Windows update 1 of 1

[sandypoint]

My DELL laptop (Inspiron 1525) displays the message "do not power off or unplug your machine. Installing update 1 of 1". But it never updates. If I power off then press F8 during a boot, I cannot get into SAFE Mode. Instead the message is "Resuming Windows..." then returns to the installation of an update. I notice that the modem lights are ON but not blinking, so there is no downloading action. If I can get into SAFE mode I think I can manage the next step.

Thanks for you reply Richard. But the keyboard does not respond to alt+cntrl+delete so I cannot re-boot. Any more suggestions please?

 

[richc46]

Press alt+cntrl+delete to end the process. Then boot.
If you continue to have the problem.

Try to reset
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058/en-us

If that does not work If

you create a recovery DVD, you may be able to boot to recovery options
Create Recovery DVD

The Vista recovery disk is used to boot Vista when it won't boot - to run Startup Repair, System Restore, access a Command Line, Recover using a Vista Backup Image, etc.
System Recovery Options

 

[sandypoint]

Thanks for the suggestion of using cntrl+alt+delete but when I tried that nothing happens. However the Caps Lock key will toggle the on/off icon which suggests that the keyboard is at least active, but not responding to cntrl+alt+del.

Using F8 during a re-boot is ineffective and I cannot switch into SAFE mode. The system just "resumes windows" and then tries to do the WIndows upgrade.

getting frustrated!

 

[richc46]

As far as I know there is only one safe way left. You should not shut down as this may corrupt the OS.
If you have a vista reinstall dvd
This is basically what has to be done. Be cautious, however, some of these articles are aimed at a particular model computer. Some keys given may differ. In addition the instructions to hold the power button may corrupt the OS if the entire procedure is not done correctly. That being said you could always reinstall if problems do occur, if you have the DVD.
How to Stop Configuring Updates Continuous Loop in Window Vista | eHow.com

 

[niemiro]

Hello and welcome to the Vista Forums!

The trick for this error lies in pending.xml. What we need to do is delete C:\Windows\winsxs\pending.xml.

EDIT: Actually, back it up first. Please rename it to pen-ding.bak. Destroy the name pending as well. Then do the rest of this post. Please be warned that this may corrupt the update. Please stick with me afterwards to try to stop it happening with every update.

Do you have a disk yet? Make one here: http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/141820-create-recovery-disc.html

Follow this tutorial: http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/194765-system-recovery-options.html

Try a System Restore. If that doesn't do it, boot into a Command Prompt from that CD. Type notepad and press enter. Notepad > File > Open

In the dialogue that comes up, you have a mini explorer. Navigate to C:\Windows\winsxs\ and delete pending.xml.

Try to boot your computer. See a very comprehensive post here if necessary: stuck in update mode - Windows 7 Forums

The very best of luck!

Richard