The restore point works great for those who have restore points.

Like many others, I have NO RESTORE POINTS!

Come on, MIcrosoft! Give us a more general solution!

My laptop has now been useless for 3 days and the only solution so far is to reinstall Vista (losing all installed programs, though data MAY be safe)!

you mean to say i can still have my documents back, but my installed programs will no be saved?

Hi, I had the same #@!^#¦ problem with a windows Server 2008... Which is DC, Exchange- and File-Server... So you don't want to restore this thing...
My solution was booting several times in Safe Mode. There the Server could finish installing the Updates. Boot as much in Safe Mode till the Server boots up normaly. Perhaps this helps other people with the same Problem...

I know a different way to resolve this issue without using a restore point.

1. Insert your Vista Media into your dirve and boot from it.
2. Select "Repair your Computer" from the list.
3. Select "Command Prompt" from the recovery choices.
4. At the command prompt change your directory to C:WindowsWinSxS
5. Type: del pending.xml
6. Exit and reboot

This will fix all Windows update reboot loops and does not require you to restore your PC to and earlier state.

1. Insert your Vista Media into your dirve and boot from it.
2. Select "Repair your Computer" from the list.
3. Select "Command Prompt" from the recovery choices.
4. At the command prompt type C:
5. Type cd WindowsWinSxS
6. Type del pending.xml
7. Exit and reboot



NICE JOB Tribus!! The above worked like a charm... I edited yer step-by-step for the less compitent command line users out there.

Thank you very much!

thank you thank you thank you.......i've been trying to get my computer back all day long.......website after website, multiple options on the computer with no luck....and it wasn't showing my backup or restore to prior date was not there either.

why is this so difficult to find the solution and actually be able to fix the computer.....miscrosoft......hello why do we always have to use other resources to fix our problems microsoft makes.........

trhanks again this worked for me.......remember not to hit enter after entering the comment exit and restart......works

deb

1. Insert your Vista Media into your dirve and boot from it.
2. Select "Repair your Computer" from the list.
3. Select "Command Prompt" from the recovery choices.
4. At the command prompt type C:
5. Type cd WindowsWinSxS
6. Type del pending.xml
7. Exit and reboot



NICE JOB Tribus!! The above worked like a charm... I edited yer step-by-step for the less compitent command line users out there.

Thank you very much!





Wow this is great you save me a lot of time and money! great work!

I'm stuck in this infinite loop due to Update 937287, and like many others I've been in contact with, there a no restore points to be found when doing a repair computer as suggested. So far the only advice to us has been to do a complete re-install...

What we need is a way to bypass the initial installation attempt in some way, either by renaming some files and/or folders, changing some registry entries, etc to get the install to fail totally and the system to continue to boot. I've seen suggestions for several things to try, but none have worked, telling me that these install files/commands are hidden away in come cache or hidden directory or something. I'd love to know where...

Anyone have any ideas?

i had same prob. you need to remove the drive, look in it with another pc, go to windows, winsxs and delete the pending.xml file. if you cant do this, you have to activate the hidden administrator account, and give yourself full access. after deleting the file, return the drive , and it should boot up.
good luck, should be ok to download the updates again.

For those who do not have Vista Media and only have the Manufacturing disk which does not help in repairing, see this thread at forums.microsoft.com posted 2/19/08 0543 Re: Vista Business keeps restarting after windows update 14/2/08 :

" On start up tap F8 until you get to the boot screen
Run the "Repair my computer" option
Enter your username and password
Run the system restore for a point in time before the update was installed and then restart after it's done
That should get you back up and running again, no rebuilds or system disks required! "

It took me 3 hours of trial & error using tips from the forums to get here. Thank heavens it worked. Why doesn't MS have this on their solutions page as an answer to a search?

I deleted the file you said using a version of linux on a cd-r and booted from it to access my files...the version of linux I used is called Knoppix which allowed me to bypass the security restrictions of Windows Vista. I urge anyone with this problem to use this method to fix the infinite loop error

I have tried this but I can't even do an earliest restore point because it gives me an error that it failed and the code is 0x80070003.
I don't understand what's going on cause it was fine, I was working on trying to get some of the updates to install or work that has been bugging me for a few weeks, and they kept failing, so I was researching and trying to get them to work. To my knowledge, none of them installed, but I'm stuck in this infitite loop bs... whereas at first on reboot it would say something to the affect of 'update error misconfiguration, reversing changes. I am at such a loss on what to do right now.

Microsoft should supply a cure for the problem for everyone, including those like me with OEM software on the computer which didn't come with a restore disk. I have not been able to use my new computer since this happened, and I think that we should all be compensated for our loss and frustration. At the very least, Microsoft should solve the problem and give us a free copy of the latest version of MS Office.

To fix this you need a Vista DVD to boot from (If not use this Vista Recovery CD Avilabale from here... http://neosmart.net/blog/2008/windows-vista-recovery-disc-download/ )

Once you have booted up with the Vista DVD / Recovery Disc

Hit Repair Options and select command prompt

Now type in

C:
cd WindowsWinSXS
del pending.xml

This should fix it.

Ok. I have used the recovery cd, I have changed to boot from the cd, but when I get to the command prompt part, it doesn't work. Any ways you can help me, or give me more information. When I enter in
C:
cd WindowsWinSXS
it tells me: The system cannot find the path specified.

I would greatly appreciate any help if you have it.

in response to "Ok. I have used the recovery cd, I have changed to boot from the cd, but when I get to the command prompt part, it doesn't work. Any ways you can help me, or give me more information. When I enter in
C:
cd WindowsWinSXS
it tells me: The system cannot find the path specified.

I would greatly appreciate any help if you have it."

If you get into the recovery CD and it has you on an X: prompt or similar, use some dos commands to view where pending.xml is, then use a command to delete it, you dont have to switch to the directory to do this.

So use the following to view the directory... (space bar or return to scroll down)
dir C:windowswinsxs /w |more

Then once you've verified pending.xml is there, use the following to delete it (i just hit the up arrow and change the text)

del C:windowswinsxspending.xml

I just did this and I'm now back in my laptop... I was wondering, does anyone know what the other pending.xml files are? The ones that have a bunch of other characters tailed on them? I figured they were from past updates that were applied then that file was just renamed or something. Anyways, hope this helps.

THANKS a bunch dude
its a very good fix, what we can do if u dont post this THANKS
BLESS YOU and continue what you are doing here..

"To fix this you need a Vista DVD to boot from (If not use this Vista Recovery CD Avilabale from here... http://neosmart.net/blog/2008/windows-vista-recovery-disc-download/ )

Once you have booted up with the Vista DVD / Recovery Disc

Hit Repair Options and select command prompt

Now type in

C:
cd WindowsWinSXS
del pending.xml

This should fix it."
If you just type in notepad in the command prompt and click open, you can browse your documents easier.

This worked for me, however I do not know how to stop it from doing the infinite loop again... I've had to fix it 3 times.

And now it doesn't seem to work...

thanks, pressing f8 and doing a system restore seems to have worked, only reason we using vista is because it comes with new laptops :(

@Becca
try
cd
cd windows
cd winsxs

i didnt have to delete the pending file btw, so if you did a restore you may also not need to.

To all those who said about command prompt and deleting pending.xml thanks. My busted system is now working again.

Thanks again.

Z

After installing SP1 which failed my laptop only boots to a black screen, safe mode gets stuck on crcdisk, using Vista DVD and booting from disc system restore gets stuck on last step "finalizing file restore" startup repair always claims to fix something but I still have the same problem, memory diagnostic passed and I've ran chkdsk /r and /f and that didn't solve anything anyone have any suggestions at all, my laptop is a complete brick and I've got a lot of important files so I don't want to reinstall a new copy.

Had the same problem. Updates 3 of 3 0% complete went through endless loop. Thanks to the helpful postd, I managed to get my computer running again.

Please help!! i have done everything recommended but to no avail. I'm still stuck in the loop. My PC doesn't even detect the Recovery disc (DVD-R). it has been almost a month now that i cant use my PC and understandably i'm frustrated.

thanks in advance

Hi. Please help me.I am a pre-university student. My laptop is using both xp professional and vista. After a recent update on vista, this endless looping of configuring updates stage 3 of 3 is making me unable to complete my projects. Hope someone can give me some useful tips on how to solve this problem. Thanks.

Ok,
this is the solution that I used to resolve the "Configuring Updates Step 3 of 3 — 0% Complete" infinite reboot cycle:

(Preface: you need a "live cd" too boot into an environment from which you may delete or rename the "pending.xml" file, to do this, I used the free and open source Ubuntu Linux distribution.)

Step-by-step:

1) find a friend with a working computer, CD-Burner and blank CDROM. Visit the Ubuntu download site: http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download

2) download the desktop edition ISO
3) burn the ISO to disk (if you don't know how to do this do a bit of googling - it's beyond the scope of this fix)
4) once burnt, boot your broken Windows Vista computer, but use the appropriate key combination to change the boot settings to tell it to boot from the CDROM

5) the Ubuntu CD should offer you a language selector and then the option "Try Ubuntu without modifying your computer"

6) Ince Ubuntu has booted, go to the "Places" menu in the top menu bar.

7) Within the places menu, you'll see some "disk drives" listed, you should be able to guess which one might be the one that is your Windows Vista C Drive by it's size or name, e.g. "75.4GB disk" or "Presario" or "System" etc... it depends upon your computer.

8 ) Once you've figured out which one it is then click it (don't be scared to try each entry in turn)

9) a disk icon should then appear on the Ubuntu desktop that you can then double click and explore.

10) Confirm that it's the correct disk partition by looing for familiar folder names such as "Users", "Windows" etc.. (if not try one of the others as described in step 7)

11) navigate to the following folder: windows/winsxs

12) locate the file "pending.xml" and rename it by pressing F2 on your keyboard and editing the file name to something like "pending.xml.broken" perhaps.

13) restart the computer via the ubuntu System -> Quit... Restart options

14) remove the live cd when prompted.

15) let the machine boot up back into Windows Vista, it may go back to the "configuring updates" screen again - but don't panic - be patient. It should switch after a while to say "Welcome" and eventually take you to your normal Windows Vista desktop.

This worked for me, I hope it works for you too.
Good luck.

bytecode

Thanks for the help. I went thru this with my laptop last year and did not find your fix in time. Reformat and reinstall. What a nightmare. Thanks again. You saved me a TON of work.

that only works if you cd drive didn't get affected tho what do you do if you cant get a disk to load and my computer has to be in sleep mode for awhile then sometimes it lets me in but it only lasts for as long and the config cycle lasts then it restarts and goes back to the configuring 3 of 3 page again

so what are the Commands I need to type in the Command Prompt to make it boot from the disc drive?

how do I change the Boot settings?

Thanks bytecode for this fix. My daughter's laptop had the endless configuring update loop and we were so frustrated. You're a lifesaver!

awesome job! deleting the pending.xml file worked for me.

Hi, i deleted the pending.xml by going to 'Repair computer' (pressing F8) at reboot.

Then going to CMD to delete.

I tried rebooting, it went back to.

'Configuring Updates: 3 of 3 0 0% Complete.
Do not turn off your computer.

Then reboots after 8-10mins. Continues the loop all over again.

Please help. sigh... i have very important data for work. all my work files are in my laptop.

Tusen takk!! (Norwegian for "Thank you veary much!!")
The "command-> del pending.xml" method worked for me :)

Ok. I've tried just about all the options presented here... my father in law's computer is going through the endless loop and when I got his computer to the prompt mode, I get all the way down to del pending.xml. And then it tells me that the file I'm looking for is corrupted and can not be deleted or something like that.... His computer never came with an installation cd and I don't have a cd right now to fix this problem... any other options that anyone else can think of?

My sister's laptop has that problem, I don't want to format it yet before I find out about her Vista license. In the meantime I had to get some files from it.

When I chose 'Repair system' I can't do it because it says it's a different version. So, when i get to that window, there's a 'Load drivers' button, that shows an open file Dialog, which I used to move files to my USB (strangely, it works), so I can move the files from her laptop, at least.

I don't have the laptop at hand so I just found out about pending.xml. I'll try that out tonite.

So, I'llstick to XP for a while.

Thank you so much Wozza, even though the instructions are incorredt (there should be a backslash after windows, ex: C:WindowsWinSXS)

I had a large homework assignment (high school) due today that I had to talk my way out of because Vista freaked out on a patch, I am now at my desktop waiting for OpenOffice to start

Thanks a million!!!

Guys - go to http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949358 and follow option #3 if the restore point is not an option or not working. It works like a champ.

Everyone should REALLY read this link.


Option #3 (the "deleting pending.xml" option) is ONLY recommended as a TEMPORARY fix, so that you can back-up vital information before REINSTALLING VISTA. It's not considered a permanent solution... and just deleting the one file then assuming your PC is "fixed" is dangerous. Make sure to do the K937287 update when you get up and running, and save any vital files to a separate drive/partition in case you need to reinstall.

AND EVEN MORE IMPORTANT...

Microsoft also suggests a registry deletion in addition to the simple deletion of the file... that is important to note, for those who might consider this as a long-term solution...

Delete the following from the registry (read the link for more specific instructions):
HLKMOffline ComponentsAdvancedInstallersNeedResolving
HKLMOffline ComponentsPendingXmlIdentifier

If you can't restore as an option (I could, thankfully, as I built my PC from barebones)... make SURE that you read the entire "Option #3" section, including the registry deletion. And back everything up ASAP.

I also suggest partioning your hard drive, putting Vista in it's own partition and all your vital information on other partitions. Then when you re-install Vista, you're not losing anything.

I'm on my work PC now (just happened last night), but I'll try to share experiences when it's back up and running.

Thanks a TON for the help, all those who have commented so far. And thanks to Peter Wallace for the link to MS' solution.

Moo.

After delete 'pending.xml' file, reboot the pc.
Then the same screen will show up, when reach 99%, you'll see an error screen and Vista automatically will restore to previous restpre point.
That process takes around 15 to 20 minutes.
The PC will reboot itself and you'll get your Vista working fine again.
I'll advice disable the automatic updates.

BTY I'm using Linux, but always I have to repair my friends pc's, win users.
^_^

thanks for the Help...A friend of mine has been down for awhile now. I did the F8 then some how was able to get to "open command prompt c:" then made my way to the WinSXS folder and "del pending.xml" and closed and restarted. It restarted at "Configuring Updates" but after a couple of minutes BANG! welcome screen. Perfect...Thanks People!!

I did the del pending.xml and it has worked (thanks) for a while and then shut down again! Any ideas on what has happened?

I deleted the pending file. I made a restore disk from the torrent download. I restored vista to a previous point. I switched off automatic updates, I started testing each update to see which one might have caused the problem. The endless reboot loop started again. I tried the restore disk again -- this time it would not work, so I tried a variety of different restore points, each time getting the message that restore did not work due to a data error -- a cyclical redundancy error. I may not be fluent in jargon, but a "cyclical redundancy error" sounds a lot like an infinite reboot loop. I have spent two days working on this. I'm tired.

Indeed this problem is causing too much trouble. But if it happens to me i think i reformat my system partition because i disable system restore. This happened when I tried to install SP1 but after some reboots, the update process was stopped and began reverting changes. I wonder if it's possible for other update problems like this one

after i press f8, i dont see anywhere in the screen where it says repair computer :( it just has safe mode and other things

I've just bought a new laptop and it comes with Win Vista SP1 installed. So after a few updates, when i shut down my laptop I get "The Loop", and the same on restart... After a lot of troubleshooting I noticed that the loop only occures if during my session i connect to the internet, if I dont connect it doesnt do the loop which is weird. I've all updates installed and they can only be installed with my permisson, so nothing automatic. None of the above solutions worked for me, cause pending.xml doesnt exist and i cant restore my laptop because it comes with sp1. Any ideas?

LOL
thank you so much for the deleting pending.xml trick!

it was kinda weird though, because when I booted I still got the Configuring Updates message but it actually let me log in for some weird reason.

I have attempted a vista repair and the system still runs in the endless update '3 of 3 0% complete'. I also have attempted a restore from several RPs and that fails with message a 'file is in use'. My vista machine is still broken. I can get to the command prompt where I could delete the update file but do not know what dir/file to remove to interrupt/stage a broken OS to repair without damaging the file system.
Any help would be great.
Thanks

i fixed mine . press f8 on startup then restore options then restore point and pick anything ... i know nothing of electronics and i did it u can too

I had that problem and I solved it. Thanks for the hints.

I could not rely on a restore point since I didn't have one, like the majority of us don't.

Here's what I did :

1- I started the system holding the F8 key and then I chose "Repair Windows" (it's the first option displayed).

2- I was prompted to select the keyboard language and then the system password.

3- I chose the last option from the list "Command prompt". The system displayed :

x:windows>

I then entered the following pathe to delete the pending.xml file :

x:windows>del c:windowswinsxspending.xml


4- I restarted the computer successfully.


del C:windowswinsxspending.xml

Comment 30 by Josh is the simplest solution to the problem if you do not have a cd handy and you don't have any recent documents that you do not want to loose. I used settings from 2 days ago and then turned off updates for good!!!!

yeah... it says "'x:windows'is not recognised as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file


???

I have had a gut full of this error - i feel like picking up my brand new laptop and throwing it from the roof of a 10 storey building !!!!!!!!!!
Who can I sue for the mental anguish this has caused me ???????

back to this error ;

My laptop is a Sony Vaio it is brand spanking new out of the box only started using it a week ago!

-1-There is NO restore disk supplied with it as it is supposed to be all built in.

-2-There is NO Repair Windows or Restore Windows option under the F8 advanced menu

-3-There is no text box where you can type in anything at the command prompt , the command prompt function just runs and runs a list of drivers etc until it gets to the crcdisk and then reboots all over again !

-4-When you select "safe mode" as an option in advanced f8 menu it takes u back to windows startup blue screen and then to that dreadful cycle of the 3of 3 configurating message and then reboots all over again and again and again .


I am physically EXHAUSTED , after a search on google I discovered thousands of people are experiencing this SAME ERROR with not only Sony Vaio but other pc brands such as Dell - and microsoft are doing NOTHING to help any of us.

I just want what I paid a grand for - a brand new laptop that works !!!!!!!!

Someone please help me , please advise those of us here that do not have recovery disks and do not have restore options on what to do ?????

please !

I have the same laptop.Sony Vaio,and the same predicament you have identified...Please we need help!!

Cool !! deleting the pending.xml file worked for me.

You just saved me hours of reinstalling windows and other software.
a BIG Thank You

I am happy and thankful to have found this forum. Though I tried wasn't able to delete pending.xml, I was able to fix it via system restore. :) Thanks for all the help. By the way, I must ask, which option is best to prevent this from happening in the future?

WINDOWS UPDATE OPTIONS:
- Check for updates but let me choose whether to install them
or
- Never check for updates

Thanks so much!

I've tried everythng, including the deletion of pending.xml. Still no joy...

Does anyone else have another suggestion..?

Fingers crossed....

Deleted the pending.xml file, system still tried to install updates but failed and is now Reverting changes for about an hour now. Will probably fdisk and go back to XP. Micromush has to much of my money already, ready to switch to redhat. Vista is on the same path as Millenium, remember that one. Thanks MS for all the lost time and aggrevation.

at last - a mention of this endless loop - mine jumps from 0% to 87% then shuts down - if I try to access screen by F8 - it's no use as keyboard will not respond to allow me to select safe mode or even reboot from cd rom - even clicking 'enter' to select the highlighted option does nothing - just have to watch the countdown timer and my chance has gone - yet again...
I have the recovery disk and Application Data disks that came with computer , but without any response from the keyboard - what can I do?
Spent 2 hours yesterday & over 2 hours the day before on phone with Microsoft who took remote access of pc and wiped it of practically every thing it came with to try & identify corrupt file that was preventing installation of Service Pack 1 update for the .NET Framework 1.1 - THAT was my original problem (has failed since Apr 08) - now 2 days later and my computer is unusable - they even used the astebner dotnetfx tool and some 'fix vista' tools to no avail, but have signed off my case as 'unresolved' and told me to reinstall Vista - OK, so I create the back up folder last night and fill it with all my vital documents, photos music etc., ready to spend today on backing up to flash drives and wiping all and starting again to find some updates which stayed at 0& downloaded last night are apparently being reconfigured and then discover I cannot get past this loop AND cannot carry out this Vista reinstall anyway if the keyboard will not function...PLEASE can anybody help me get past this and maybe to the stage of accessing this delete pending XML as it sounds promising from all above comments
There must be someone out there in the world :¬)

I have the same problem with the keyboard. I tried two different USB keyboards but neither was able to input to be input (keyboards still function at the bios screens though.) Unfortunately, I do not have any PS2 keyboards to try.

In my case I had reinstalling Vista (upgrade DVD) through the DVD's automatic process and am now (stuck) in the update process.

Renaming the Pending.xml file worked for me too - cheers! I'm a bit worried about the knock-on effects of what would appear to be a half installed updated though.

How the f does Microsoft do this though? Really makes me wonder about them sometimes.

It sucks my life. Its not detecting my harddrive hence i am not able to work on pending.xml, even its not allowing me to install the OS freshly as saying CD ROM driver missing.

does any one has any solution on that?

Vaibhav

I have the same problem as everyone else regarding 3 of 3 % complete. I have tried o locate and delete pending.xml but in the command prompt it tells me Cannot find file c:windowswinsxspending.xml as followed from an earlier comment. Any Ideas as this is now driving me absolutley mad

Help please, i can't install KB937287 ....it says t:" the update does not apply to your system" ....but i have vista

Hi Guys,
What I can tell you is that I went through the same pain for several days and nights.
Eventually I got Vista restarted deleting the pending.xml file.

BUT, beware of the fact that:
> later on your Windows Update program is likelu not to work anylonger
> any trials to reinstall SP1 will lead you to Blue Screens crashes

I won't talk about errors 8000FFFF, 8007057 and others...

NOW, I've explored hundreds of forums. It appears that a massive amount of people are experiencing the same sad issue.

Considering the time and money Microsoft's incompentency is causing to both individuals and corporations, I'm really wondering why there is not a class action AGAINST MICROSOFT for caused damages.

How can a company act as a software terrorist, causing thousands (certaily more) computers to be out of order without any consequence for them ???

Getting back to the ORIGINAL problem.

This is all well and good, but what if you use the recovery dvd and cannot see your old drive(s). My system is set up as two 500gb sata drives in raid 0, and I can't get to the c: from the vista dvd only an arbitrary x: where I cannot find the file pending.xml in the winsxs folder, making the above help useless. Is the raid 0 a problem, or perhaps that the underlying dos system cannot see ntfs. Please help.

Phew, got it working. Needed to download raid 0 sata drivers (after finding out what motherboard I was using) so windows recovery could 'see' my harddrives. I then hit another problem with the pending.xml file being write-protected so I couldn't delete it. I did a bit of trawling through internet pages and found vista's partdisk command helped me reset the read properties on the files and I was able to rename the pending.xml file (and used the official fix from microsoft which included registry changes). Voila, up and running.

Then, I immediately halted windows auto update. Life is muxch better now...

After using system restore, my system boots. However, when I try to access anything in the control panel, run msconfig from cmdline, and try to install the .msu file, the system hangs. Any ideas?

I HAVE NO BLOODY RESTORE POINTS! I can't use "Repair" as I only have my Acer backup disks. I will loose a big assesment if I can't repair this. COME ON MICROSOFT!!!

Is there any program that is boot from disk that can overright this?

If you need to recver files you could try using linux Ubuntu Disk Edition.

Waiting patiently for it to fix... i had allot of important files i needed for school. If this works i'm gonna cry xD.

Same problem as many others, I brought an Acer laptop and faced with the same, Microsoft need to get there act together and sort this out. One of the largest Companies in the world and they can't sort this out for there millions of Users worldwide - Really Piss*s me off!!!!

I have tried starting in the Safe Mode and any other mode available to no avail. I have tried booting from USB. My computer did not come with a Windows Media disk. I never have a desktop. :( If I call Microsoft can they fix this?

I had no restore points. safe mode or vista dvd options didn't work. i solved the problem by using a knoppix cd to enter file folders and deleting the pending.xml file. after restart vista worked just fine.

On my laptop winsxs is a subdirectory of the windows directory. So the correct comand from the command prompt is first of all
d: (that's where the system is on my machine)
then cd windows/winsxs
then del pending.xml

Good luck!

If you find that there is no Repair Windows or Restore Windows option under the F8 advanced menu try pressing f11 instead.

That is what I have just done on this laptop and now I'm typing this on it!

Ok I will try some of these ideas tomorrow and report back. They look good but nas so many havsaid what aload of cr** this error is.

Ok. Sorted. Thank you. i had a cd called UBCD Ultimate Boot CD MS Windows Rescue Tools from a friend. Used this to boot up then intod: drive then tried to delete pending.xml in winsxs dir. no luck as no permissions. Changed some attributes for admin to be abl to delete and stuff and away we go.
When re-booted Pc still got initial message saying it was updating but went away then booted ok.YES! thanks again.

I am so frustrated with MS right now. After first losing a week of downtime and costing me $100 to verify that this problem wasn't the hard drive but rather a sofware issue. I then spent 2 plus hours on tech support with, I think a person probably in India but some of the messages seemed very abstract and almost computer generated trying to get them to understand that I needed a reinstall disc. The restore point works great for those who have restore points. I did not create a reinstall disc when I first purchased my laptop, my fault. And like many others, I have NO RESTORE POINTS. I think that we should all be compensated for our loss and frustration.

Yes, there should a class action law suit over this. I repair computers for a living and have lost at least 70 billable hours over GARBAGE VISTA!!

Hey guys try the bytecode tips it work for me... thanks bytecode you save me alot lot and lot....


now im very frustated with MS aka billGoat!!!

I just had this problem last night. Luckily with my Alienware, I was able to do a factory restore while backing up all data. Applications work as they used to also, thankfully. I was thinking to myself as this was happening that when windows update reported it did not update correctly and was reverting, that while reverting, wouldn't it be better if they reverted and then "disarmed" the upgrade as opposed to applying the same thing and getting the same results? At least then you would have a chance to access your machine and get online and troubleshoot it or something! Sorry just venting here now. Thanks to all who replied with helpful tips :)

I Still need help with this, the ASUS laptop that i am currently using has the loop problem since intalling an update... I have tried pressing f8 i do get the menu with the safe mode options and the repair my computer options, however whenever I enter any of these options it simply tries to load up in safe mode and then simply restarts and goes back into the loop... i cannot find the restore cd anywhere although i do have the windows vista cd... can i use this? or does anyone have any other ideas???

There is a simpler (the same, really, but it takes less time).

Boot from the Vista install disk.

Choose "repair options" then select "command"

Then type:

C:

cd Windows

cd WinSXS

ren pending.xml pending.xml.old

or just del the damm thing.

Done

how do i get the laptop to boot from the vista disc? it keeps on goin through the loop despite the disc being in??

how do i get the laptop to boot from the vista disc? it keeps on goin through the loop despite the disc being in??

Ask Google, and you will find a zillion answers to that question :-))

On modern laptops the first screen (with the manufacturer's logo) will tell you to press a key (ususally F12) to change the boot order.

Just do that and reboot.

Hope it helps.

JL

I am having the same prob as almost everyone on this forum.

I have tried the del pending.xml approach. It seemed to be working then it launched back int o the update loop. Since I deleted it once I have not had an opportunity to delete it a second time.

I can not seem to enter safe mode apparently my parents hp by pressing f8 at boot up, it does nothing.

Is there another way into safe mode on vista, will I have to reinstall vista?

This is the first forum, I have seen in the thirty or so I have found in my journey to solve this problem, that seems to have a clue as too how to fix it without a lkc or wiping the hd and reinstalling vista.

Leave to microsoft to come up with a way of destroying there own product in a form of an update!

thank you

jeffp666@yahoo.com

Used linux on usb stick, accessed the hard drive and located and deleted pending.xml file rebooted and success!!! thanx a lot, had a whole day trying other methods with no luck.

Hey - deleting the pending.xml file works with Windows Server 2008 as well. I had the same problem but it would get to 100% and still go into the reboot cycle.

My Dell Inspiron is suffering from the same fate!! Continous looping in this 'Configuring updates : stages 3 of 3 - o% complete'! I tried 'system restore' to all the available dates for selection and none worked. It kept looping.

Initially, I was able to use System Restore to boot the laptop. Then I installed all the outstanding window updates. One update that failed (also failed in previous dates per the listing) was the Internet Explorer 8 Compatability View List for Window Vista. (KB9711930).

I am totally stuck. This would be at least the 6th time I have the similar looping problem since I bought the laptop abt 1 year ago!

All the family photos and kids assignments are on the HD!!PLEASE HELP!! :-(

Deleting the pending.xml works fine just make sure you enter the paths correctly

Enter :
C:
cd windows
cd winsxs
del pending.xml
restart and wait

I've been having a similar issue (boot loop after vista update) but have been unable to gain any sort of access to the computer to delete the pending.xml file. I've tried windows vista recovery disk and a live version of ubuntu on a usb drive. Neither worked, assuming that my boot priority had HD as 1 I tried to enter the bios but no button combination will allow me to. I even disconnected the CMOS battery overnight to clear the bios settings, still nothing.

HP tech support claims the problem is a hardware issue and I need to pay to have them fix it. Any advice would be appreciated.

My laptop is a HP dv9339us running windows vista home premium.

Hope one of these suggestions work. Have been fighting this for 4 days! I have had continuous loops with anything that I try from F8, F12 and can't get it to boot to anything other than the HD. Appreciate all the solutions. I'll let you know which one does it for me.

This Linux Live worked for me after 4hrs of working on this. Just a note rather then rename I had to delete the pending xml file.

thank you

Hi there, I've been sitting here for about an hour now traulling through everyone's responces...finally got somewhere with this delete pending.xml malarky, but its told me that i'm denied access...how did you manage to change permission??? If you could let me know asap it'd be much appreciated :) ..had to take this laptop to a technician at uni, he fixed it, it worked for all of two days.....and went straight back into its looping, this bloody things been looping for over 2months now :'(

Hey All,

I could find a restore point dated about 1 month before the actual looping started. I followed the instructions and system for some time started to restore and then all I see is the dialog which says "finalizing file restore" for I don't know how long...I waited for about 5 to 6 hrs and still it was finalizing the restore and the dialog remained intact. Does anyone know how long does the finalizing restore take? Please reply

I selected a restore point from July 21/09 and it took about 5 minutes to restart.

Oh my goodness......THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR POSTING THIS!! It fixed my problem after hours of googling and this was the only thing that worked. You guys are wonderful......I was about to cry if I had to reinstall! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!...you freaking rock!

Guys had the problem you all have fix was tried to start the computer holding down F8 computer would not start then tried starting it normally it took me to lauch start up repir push select and 2 minuts later bingo problem FIXED my computer is a asus

GOOD LUCK

Used the UBUNTU way to delete pending.xml file.

THAAAAANNNNXXXX a lot

THX a lot.... best Tips ever ...
thx thx thx

On a Toshiba laptop with vista do the following:

start computer
tap F8 repeatedly to get to startup menu
Repair my computer option
go to dos prompt
c:
cdwindowswinsxs
del pending.xml

i spend ower 10 h to find your solvation 10X

Thanks guys, was strugeling with this for some time but the intial comment Comment #2.1 by: dave on 01 Apr 2008, 14:03 GMT saved my day.

For me this just occurred in August 2009 when the following updates failed to install :
Update for Windows Vista KB970653 and
Update for Windows Compatability View KB973874
I was able after many hours to delete the pending.xml file and restart the computer. I have turned off Windows Update until I learn more. Is anyone else having problems with these 2 updates failing to install? Does anyone know if an antivirus program can prevent an update from installing correctly? I am using F secure. Any recommendations re whether I should try to find a fix to install these updates and whether I should continue to install future updates. I am vey concerned about the problem reoccurring. It has already happened twice this month. Thanks to all who have posted solutions. jmb

Hi all . . . really could do with some help/advice.

My laptop decided to go into the same issue that is affecting a few people - I tried absolutely every single option -BUT nothing worked. I wanted to try the Repair function BUT because I didn't have the disks to hand I couldn't do it. I have insurance on it and called a IT tech man to sort it out. He has taken it away and has said that he'll try link the laptop to his PC, get the hard drive off with a lot of my work on it (yes. v silly of me to have NOT backed up properly, even though I did a brief back up in April), reboot Windows and then put my work back and hopefully everything will be ok.

Now I am just wondering - does anyone know if this is an easy process??? . . Will my work still be there??? Can my work be easily lost???

I really would like some info on this as since Friday (when my laptop was taken away) it has been sending me nuts whether or not my work will be lost or will it still be on the laptop when I get it back??? . . . .

Appreciate some info, thanks in advance! :)

there's no repair my computer option at the boot screen...im using dell mini notebook...it doesn't have a disk drive. please help

I had this happen today on my Vista home Premium, solved by going to a restore point before the update this afternoon that caused this problem to occur. The file at the beginning of this thread Update for Windows Vista (KB937287)is already in my computer...how do I stop this from re-occurring ?

Hi All

Vista updates are a pain in the ass! my experince with them so far as lead me to do a research on them before i approve them, looking up the netframework 3.5 sp1 update etc, i realised that it doesnt have to be installed as there are already net framework versions installed that are bundled with vista installation, to check which versions you already have. press the start button and type in (%systemroot%Microsoft.NETFramework).

plus net framework is for programmers.

i mostly find that OS updates and security updates are the cause for boot loops, try installing them in catagories and with only a few selected at a time.

office updates have a higher install success if all the office applications are closed during install.

if you have an install that is always popping up in updates ready for install even though you have installed it several times before try using the below batch script:

run it twice as administrator:

net stop bits
net stop cryptsvc

pause

rmdir /s /q C:windowsSystem32catroot2.old
rmdir /s /q C:windowsSoftwareDistribution.old

pause

ren %systemroot%System32catroot2 catroot2.old
ren %systemroot%SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

pause

regsvr32 c:windowssystem32vbscript.dll /s
regsvr32 c:windowssystem32mshtml.dll /s
regsvr32 c:windowssystem32msjava.dll /s
regsvr32 c:windowssystem32jscript.dll /s
regsvr32 c:windowssystem32msxml.dll /s
regsvr32 c:windowssystem32actxprxy.dll /s
regsvr32 c:windowssystem32shdocvw.dll /s
regsvr32 wuapi.dll /s
regsvr32 wuaueng1.dll /s
regsvr32 wuaueng.dll /s
regsvr32 wucltui.dll /s
regsvr32 wups2.dll /s
regsvr32 wups.dll /s
regsvr32 wuweb.dll /s
regsvr32 Softpub.dll /s
regsvr32 Mssip32.dll /s
regsvr32 Initpki.dll /s
regsvr32 softpub.dll /s
regsvr32 wintrust.dll /s
regsvr32 initpki.dll /s
regsvr32 dssenh.dll /s
regsvr32 rsaenh.dll /s
regsvr32 gpkcsp.dll /s
regsvr32 sccbase.dll /s
regsvr32 slbcsp.dll /s
regsvr32 cryptdlg.dll /s
regsvr32 Urlmon.dll /s
regsvr32 Shdocvw.dll /s
regsvr32 Msjava.dll /s
regsvr32 Actxprxy.dll /s
regsvr32 Oleaut32.dll /s
regsvr32 Mshtml.dll /s
regsvr32 msxml.dll /s
regsvr32 msxml2.dll /s
regsvr32 msxml3.dll /s
regsvr32 Browseui.dll /s
regsvr32 shell32.dll /s
regsvr32 wuapi.dll /s
regsvr32 wuaueng.dll /s
regsvr32 wuaueng1.dll /s
regsvr32 wucltui.dll /s
regsvr32 wups.dll /s
regsvr32 wuweb.dll /s
regsvr32 jscript.dll /s
regsvr32 atl.dll /s
regsvr32 Mssip32.dll /s

pause

net start wuauserv
net start bits
net start cryptsvc

pause

then check for updates again.

hope this boot loop if resolved soon, as in the cause and cure are figured out! I have the duty of maintaining vista machines here and all the heads have them so......!

This is the third laptop I had to fix after Vista messed things up. The first one was formatted and re-installed, on the second, I was lucky enough to get one of the previous checkpoints working without any problems. However, the latest one gave the most grief;

The computer refused to repair itself or restore ANY of the previous checkpoints from the repair options. I had no Vista- or Recovery-CD for it. Furthermore, the DOS Command prompt started in "X:WindowsSystem32", where initially nothing happened renaming/deleting the "pending.xml"-file.

My problem was solved like this:
Press F8 after the boot screen.
Choose "Repair".
Choose a keyboard language layout (in my case: Danish).
Choose a functional user account (The Administrator account had an unknown password on it, so I chose a user-account).
Click the Command prompt.
Type "cd /d c:".
Type "cd windows".
Type "cd winsxs".
Type "rename pending.xml pending.old".
Close the Command prompt and click Restart.

After this, Vista started normally.
On all 3 laptops, Vista was installing several updates, which (I'm guessing) maybe caused files to conflict and halted the system. After successfully booting Vista, I installed all of the updates, restarting the computer after each one, which seems to be working... so far, atleast...

I hope this is helpful information - RaHmpaGe out...

This is the third laptop I had to fix after Vista messed things up. The first one was formatted and re-installed, on the second, I was lucky enough to get one of the previous checkpoints working without any problems. However, the latest one gave the most grief;

The computer refused to repair itself or restore ANY of the previous checkpoints from the repair options. I had no Vista- or Recovery-CD for it. Furthermore, the DOS Command prompt started in "X:WindowsSystem32", where initially nothing happened renaming/deleting the "pending.xml"-file.

My problem was solved like this:
Press F8 after the boot screen.
Choose "Repair".
Choose a keyboard language layout (in my case: Danish).
Choose a functional user account (The Administrator account had an unknown password on it, so I chose a user-account).
Click the Command prompt.
Type "cd /d c:".
Type "cd windows".
Type "cd winsxs".
Type "rename pending.xml pending.old".
Close the Command prompt and click Restart.

After this, Vista started normally.
On all 3 laptops, Vista was installing several updates, which (I'm guessing) maybe caused files to conflict and halted the system. After successfully booting Vista, I installed all of the updates, restarting the computer after each one, which seems to be working... so far, atleast...

tnx........it works...a lot!!! clyde castrence

RaHmpaGe! Thanks a bunch man! Following your method got me out of the madness of the Vista Loop, for now.

Casie,
I´ve been repairing these problems almost daily for a couple of months now.
It´s standard stuff to copy all your data to safety with via an usb dock for laptop harddrives (icydock etc).
The only problem with this is passwords all other settings and files are easy to put back to your laptop.

Microsoft should be sued for this. And the problem comes back too. To avoid this I do the following:
Before installing any updates, restart the computer, disable virus software, install updates and always reboot right away after installing.
AND SET AUTOMATIC UPDATES TO "CHECK UPDATES, LET ME CHOOSE WHEN TO INSTALL" of "DO NOT CHECK FOR UPDATES"

N00bs.... just wait 9 min and it just goes back to pre-updates....






The game

I have surfed thousands of thread about this and nothing seems to work. My restore points all still have the loop error. When I rename or delete the pending.xml it still loops. I have tried loading the hive in regedit as described on Microsoft's own site but when I load the "Component" file I'm told it is already in use so I can't access this and none of the registry keys they want me to delete exist on the machine in question. I've seen some people reference these exact issues in many forums but never any answer to what to do if the pending.xml trick is unsuccessful. Please anyone help, PS. if you work for MicroRipoff please feel free to not answer this post and safely find the nearest train tracks and lie down and think of something happy.

hi..
I have this problem and I try all ur opinions but it still..!!!!!!!!!!!!
I deleted pending.xml
then
restart
again in loop "configuration update"...plz anyone help me...
I have many of data its important...

Hi,

I just got this problem and managed to clear it... its definitely a problem with the windows update.. anyway, the way I got out of this is the following.

1. When the system is booting keep hitting F8 until you get into the screen with options for safe boot.

2. You can try to safe boot, it didn't work for me... I went for the "repair your computer" option
3. In there, I ran the system restore tools and restored the PC to a state 3 days ago (just to be safe).

Anyway, this got my PC running again. hope it helps you

Never type "dir /p" while you are at the command prompt in C:WindowsWinSxS> because this particular dir has too many files, toooooo many files :P

Hi,
I have been getting the 'loop' problems for about a month now and have tried several of the suggestions above, although must be honest, I am a layman!
Could anyone give me 'idiot' proof instructions for me to try please? As my laptop now has a complete mind of its own because of this and can get stuck in this loop for up to 3 hours sometimes, without even giving you a chance to save your work!
Any layman instructions would be greatly appreciated :)
Thanks, Karen

OMG! THANK YOU SOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!! I was worried that no one would be able to help me because everyone kept saying you needed the boot disc or a disc of some sort and I didnt have one. I followed these directions EXACTLY and my laptop works again!! Now if someone can tell me how to remove VISTA and install XP, I will be a happy camper.

Thanks again for your charity. I have my sanity back.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I thought I was going to have to take my computer in to get it out of the loop and then I found this post! It worked perfectly!

Your detail was absolutely fantastic!!! Very well done and you solved my problem with:
Stage 3 of 3 with Vista SP1.
Blessings to you,
Roger Henry
Oro Valley, AZ

Hi
Thanks to everyone, I did not have a restore point or a backup. So I created a boot CD for Vista and rebooted the PC with that, got to the command prompt and then
C:
cd windows
cd winsxs
rename pending.xml pending-xml-broken
exit


then reboot as normal, it went to the same configuring update 3 of 3 0% complete and stayed there for a couple of minutes and then rebooted properly to the login screen and is now working perfectly. I have also changed the setting to not automatically update.

Thanks again to every one for their comments and input, the pc had been out of use for about 3 weeks and now can be used again. saved me a lot work.

I need you help guys! :((


So here's the problem, after trying the following:

" On start up tap F8 until you get to the boot screen
Run the "Repair my computer" option

>The username and password doesn't show up! It goes back

to the usual black bg saying,

""Windows Error Recovery
Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software

change might be the cause.

If windows files have been damaged or configured

incorrectly, Startup Repair can help diagnose and fix the

problem.If power was interrupted during startup, choose .

Launch Startup Repair(recommended)
Start windows normally""



>If I'll choose "Launch Startup Repair(recommended)"
Windows file loads then Recovery tools will be launched.

Vaio Recovery Center shows up and asks me to choose

among FOUR OPTIONS: Windows System Restore, Vaio

Hardware Diagnostics, Restore C: Drive and Rescue Data.

NONE of it really helps. Like when I chose the Windows

System Restore, it says "No restore points have been

created on your comp's system disk. To create a restore

point open System Protection." Same thing with the other 3

options. Its like they're not clickable! And as soon as I exit

the program(?), "OS not detected on the C: drive. Restore

the C: drive or restore the complete system" shows up. It

doesn't make sense! since when I tried the Restore C: Drive

option, it will only end up having "NO SYSTEM PARTITON".

>If I'll choose " Start windows normally"
The Pc will just restart then back to the usual black bg,

ARGGHHH. Please help me! Thanks.. T.T