP (autumn 2001; occasionally "NTFS V5.1"), Windows Server 2003 (spring 2003; occasionally "NTFS V5.2"),Windows Vista (mid-2005) (occasionally "NTFS V6.0") and the upcoming Windows Server 2008
V1.0 and V1.2 are incompatible: that is, volumes written by NT 3.5 cannot be read by NT 3.1.
V1.2 supported compressed files, named streams, ACL-based security, etc.[7] V3.0 added disk quotas, and reorganized security descriptors so that multiple files which use the same security setting can share the same descriptor.
V3.1 added encryption, sparse files, reparse points, USN journaling, the $Extend folder and its files, expanded the MFT header with a redundant record number useful for recovering damaged MFT files.[9]Windows Vista introduced Transactional NTFS, NTFS symbolic links, and self-healing functionality[10] though those owe more to additional functionality of the operating system than the filesystem itself. Yet the NTFS version number has not been raised.
- Thanks Ernest.
After a bit more hunting I came up with this:
It seems that NeoSmart have provided an ISO image of a Vista recovery disk on their site, but it they have had to remove it because it was being downloaded too many times!
They've therefore provided it as a torrent download.
http://neosmart.net:6969/torrent.html?info_hash=c7411cffb5b0c27b28d0ec080af55ea0016f7b7b
After burning this to a CD I have managed to boot up using it and got my laptop back to a system restore point the day before the problem update was installed. It now boots up OK!
I've disabled automatic updates to be on the safe side, but we really need to know when it's safe to allow automatic updates again. Hello,
I still need more log files for the investigation that we are doing:
If people are running into this can you send me the log files.
Can you send me some of the log files from the system?
%windir%\logs\cbs\*.*
%windir%\WindowsUpdate*.log
%windir%\inf\setupapi.dev.log
%windir%\winsxs\poqexec.log (if exists)
%windir%\winsxs\pending.* (if exists)
%windir%\Performance\WinSAT\Datastore\*.*
%windir%\System32\winevt\Logs\application.evtx
Try booting to the Windows Vista DVD, choose the repair option in the lower
left-hand corner.
Choose to boot to a CMD prompt, copy the log files to a temp folder (or
onto removable media if available)while in the repair more after copying the files to a temp location, you
should be able to choose the system restore option.
This should get you back operational.
Then send me the log file.
Remove the online section from the email name listed here before sending darrellg@online.microsoft.com.This is the blog on the issue:
Thanks,
Darrell Gorter[MSFT]This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights
- Darrell,
Thanks for posting here, but please, we need more information, and a fix immediately. I am a professional technician and was at a client's installing RAM and upon turning it back on, it was in the infinite reboot loop. It was a regular Dell Inspiron laptop, non-technical user that got the update automatically and it installed upon my shutting down the computer. This will crop up even more as users shut down, mark these words.
There should never be an automatic update that cripples a computer like this.
System Restore did not work, Safe Mode would not work, I renamed pending.xml and cleanup.xml, as suggested by Ernest Dunhin above because my user could not be down waiting for Microsoft to tell him how to recover his dead computer. It has been a week since this was released and still nothing? Vista SP1 is a Beta version, "if" this is the problem then it's not your problem it the clients, unless you installed it. These are supplied "as is" with the understanding that there might be problems. Don't be the fall guy on this. If you have a supervisor contact him about this situation. Are you sure it's the Beta? Check for scratches on the disk and make sure it's clean before you install it. A new disk maybe needed. If your not seeing the word "revert" before it crashes it "may" not be the Beta.
Wait for your supervisors input. If it's your business then it's your call.
- Dango517,
Let me be more clear -- this is not related to SP1. This is due to an automatic update of Feb 12 with no user intervention. There is no beta activity going on here, no disks. From what I've read, this may be related to some prerequisites MS is installing in preparation of SP1, but this is not the Service Pack.
To reiterate, this automatic update is killing computers.
It's my business and my customers and I answer to them. Well, I have a friend with a Dell Dimension E521 / Windows Vista Home Premium and it is also getting stuck in the 3 of 3 reboot loop. I used the F8 | Repair System | System Restore option to roll it back.
I've tried the steps outlined in other threads to manually install the update as well as manually installing the KB937287 Update before this one (KB947172). I've done everything from disabling AV to killing all non-essential running processes and none of this made any difference. The system still got stuck in the stage 3 or 3 reboot loop.
For now, I have rolled it back and disabled automatic updates to get the system working again. I thought they pulled this update but it was still showing on the list of needed updates using the Vista update interface.
This has nothing to do with SP1 Beta and is part of a pushed pre-requisite update to just make this clear.
- As you wish. The problem is yours.
- Hi guys I signed up to share my experience as I appear to have overcome it atlast.
Had a computer come in from a normal everyday user with it stuck constant looping. After browsing here I managed to get the computer to boot into repair mode (found from pressing f8 at boot up this should also work if you have the dvd media) as there was no restore points saved. I logged in and renamed the following file as mentioned earlier.
C:\windows\winsxs\pending.xml C:\windows\winsxs\pending.old.xml (thanks Ernest Dunhin)
Once I could finally boot into the OS I attempted to install the update manually but was getting errors. I was also unable to check for the latest windows updates and got error 8000ffff. Thanks to another thread I found I deleted the following registy enteries.
(Thanks nskillen)
To resolve Windows Update error 8000FFFF, try the following steps:
1) Launch REGEDIT
2) Go into HKLM\COMPONENTS, and check if these three values exist under the COMPONENTS key:
PendingXmldentifier
NextQueueEntryIndex
AdvancedInstallersNeedResolving3) Providing they do exist, back up the Components key, then delete the three above values.
4) Restart the computer, and Windows Update should now be working fine.Once I had restarted I disabled the antivirus software and manually installed update KB937287 and it worked successfully. Gave it another restart and checked for anymore updates and problem was solved. No more errors and windows updates working correctly.
Hope this is of some help to everybody else who has been stuck
Re Stage 3 of 3 0% problems.
Delighted to report Renaming the two files worked! Thanks to Ernest and Bryan.
Problem is finding an easy way to get to the command prompt. How many people have a Vista master disk?
Thank you, Ernest!
Renaming C:\windows\winsxs\pending.xml worked!
Windows did say that a system change had occurred that required Windows to be activated again, so I did need the Product Key and then had to re-validate Windows again to stop it from saying it wasn't "genuine"!
But, finally, after 5 lost days, my laptop is back!
- Ernest, you are my hero. Days before Microsoft decided to release help to their users with dead computers, they've put out their fix:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949358
What do you know, it is very close to what we've already been doing in this forum for days! Thanks! Several issues here.
My wife's computer did not have a restore point set. Second, it was one that came with only the manufacturer's (HP)restore disc.
Your fixes keep assuming that people (for whatever reason they didn't do it) have a restore point.
Second they have a full version of the software, not a restore disc.
The biggest issues many people have are:
1. They did not recreate a restore point.
2. Many do not have a hard copy of the install disc as their system came preloaded with the OS and the manufacturer (DELL/HP namely), do not provide discs, but a unreachable (after the corruption) partition.
2a. The people who have the restore disc are still out of luck and it reformats the HDD to the factory specs, all data is lost. Restore discs do not have the repair option available as it is more of a image of the HDD then a copy of the software.
At the moment, the only semi viable option without a restore point NOT to lose their data is to boot a copy of a live linux and attempt to copy it down to external.
How about a fix that addresses these issues?
Ernest,
Thanks very much. Microsoft owes you more than recognition. I think some serious compensation is in order.Comment about restore points…
Even though I knew I had restore points, they were not showing up via the System Restore process. Apparently the System Restore process was confused because I had an extra (backup) drive in the system. Once I removed the second drive, the System Restore process was able to find my restore points and I could roll back before 2/14.
- This is amazing. Microsoft downloads a worthless update, blows up my daughter's computer with all of her documents for college, the antivirus software and you clowns tell me to rebuild the computer. As the stupid boot disks fail each time, what were you people thinking. You accept NO responsibility whatsoever for this issue and no is helping the end user. After being a computer professional for over 30 years, I still believe the OS you produce is inferior. Microshaft and Winblows are certainly apt monagrams for your company. You should be hauled in front of a court for this stupidity.
joeb1952 wrote: This is amazing. Microsoft downloads a worthless update, blows up my daughter's computer with all of her documents for college, the antivirus software and you clowns tell me to rebuild the computer. As the stupid boot disks fail each time, what were you people thinking. You accept NO responsibility whatsoever for this issue and no is helping the end user. After being a computer professional for over 30 years, I still believe the OS you produce is inferior. Microshaft and Winblows are certainly apt monagrams for your company. You should be hauled in front of a court for this stupidity. What a ridiculous diatribe. What part of "download beta products at your own risk - don't install on a working machine" don't you (or your daughter) understand?
It is not a worthless update by any means.
The antivirus and firewall should have been disabled for the install anyway - might have eased the pain.
Many of us did our (extensive) research BEFORE even trying the first beta, let alone any of the subsequent builds and had few problems.
Where's your System Restore gone to?
There is free online support if you need it: https://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&x=8&y=7&prid=11274&gprid=500921
Don't blow your lid at the support staff, they are trying to help.
- I did have the Beta installer 4.0 installed on my computer when trying to install Vista SP1. Today I received a notice that 4.5 was available for download, this confirmed my suspicion. You might wish to check SP1 when installing with Beta installer 4.0 and 4.5. Problems here might explain why it would not install for me. Looks like I need to remove it from my PC prior to automatic download next month from Microsoft. If I can find it.
- 5...4...3...2...1... All systems go....We have ignition!....Good luck...Vista SP1 Beta team
Same Here Sir Ernest... A BIG THANKS TO YOU!!!
I was able to get through using your solution, renaming C:\windows\winsxs\pending.xml and C:\windows\winsxs\cleanup.xml. This is a great help and savings for me. My unit is out of use for 3 days and its running good again. And this is because of you.
Once in, I can make many ways to clean my system and find ways to manage these bugging updates. Helping to get through was the main problem.
More Power To You Bro and Keep On Helping Computer Users Like Me! ! !
I had the same problem with my pc, even after speaking to microsoft technical support didn't resolve the problem. They didn't even know whether this problem comes. here is solution to get start your pc. downloan the vista recovery cd (you hv to burn it) and then boot from this cd[ http://neosmart.net/blog/2008/windows-vista-recovery-disc-download/]. Use the option of system restore and select the time when your pc was booted sucessfully before this SP1 was downloaded.
hope this help you, i was able boot my pc sucessfully from the last good restore point.
The only thing i am not sure this problem wont come again if i restart the pc again (bcoz updates are already downloaded to the system).
- Can anyone assist me with getting support for someone that is trying to remove Internet Explorer 8 Beta. Seams once installed it can't be uninstalled.
I realize this is off topic but then again, maybe it is.
I am just surprised that there are still occurrences of this, Microsoft should have got a solution in to stop this form happening a long time ago, up to today I still get any credit for me bringing this solution out day’s before they could.
www.onsiteit.co.za – Please visit my Site…..
Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in Windows Vista.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949358/en-us
A software update is available for the Windows Vista installation software feature
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/937287/en-us
- Hi, I have just got this issue of the continuious loop of stage 3 of 3 yesterday. Can you please explain in GREAT detail HOW to rename a file? I am a dummy when it comes to this and I can't understand HOW to do this. I can get to the command prompt but after that..nothing! Thanks in advance for your help!
- AGAIN, THANK YOU ERNST! I spend hours in investigation before i found YOUR solution!
yes thank you again.. my mothers computer just had this problem.. seven months after you guys found this issue. strange...
anyways.. to help with previous poster about renaming..
no expert, but here is what i did
follow instructions as posted earlier to get to dos prompt
commands you will need : cd = change directory and rename = to rename file name
make sure you are at a c: prompt
if you are not type cd .. until you get to that prompt. the periods are important
if you are under a different drive you will have to type c:
then type cd windows
type cd sinsxs
then type rename pending.xml pending.old.xml
then type rename cleanup.xml cleanup.old.xml
then reboot
you will see the 3 of 3 screen come up.. but it will shortly disappear and you will have your computer back. hope this helps,
Rees
- Hello, I'm having the same problem. My computer has been out of action for too long. I've been a loyal customer with microsoft but I'm starting to lose patience with this problem. I've tried alot of things but nothing seems to work, the computer sticks at "configuring updates" and keeps restarting. Anyone have a solution?
Mine started this last night, too. I used the following:
Boot from CD, select language, etc. Eventually, you'll get to a menu that allows you to select a Repair option. Select that. After that, if you have more than one bootable partition/disk with Vista on it, you'll get more than one option for the OS to repair. Anyway, I just selected the only one available. Then, on the system recovery options page, select command prompt. Delete (del) the file: C:\windows\winsxs\pending.xml. Then open the registry editor (regedit) and load the hive: C:\windows\system32\config\COMPONENTS. Delete the following values under HKLM\COMPONENTS in that loaded hive:
AdvancedInstallersNeedResolving
PendingXmlIdentifier
Then I restarted and everything was okay at that point.
-J
- Having reviewed all the posts back a whole year, it amazes me that this is still happening. ZAP! My system is in the death loop. I cannot break in. No F8. Getting it to come up with the options to boot from safe mode works but there is no response to my keyboard...no arrows, no nothing. A few hours ago it was a happy, humming Vista Ultimate system. Now it may as well be a boat anchor. Why in the name of Bill Gates is this still happening? Any ideas on how I can get this to boot from my CD/DVD drive where my original, authentic MS disk resides will be extremely welcome. BTW you might guess, this is coming from a different machine (with auto update now turned off).
1) not an SP1 problem start a new thread.
2) Try F1 then reset the start up sequence to allow the CD/DVD drive to boot up first then load OS disk.
3) Sounds like a hardware problem. Take it to a shop to have the hardware checked. Likely causes ....... RAM, power supply, motherboard, CPU (In this order of probability). Take out the RAM then reinstall it first, this might fix it, maybe. Check for loose connections. Unplug it and touch the screw on a light switch or some other metal object, first. Static electricity can ZAP electronic components! By ZAP, I mean destroy them.
Old PC? Get yourself a new one .......... Merry Christmas!
It has been nearly a year hasn't it.
GManInNC: As for the keyboard problem, pick up a cheap ps2 keyboard. The motherboard you have might not have necessary usb drivers loaded for the keyboard. (I had this problem with a DFI MB a year ago.) Boot from DVD, not Safe Mode. From there, choose the repair options and try the reg-key / pending.xml hack that is in this thread (and many others online). This will get you back to your desktop and possibly completely solve the problem (I'm yet to hear someone say, "my computer is completely fixed by this hack.")
I was doing this hack for about a month before I just backed up everything to a different drive and reinstalled the OS. The problem I had was that every time I restarted or shut down, I'd see the bug again. It didn't help to uninstall every possible update, or try manually installing updates 1 at a time.
If you decide to reimage the machine (re-install the OS), it might be nice to have a backup hard-drive (either external or connected directly to the MB). Then you can boot from DVD, select Repair -> cmd prompt, and copy the contents of your User folders directly to the other HD. I did this using Robocopy from cmd line. (robocopy /? for usage). At least by doing that I didn't have to rip my entire CD collection again.
-J
- i have the same code 0x80070426 what do i do
- Note this date - I've just had a different issue (a loop on Windows installer for Office 2007 in Vista causing Office programs to be unusable - a problem like this that caused thousands of hours of wasted time for many other people and no simple fix so far as I can find)So, I used Acronis to restore a stable image from about a year ago - May 2008 revisited as I have none of the cumulative updates that I had acquired over the past year!I hope that all the advice above works for me, life is too short. But thanks to those who have taken the time to investigate, solve and post these replies and solutions.Andy
- thank you Ernest. I followed your steps (but did'nt rename wau*) and my vista managed to boot, at last!
