"configuring updates 3 of 3. 0% complete" reboot loop in Vista - possible fix

The following is from MS PSS (paraphrased):

Issue:

After installing updates from Windows Update, you may get into a Reboot loop where you machines gets to “configuring updates 3 of 3. 0% complete” then reboots. The machine then continues to reboot.

Solution:

1a. Boot to the Windows DVD and choose the repair option in the lower left hand corner, choose System Restore, and select a Restore Point predating the attempted installation of the updates.

1b. If you don't have the DVD and the Vista came preinstalled on the machine, boot to the Safe Mode options using F8 during startup (tutorial: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial61.html#vista).

Once in Safe Mode, invoke System Restore as follows:

Start | Run | (type in) rstrui.exe | [OK]

Select an available Restore Point predating the attempted installation of the updates.

Recommendation:

To avoid running into the same problem again, install the following update separately and ASAP:

A software update is available for the Windows Vista installation software feature:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/937287

Download links for manual installation:

Vista x86 : http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=5639710d-dfbf-4527-806e-9a1634d0cc8e

Vista x64: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=54235949-b5db-4fe2-a841-ef938217b285
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

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Relevant Pages

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