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October 17, 2013by Euclid Networks in Atlanta, Hardware & Drivers Issues, SBS 2008, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Server, Windows XP
Windows won’t start after update installation
This is a common problem we run in to while providing IT support with older computers. After applying a Microsoft Update patch, windows will partially boot, or not boot at all. Most of the times, windows will boot to its start screen, with a message similar to the below :
“Configuring Windows updates… 90% complete… Do not turn off your computer.”
“Preparing to configure Windows. Do not turn off your computer.”
“Please do not power off or unplug your machine… Installing update 1 of 3…”
You might also see a “Stage 1 of 1” or “Stage 1 of 3” or a similar message prior to the second example. There might be some wording differences too depending on which version of Windows you’re using.
We recently had this happen on a Microsoft Windows SBS 2008 machine, where the server would go to a black screen with cursor only, before rebooting in a loop. The root cause was corrupted update files due to an aging, failing hard disk.
Try starting windows in safe mode. This is done by repeatedly hitting F8 on startup. You will get a black screen with “Advanced Boot Options”. Select “Safe Mode”, and see if windows boots. Sometimes the update is conflicting with a driver, and safe mode will allow the update to install successfully.
Boot from your installation media (Windows 7 CD, Windows SBS 2003/2008 CD, etc.) –
On the beginning screens of the Windows installer, there is an option to “Repair Installation”, which gives you recovery options. First try “Startup Repair” – this will look for a corrupted file system or boot record, and many times repair your system automatically.
If this fails you will want to perform a “System Restore”. Look for a recent restore point before the offending update was installed.
If neither of these work, you’ll likely need to reinstall windows or restore from a backup.
SEE ALSO : http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949358/en-us#method2  “Failure configuring Windows updates. Reverting changes. Do not turn off your computer” error when you try to install Windows updates”
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