Solved Update Hell

As a few know here my HP Pavilion dv7-2170us notebook running Windows Vista Home Premium 64 crashed.
As a last resort I did a System Recovery which sets the CP back to the day it was bought.
When this happens it will automatically install the basics like Norton Security for 60 days and Internet Explorer.

So what usually happens (I did this before) is I do updates for about 2 days.
Whenever I shut down it wants to install more.

Well right now something is wrong.
I'm in a Updating Loop From Hell.

When I shut down with updating it wants to install 60 updates.
Then it shuts down after updating.
When I turn it back on I get a black screen going through all the updates (80,000+)
However it stops around 60,000 before opening up. (I don't know if this s important)
Then I get the screen saying configuring update 1`3
1 and 2 happen fast but configuring 3 takes about a half with 0% done shown all the time.

Then I get a message saying "Updates were not configured correctly...reversing changes...please wait"
After a while the PC restarts and everything seems fine (I think) except it wants to download those 60 updates again.

I've gone through this 3 times already.

BTW~I don't know if this is important but I have TWO Sevice Packs 2 installed...

MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB954430)
MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB973688)

Also, A few days ago Avast! deleted a windows file with my permission.

I would do the factory restore with the internet disconnected. When you can boot your machine disable Windows Updates before you connect. Whatever service packs you wish to install I would download and install manually after changing the Windows Update settings to Never Install Updates.

Once your system is normal you can search updates to see what it would do if you let it before making a final decision.

MilesAhead said:

I would do the factory restore with the internet disconnected. When you can boot your machine disable Windows Updates before you connect. Whatever service packs you wish to install I would download and install manually after changing the Windows Update settings to Never Install Updates.

Once your system is normal you can search updates to see what it would do if you let it before making a final decision.

Click to expand...

Thanks MA,


I've had a series of problems in which Richard has been kind enough to help me out.
He got another kind member (Peter aka Ex-Brit) to send me a Vista ISO file (I believe SP2)to burn to DVD
Should I do what you say but after I disable Windows Update...put in the disc?

BTW~Do you mind if I ask why you still have the SP1?

I thought that problem was solved. Did it occur again?

This is something different, Richard.

Before I was stuck in "Start-up Repair" without my consent.
It automatically goes into fix mode but fails and then shuts down only to do the same when I restart.

This time my PC is up and running ( with a few glitches like Internet Explorer not closing when opened) but when I click "shutdown with updates" it updates 60 files telling me not to touch the PC.

The next day when I start the PC I get a black page that show a flashing list of files at the top (dll & exe) which I assume are the files from last night finishing downloading.
The odd thing is it never reaches the end. (it stops around 60,000 out of 80,000)
I then get a "wait while we configure 3 of 3"
1 & 2 happen fast but 3 takes about 20 minutes with 0% downloading showing all the time.
THEN...I get the message that the configuration needs to be undone.
After another 20 minutes of undoing the CP restarts and I'm back to square one.
(a working PC that still has messages that I need to update)

I'm concerned I deleted an important file through Avast! a day or two ago.
Avast! warned me about it and asked me if I wanted to keep it so I tossed it without knowing what it was.
It was a Windows file.

I had something similar happen once when installing a service pack. You need to delete a file to fix the update loop. Follow the instructions here. Configuring updates: stage 3 of 3 - 0% complete loop, please help - have already tried many things - Virus, Trojan, Spyware, and Malware Removal Logs
http://www.vistax64.com/windows-updates/301264-windows-update-stage-3-3-reboot-loop.html

I discovered this morning that I'm back to not getting my PC running in any of the safe modes.
It freezes at about the same windows file.
This has been a problem for me for years and I just lived with it.

Since my PC right now has zero downloads (except for the windows updates.)..I think I'll take your first suggestion and start fresh again unplugged.

Would turning off Windows Updating and downloading SP2 only be enough?
Or would this leave my PC vulnerable like what Windows warn?

Koukol said:

I discovered this morning that I'm back to not getting my PC running in any of the safe modes.
It freezes at about the same windows file.
This has been a problem for me for years and I just lived with it.

Since my PC right now has zero downloads (except for the windows updates.)..I think I'll take your first suggestion and start fresh again unplugged.

Would turning off Windows Updating and downloading SP2 only be enough?
Or would this leave my PC vulnerable like what Windows warn?

Click to expand...

I don't know any way to guarantee anything 100%. But once you get SP2 on you should be able to see how many updates you would need to get current. Do you have an external USB drive large enough to save images of the system? You could use an imaging tool such as Macrium Reflect or EaseUS ToDo Backup to save an image of the system at stages along the way. That would avoid going back to square one if a problem popped up. Both those programs have free versions. Also you can find more on:
Free Hard Disk Backup and Restore, Hard Disk Image and Cloning Utilities (thefreecountry.com)

If you get SP2 on and things seem normal make an image to an external disk before deciding the next step.

OK,

I did a Systen Recovery setting my PC back to day one.

I disconnected Windows Update and tried to install Vista SP2 with the ISO disc but failed since it didn't like the number I gave it off my battery.
So I downloaded SP2 off the internet which took SO long (the complete bar was completely full) that I decided to restart myself.
I think it worked because SP2 is now listed and I did a boot in Safe Mode and that worked too.

Before we close this thread I'd like to ask if it's alright that i keep the Windows Update off?
If not what setting should I use?

No do not keep it off. You can set it to notify and that you install. They should all be installed, but you must install all that are important or are for security.

richc46 said:

No do not keep it off. You can set it to notify and that you install. They should all be installed, but you must install all that are important or are for security.

Click to expand...

OK,

Thank you VERY much guys!


One final question (hopefully)

Should I use the Windows Firewall or Panda?
Which is better?

You need both. They do different things. Panda protects you from virus and malware. You should also scan once a week with the free Malwarebytes.
A firewall is a wall between your computer and crap in cyberspace. You alreadyhave a built in firewall, just make sure it is turned on.
If you do have more questions, please ask, that is the only reason that we are here.

Even though it says choose only one so they don't conflict with each other?

Also, it now says I have 157 "important updates" and 25 "optional updates"

I looked at the optional updates and I have NO idea what they do so how does someone clueless choose?.

Only one what and where was that statement made?. A firewall never conflicts with an antivirus and almost everyone here has an anti virus and they make a weekly check with Malwarebytes.
It is wise to download all updates. If you prefer not to use the optional updates, you can click on the update and it will give more information. If you are not proficient with computers and cannot decide, I suggest install all.

richc46 said:

Only one what and where was that statement made?. A firewall never conflicts with an antivirus and almost everyone here has an anti virus and they make a weekly check with Malwarebytes.
It is wise to download all updates. If you prefer not to use the optional updates, you can click on the update and it will give more information. If you are not proficient with computers and cannot decide, I suggest install all.

Click to expand...

I was in the Window Update settings when I got a pop up that told me there's no firewall on.
It gave me the option to turn on Windows or Panda with the suggestion to choose only one so there's be no conflict.

OK, I'll install all and hope I don't get into the Update Loop From Hell again.

I am talking about Panda antivirus, are you?

Koukol said:

I was in the Window Update settings when I got a pop up that told me there's no firewall on.
It gave me the option to turn on Windows or Panda with the suggestion to choose only one so there's be no conflict.

OK, I'll install all and hope I don't get into the Update Loop From Hell again.

Click to expand...

That's why I suggested the image backup. Do it now before messing with updates. That way if you have to restore the image it will already have SP2 on. You won't be back at square one. A USB docking station and a bare Sata III drive(if your system supports sata III) may be cheaper than an external USB drive. Docking stations are under $20 these days.

richc46 said:

I am talking about Panda antivirus, are you?

Click to expand...

Yes,

Anyways, I chose the Panda firewall and I guess my system didn't like the choice as I was asked to turn on the Windows Firewall at a later point in time.

i JUST got this warning from AVAST! "we STRONGLY suggest you remove the add-on Microsoft .NET Framework Assistant"
Should I do this?
Should I delete anything Avast! tells me too?

MilesAhead said:

That's why I suggested the image backup. Do it now before messing with updates. That way if you have to restore the image it will already have SP2 on. You won't be back at square one. A USB docking station and a bare Sata III drive(if your system supports sata III) may be cheaper than an external USB drive. Docking stations are under $20 these days.

Click to expand...

Thanks,

I got this post after doing some updates however I will do this now as I do believe I have an external drive with enough space

Koukol said:

Yes,

Anyways, I chose the Panda firewall and I guess my system didn't like the choice as I was asked to turn on the Windows Firewall at a later point in time.

i JUST got this warning from AVAST! "we STRONGLY suggest you remove the add-on Microsoft .NET Framework Assistant"
Should I do this?
Should I delete anything Avast! tells me too?

Click to expand...

As far as I know Panda does not have a free firewall, but I could be wrong. Even from the information that you give about turning on the Windows Firewall indicates you do not have a Panda firewall.
Regardless of what you have
You must have 1 firewall
1 Anti Virus,
and should have the free Malwarebytes for a weekly scan.

That net framework or browser add on, is considered to be a PUP by some (a PUP is not good) I would not want it. If you do not use it yes uninstall. It is almost impossible to uninstall however.
If Avast tell you to uninstall something, and you are not sure, we are always here to help.